Most automotive manufacturers agree that wheel bearing repacking and cleaning should be completed every 30,000 miles or once every other year. The reason for this is that eventually grease loses a lot of its lubricity due to age and heat.
Full Answer
When should I repack my wheel bearings?
For boat trailers, repack the wheel bearings at the start and end of the boating season. Use marine wheel bearing grease. Repacking wheel bearings is cheap (less than $15) and you can do it yourself in a few hours.
What can I use to repack my wheel bearings?
Use marine wheel bearing grease. Repacking wheel bearings is cheap (less than $15) and you can do it yourself in a few hours. Pick up new grease seals, cotter pins and the wheel bearing grease at any trailer supply shop. Grease seals come in various sizes based on the inside dimension of your wheel bearings.
How to tell if your wheel bearings need replacing?
From inside the back of the wheel hub, you need to check the rubber cover, when it is removed, there is a notched star-wheel that will be exposed. In theory, when the hubs are filled with grease, it is going to keep the water away and your bearings will always be greasy making them last longer.
What is the best wheel bearing repair service?
The most popular service booked by readers of this article is Clean and Repack Wheel Bearing. YourMechanic’s technicians bring the dealership to you by performing this job at your home or office 7-days a week between 7AM-9PM. We currently cover over 2,000 cities and have 100k+ 5-star reviews...
How do I know if my wheel bearings need repacking?
The axle manufacturers recommend that you repack your trailer bearings once annually or every 12,000 km....How can you tell when your bearings start to fail? SOUND. You will hear a screeching, grinding or roaring sound coming from your tires in motion. TIRE MOVEMENT. ... STEERING ABNORMALITIES.
How often should you repack front wheel bearings?
Repack your wheel bearings every year or every 10,000 miles.
When should wheel bearings be replaced?
Top Warning Signs Your Wheel Bearings Need ReplacementHumming Noise. The most easily identifiable and common symptom of bad wheel bearings is audible. ... Squealing, Growling. ... Clicking Sound. ... Wheel Wobble. ... ABS Failure. ... Uneven Tire Wear. ... Vehicle Pulls to One Side. ... Steering Wheel Vibration.More items...
How much does it cost to replace a wheel bearing on a VW Golf?
The Best in Auto Repair The average cost for a Volkswagen Golf wheel bearing replacement is between $286 and $323. Labor costs are estimated between $142 and $179 while parts are priced at $144.
How long do sealed wheel bearings last?
about 85,000 to 100,000 milesMost serviceable wheel bearings need maintenance every 25,000 to 30,000 miles, or during every brake service. But, the average life of a sealed wheel bearing and hub assembly is about 85,000 to 100,000 miles, without the opportunity for a technician to repack the bearings.
How long do bearings last on a car?
approximately 85,000 to 100,000 milesHow long does a wheel bearing last? Wheel bearings have an average lifespan of 136,000 to 160,000 km (approximately 85,000 to 100,000 miles). This is only a rule of thumb though, the actual lifespan of a wheel bearing depends on the quality of the wheel bearing and the operating conditions.
How do you check if a wheel bearing is bad?
0:505:37How to Check a Wheel Bearing (Sound, play in the wheel, ABS light)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe're going to shake it back and forth. And you can see right there you see that little play. Yeah IMoreWe're going to shake it back and forth. And you can see right there you see that little play. Yeah I can actually feel it and almost hear it like a little click and that's a bad wheel bearing.
How do I check my wheel bearings?
0:362:09How To Tell If You Need A Wheel Bearing Replaced - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst thing to do is just grab hold and go see if it's loose it shouldn't move at all it should beMoreFirst thing to do is just grab hold and go see if it's loose it shouldn't move at all it should be like pushing on this it. Should move at all nothing.
How long will a noisy wheel bearing last?
To determine how long do wheel bearings last is tough as we mentioned before other factors can play a huge part in determining their durability. However, a wheel bearing can last an average of anywhere from 136,000 to 160,000 km which is about 85,000 to 100,000 miles.
How do I know if my rear wheel bearings need replacing?
Signs your wheel bearings are worn out include:Shaky Steering Wheel When Driving. When you drive, you may notice that your steering wheel and, in more extreme cases, the entire car feels as if it is shaking.Reduced Acceleration When Driving. ... Grinding Sounds. ... Unevenly Worn Tires. ... Vibrating Steering Wheel.
How do you check rear wheel bearings?
1:333:32How to check for a bad wheel bearing! Super trick! . Great video if ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you can simply take your other arm while holding onto this one. So what's gonna happen is whenMoreAnd you can simply take your other arm while holding onto this one. So what's gonna happen is when you're spinning this you're gonna fill energy transfer. And you're gonna feel a vibration.
Can you replace a wheel bearing without replacing the hub?
Your mechanic is correct in that the only repair for the bearing is to replace the hub. It is a sealed unit and cannot be disassembled without destroying it.
How often should you grease wheel bearings on a truck?
It is recommended that the wheel bearings be inspected and then greased at least once in every season. Another recommendation is one greasing after every 10,000 miles covered. However, the smaller trailers that have smaller wheels will need repacking after 2,000 miles.
How do I know if my trailer bearings need grease?
If noise is heard, check for a bad bearing or if lubrication is needed. Check for Heat – Tow the trailer for a short distance, 5-10 miles at highways speeds, then park the trailer. Place your hand on each of the wheel hubs of the trailer. If it is too warm to hold your hand in place, you may have a bad bearing.
How long do Lexus wheel bearings last?
Sealed bearings can last 100,000 miles or more, and will need to be replaced once they go bad. Vehicles with traditional, tapered wheel bearings should have them serviced every 25,000 to 30,000 miles — replacement may not be necessary as long as they're maintained.
