Changing a Trailer Wheel Bearing: A Comprehensive Guide

Changing a Trailer Wheel Bearing: The Importance of Safety

Changing a trailer wheel bearing is a crucial maintenance task for ensuring the safety and reliability of your trailer. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 100,000 trailer accidents occur annually. Of these accidents, a significant number are attributed to wheel bearing failures.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

Regular trailer wheel bearing maintenance can help prevent these potential hazards. The Trailer Industry Association (TIA) recommends inspecting wheel bearings every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. This inspection should include checking for play, noise, and any signs of wear or damage.

Changing a Trailer Wheel Bearing: Step-by-Step Approach

Changing a trailer wheel bearing is not a difficult task, but it requires some basic tools and mechanical knowledge. The following steps will guide you through the process:

1. Safety first: Park the trailer on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Chock the wheels to prevent the trailer from rolling.

   

2. Remove the wheel: Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts, then remove them by hand. Carefully lift the wheel off the axle and place it on the ground.

   

3. Remove the hubcap: The hubcap is typically held in place by a snap ring. Use a screwdriver to pry the snap ring off, then remove the hubcap.

4. Remove the bearing: Use a hub puller to remove the bearing from the axle. Be careful not to damage the bearing or the axle.

   

5. Inspect the bearing: Inspect the bearing for wear, damage, or contamination. If the bearing is worn or damaged, it must be replaced.

6. Install the new bearing: Install the new bearing on the axle. Be sure to use a new snap ring to secure the bearing.

7. Install the hubcap: Install the hubcap on the axle and secure it with the snap ring.

8. Install the wheel: Carefully lift the wheel onto the axle and tighten the lug nuts by hand. Use a lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque.

9. Re-check the torque: After driving the trailer for a short distance, re-check the torque on the lug nuts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are a few common mistakes that people make when changing a trailer wheel bearing:

• Using the wrong tools: It is important to use the correct tools for the job. Using the wrong tools can damage the bearing or the axle.
• Not inspecting the bearing: Before installing a new bearing, it is important to inspect the bearing for wear, damage, or contamination. A worn or damaged bearing may cause problems down the road.
• Over-tightening the lug nuts: Over-tightening the lug nuts can damage the threads on the axle or the wheel studs.

Conclusion

Changing a trailer wheel bearing is a simple maintenance task that can help prevent serious accidents. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can safely and effectively change a trailer wheel bearing.