Trailer bearing grease change

[dean.f]

Keep in mind that the same style of bearing setup was used for decades in trailers and the front of every rear drive car/truck with thousands of miles service life. The only difference with a boat trailer is getting submerged.

The reason bearing buddies work so well is the spring and diaphragm keep the grease at a pressure slightly above ambient while not over pressurizing and blowing a seal (as well as not leaving any void between the bearing and cap), this is what keeps water out. They aren't just lubricating.

I also carry a spare bearing and a CAA card.

[thunderbolt]

Bearing Buddies are great, but a little maintenance is still needed from time to time. With bearing buddies, you don't need to repack your bearings every year, but it is a good idea to remove, clean and repack them every few years. With trailer bearings a little preventive maintenance can save problems on the road. I've always got a complete spare hub in the truck and tools to install it.

[DanE]

Bearing Buddies are great, but a little maintenance is still needed from time to time. With bearing buddies, you don't need to repack your bearings every year, but it is a good idea to remove, clean and repack them every few years. With trailer bearings a little preventive maintenance can save problems on the road. I've always got a complete spare hub in the truck and tools to install it.

you hit the nail on the head
bearing buddies are great to make sure grease levels are topped up but adding new grease to old grease doesn't make a ton of sense seeing it less than 1/2h to remove and repack per side and the cost is so minimal to do

[MarkD]

Thanks a lot for replies! Very informative and helpful!
I make long trips (250K) with my boat regularly. So, what does it look like and what should I expect if the bearing gets completely destroyed on the highway (110km\h)? Unlike with the bearing in the car you cannot hear the noise when you drive, right?
I now will check routinely the bearing temperature on every stop but am still interested in what to expect in case the disaster happens.
Thanks a lot!

[Fisherman]

When replacing the inner seal, make the effort to get the "double lipped" ones, an extra measure of keeping the water from getting in.

[dean.f]

When they grenade the wheel will be very loose and if you drag it long enough it will come right off. First symptom is usually heat, then possibly smoke but not always, then you will hear and feel it. Almost like a blown tire you will be able to tell something is very wrong.

(At least if you are the type to notice things like that)

The only one I've ever seen destroyed was overtightened when it was serviced and it got so hot it burned the paint on the rim.

[FishHog]

I always stop about 30 min after highway speed driving and go touch the hub. Should be nothing more than slightly warm. If it’s hot you have trouble coming very soon and I’d be making plans.
When I change bearings I keep the best looking used set. Grease them and put them in a ziplock. Carry all the tools needed to change.

[longpointer]

If you do proper preventive maintenance you should never have to experience a highway mishap and the agony that goes with it. Like dean.f posted ; If it goes you are going to know about it. Maybe you will see it (smoke) in your mirrors or people driving beside you yelling "Your trailer is on fire !" or worst a catastrophic failure which will effect the handling of your vehicle and potentially dangerous.
As Fisherman posted; Get the double lipped bearings , cost more but keeps out water better.
If traveling long distances having a tool kit for that would be a great idea. I would go with a new set of bearings as opposed to an old set because if you really have to change them out you may as well do it right. Also get one of those bearing driver kits (Princess Auto ?) they make the job so much easier.

[Fenelon]

I swear by the oil moat bearing caps. They came on my Eazyloader trailer. The bearing is oil bathed, not greased. They are clear so you can tell at a glance if you have a seal leak. I’ve never had water infiltration with them. Zero maintenance after nine years and still running. I still hand spin/jiggle test and feel for bearing heat up.

[73hunter]

Inspect in the fall to ensure no water is sitting in there all winter !