Greasing/repacking bearings

[RMB]

Maybe am a little but of a cynic but I wonder why I am urged at every service call to get the bearings "repacked" and the brakes "checked" on my 23' International.

I understand safety and being careful etc, and I know mechanical things do fail, but this process has the smell of a pension boosting contribution to my dealer's bank account. Its not cheap - running 400$+

Does one really NEED to repack bearings and check brakes after 10-15,000KM?

Thanks!

[SteveH]

Double check because you might have the Neverlube bearings in your trailer.

In any event, you will get lots of opinions about this, and my opinion is the bearings need repacking just as often as the bearings in the front wheels of older vehicles that did not have the sealed front wheel bearings, or about every 25 to 35,000 miles.

[overlander63]

It depends on your use of the trailer and the environment it normally lives in.
If you tow a lot, more than 10,000 miles per year, yes, an annual inspection and repack is warranted. If you leave your trailer sit a lot, and it sits in a damp spot, it is a good idea to inspect them because of the rust that can form and cause operational issues. If most of your towing is in the mountains,and you use the trailer brakes. A lot, it. Is also a good idea.
If you only tow a few thousand miles a year, and the trailer is stored in a relatively dry environment, then every other year would be sufficient. Of course, the dealer doesn't know how you use your trailer, and is basing his recommendations on more severe use. The fact it's some extra cash in their pocket doesn't hurt, of course.

[overlander63]

Steve, we were posting at the same time, but I don't think the 23' has Nev R Lube bearings. Those are usually on 25' and larger trailers.

[SteveH]

Originally Posted by overlander63

Steve, we were posting at the same time, but I don't think the 23' has Nev R Lube bearings. Those are usually on 25' and larger trailers.

OK, thanks. I just knew that ours has them and it is a '10.

[kry226]

I hesitate to ask this, but here goes: So if one has nev-r-lubes, how would you service between replacements? Can you repack as if they're the regular joes? Or just throw some grease in there? If a man is checking his brakes, he'll get into the bearings...

[SteveH]

Originally Posted by kry226

I hesitate to ask this, but here goes: So if one has nev-r-lubes, how would you service between replacements? Can you repack as if they're the regular joes? Or just throw some grease in there? If a man is checking his brakes, he'll get into the bearings...

Actually, the Nev-r-lube bearings cannot be serviced, only checked, and if bad, replaced.

Yes, you can take them and the hub off the spindle to check the brakes, but to check the bearings, you just have to lift the trailer off the ground, and check for excessive play, and for smoothness.

[kry226]

Thanks, Steve. My biggest concern was leaving them be when checking the brakes.

More info here:

Dexter Axle - Trailer Axles and Running Gear Components - Nev-R-Lube Bearings