Thread: Hub Bearings

There's a lot that could be said on this subject. I would start by jacking up one side of the trailer with a good floor jack with the plate centered on the frame near the axle and a jack stand under there and it shouldn't fall. Once the wheels are off of the ground, spin them by hand and see if there is any resistance or grinding noise. If there is you at least need to repack, but more than likely need to replace the bearing. If there is no noise and the bearings have plent of grease on them they are USUALLY fine. It's never a bad idea to repack your bearings every 2-3 years though. Removing the bearings should be simple enough. Jack the trailer up safely, use jack stands, remove the lug nuts(need to break 'em loose with the tire on the ground or with an impact), there should be a grease cap of some sort that needs to be pried off, then loosen the nut that holds the bearings in which can usually be done with channel lock pliers. You may have to have the old bearings off to take to where ever you are buying new ones so they can match them. I would say it should only take an hour or so for someone doing it for their first time. It is also very important that the bearing nut is properly tightened. Under tight = bad, over tight = worse. Also, a google search is your friend. There should be plenty of info out there. I hope that I have helped and not just typed stuff you already knew. Good luck with it.

This may sound stupid, but "Murphy" is always looking for a way to mess up your day. If you jack, block. Safety, my friend. Do not want to be hearing about you on the evening news. Next, check with your local auto parts store to make sure they have bearings before you pop the old ones out. And, get grease that is "marine grade". They also have available grease cups that have grease fitting on the ends. These allow you to give a pump of grease every now and then to keep the cup full and also the bearings coated. Only problem I found with them is the fitting size may be metric. So, your hand grease gun will have to have the correct end to pop on and hold on to the fitting while you give it a pump. Did not intend to insult you with my suggestions. Just things I always make sure my brain has straight before I do them. Good luck.

Hitch the trailer before you jack, if you are concerned about dumping it.

you can get by without the installation tools, but they sure help...

Changing Boat Trailer Bearings - YouTube

After you finish whatever you end up doing I would install a set of Bearing Buddy's

Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 2441 - Chrome Plated (Pair) Bearing Buddy Grease Caps BB2441

No insult at all thanx for the reply

Originally Posted by KarlDale

This may sound stupid, but "Murphy" is always looking for a way to mess up your day. If you jack, block. Safety, my friend. Do not want to be hearing about you on the evening news. Next, check with your local auto parts store to make sure they have bearings before you pop the old ones out. And, get grease that is "marine grade". They also have available grease cups that have grease fitting on the ends. These allow you to give a pump of grease every now and then to keep the cup full and also the bearings coated. Only problem I found with them is the fitting size may be metric. So, your hand grease gun will have to have the correct end to pop on and hold on to the fitting while you give it a pump. Did not intend to insult you with my suggestions. Just things I always make sure my brain has straight before I do them. Good luck.