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DIY Wheel Bearings for a Utility Trailer

Utility trailers are simple vehicles for light hauling and need little maintenance. Still, they do have some items that need to be checked and serviced regularly. The tires should be checked for air pressure and for damage before each trip. Also, the wheel bearings need to be serviced at least once a year. The wheel bearings on utility trailers are separate from the hub and can be serviced and replaced separately. This can be done with basic tools in a couple of hours on a two-axle trailer.

Instructions

Removal

1

Raise the trailer with a jack and support it on jack stands. Remove the center dust cap from the hub with a screwdriver. Remove the cotter pin from the castle nut inside the cap with a pair of pliers.

2

Grasp the wheel from the top and bottom and pull out. The outer bearing will pop out. Remove it and set it aside. Set the wheel on the ground face up.

3

Tap out the inner bearing and seal with a non-metallic object to prevent damage to the bearing races. A block of wood works great for this. Set the inner bearing aside, keeping it separate from the outer bearing.

Cleaning, Inspection and Installation

4

Spray shop solvent on both bearings and inside of the hub. Wipe away all of the grease with a shop rag. Inspect both bearings and their contact surface. They should be free of pits and roll smoothly. If not, replace them.

5

Place a lump of grease in the palm of your hand and work the inner and outer bearing into the grease, forcing it thoroughly inside all of the rollers.

6

Insert the inner bearing into the hub. Tap in a new grease seal with the hammer and block of wood to prevent damage. Place the wheel and hub onto the spindle of the trailer. Place the outer bearing onto the spindle, pushing it inside the hub. Replace the washer and castle nut.

7

Tighten the castle nut firmly as you spin the wheel then back off the castle nut by 1/8 of a turn. Insert a new cotter pin through the hole in the spindle and the castle nut. Replace the dust cover. Repeat for the other wheels on the trailer.