What happens if a wheel bearing is damaged?
If the wheel bearing is damaged, it displays a few warning signs or symptoms that alert the vehicle owner to replace the wheel bearings as opposed to simply cleaning and repacking them. Abnormal tire wear: When the wheel bearing is loose or worn out, it causes the tire and wheel not to align on the hub properly.
How long do wheel bearings last?
Over time, the wheel bearings take a tremendous amount of abuse. Although they are designed to last more than 100,000 miles, if they are not routinely cleaned and repacked, they can wear out prematurely. Even with consistent service and maintenance, they eventually will wear out.
How to remove cotter pin from wheel hub?
To remove the cotter pin, use a pair of needle-nose pliers to bend the pin straight and then grab the other end of the cotter pin with the pliers and pull upward to remove.
What does it mean when a wheel bearing seal is broken?
If the seal has been broken, that's an indication that the wheel bearing is damaged inside. The inner seal of the wheel bearing is more critical, but if this outer cap is damaged, it should be replaced. You should proceed to purchase new bearings and replace both wheel bearings on the same axle.
Why do wheel bearings wear out?
Wheel bearings are designed to last a long time; eventually, however, they lose their lubricity due to excess heat or debris that somehow finds its way into the center of the wheel hub where they are located. If they are not cleaned and repacked, they wear out and need to be replaced.
How to replace wheel bearings on the same axle?
You should proceed to purchase new bearings and replace both wheel bearings on the same axle. Using a pair of adjustable pliers, grab the sides of the cover and carefully rock back and forward until the center seal is broken . After the seal has been broken, remove the cover and place aside.
What is a wheel bearing?
The wheel bearing is responsible for supporting the weight of the vehicle while also powering and steering the vehicle in the right direction. Replacement wheel bearings need to be made of quality materials and by reliable manufacturers. In most cases, the best option is to buy OEM wheel bearings for consistency.
How often should I repack wheel bearings?
If you use your work or utility trailer daily or drive it long distances, repack them every six months. Repack annually if it gets occasional use and/or the trips are short.
How much does it cost to repack a wheel bearing?
Repacking wheel bearings is cheap (less than $15) and you can do it yourself in a few hours. Pick up new grease seals, cotter pins and the wheel bearing grease at any trailer supply shop. Grease seals come in various sizes based on the inside dimension of your wheel bearings.
How to remove a wheel from a trailer?
Remove the wheel and then the hub dust cap with slip-joint pliers. Unbend the cotter pin, grab the head with side cutters and leverage it out of the castle nut. Spin the nut off with pliers. Then pull the hub forward until the washer and outer bearing fall into your hand.
How to grease a bearing?
Spoon a glop of new grease into the palm of your hand. Then slap the edge of the bearing into the grease. Force the grease into the bearing cage like you’re scooping dip with a potato chip. Rotate the bearing and repeat until the bearing cage is filled with grease.
How to clean bearings on a car?
Pull the entire hub off the axle and place it on the floor. Hold it with your foot and pry out the grease seal with the seal puller. Keep the inner and outer bearings separate-they have to go back in their original locations. Photo 3: Clean the bearings.
How do I replace a grease seal on a car axle?
Position the new grease seal with the open edge of the lip facing in toward the bearing. Place a flat steel plate or wood block over the seal and smack it into position until the seal is fully seated. Then wipe a light coat of grease around the inside of the new seal. Remove the old grease from the axle.
How to fix a blue bearing?
Set the bearings on a clean cloth to dry, or use compressed air. But don’t spin them with compressed air-they can fly apart and cause serious injuries. Inspect the bearing rollers and races for signs of blue/purple overheating damage, scoring or pitting. Replace the bearing and race if you find any damage. .
Why repack wheel bearings?
Knowing how to repack wheel bearings is going to save people money in the long run. Part of wheel bearings maintenance is repacking the wheel bearings because if you fail to do this, you might end up stranded in the middle of your trip. Repacking is challenging on a small-sized trailer that does not have brakes because you won’t have to push ...
How do I grease trailer wheel bearings?
You first have to loosen the grease cap off that is found at the end of the hub, take off the cotter pin, and slide off the embattled nut that is on the spindle.
Why won't my trailer stop in the middle of the trip?
You also wouldn’t want your trailer to stop in the middle of the trip because you neglected to repack the wheel bearings regularly. There is no excuse why you won’t be able to do it because these tips are all you need to follow. You also don’t have to ask someone else to do it if in case you are alone.
Why do boat trailer bearings get rusty?
The particulates of rust can scratch the surfaces of inside the housing of the wheel bearing. When there are scratches, it will cause friction and the bearing will fail to work. The steps that will be mentioned are also going to teach you how to repack boat trailer bearings.
How to clean bearings on a trailer?
Roll the bearings using a clean paper towel to get rid of old grease. While cleaning, the bearings should be rolled in your hand and carefully study their surfaces to detect any damage or worn-out areas. If you have bearings that need replacement, go to the nearest trailer supply store and find an extra match. Remember to clean the hub too by utilizing paper towels to remove dirt and water.
Can you repack a trailer with drum brakes?
Repacking is challenging on a small-sized trailer that does not have brakes because you won’t have to push the shoes back or caliper. It is better to do it while the trailer is attached to the truck because its chances of falling off from the jack are huge. If your trailer has drum brakes, you can repack the bearings yourself.
Do you need a wrench to turn a nut?
In case the axle of the nut threads are not messed up, there is no need to use a wrench for turning the nut. There are times when it is helpful to spin the wheel for moving the nut and avoid using a wrench to make the nut tighter.
