How Do I Grease the Wheels of My Travel Trailer?

Failure of the wheel-axle bearings is one of the most common problems on travel trailers. Tapered bearings within the axles require grease lubrication to reduce friction, shield against dirt and water contaminants, and combat corrosion through the additives found in the wheel-bearing grease. Travel trailer wheel bearings should lubed every 12 to 24 months, depending on where the trailer is being used and the miles the trailer is driven.

Instructions

1

Hook the travel trailer to the tow vehicle and set the parking brake. This provides the most-secure method for preventing the trailer from rolling off the jack or the jack stands.

2

Lift the travel trailer axle on one side with a floor jack. The floor jack should be placed directly under the axle's leaf spring pack if possible. Lift the trailer just enough for the tire to clear the ground.

3

Remove the center dust cap from one of the wheels. Work a flat-head screwdriver around the circumference of the cap to pry it away from the axle's hub. Set the dust cap aside on a clean surface.

4

Remove the cotter pin from the castle-nut using a pair of needle-nose pliers. Back off the castle nut with a pair of plumber's pliers or channel locks. A thrust washer located directly behind the castle-nut will come off the axle when the wheel is removed.

5

Grasp the wheel with both hands at the 3 and 9 o'clock position. Pull the wheel away from the axle by wiggling the wheel back and forth slightly. Pull the wheel away just enough to expose the wheel bearing. Push the wheel back onto the axle and remove the bearing by hand.

6

Clean the tapered bearing with solvent cleaner to remove all the old grease. Make sure the bearing has no visible scaring, a damaged cage or flat spots. If it appears in less than new condition, replace the bearing.

7

Use compressed air to dry the solvent cleaner from the bearing. Place a modest amount of grease into one hand and press the bearing into the grease with the second hand. This allows the grease to penetrate the bearing. After packing grease into the bearing, place it back on the axle.

8

Push the bearing onto the axle by hand as far as possible. Use a paint stir stick or putty knife and fill the cavity around the wheel bearing with grease.

9

Reinstall the thrust washer and the castle-nut. Tighten the castle-nut hand tight. Use the plumber's pliers or channel locks to line the nut up with the cotter-pin hole. Make sure not to overtighten the castle-nut, as doing so will seize the bearing.

10

Insert the cotter-pin and spread the ends using the needle-nose pliers. Spin the wheel by hand to ensure that it rotates freely. Wiggle the wheel to make sure there is no more than 1/8-inch movement of the wheel on the axle.

11

Install the dust cover and tap it into place with a soft-faced hammer or block of wood. Use care not to damage the dust cap.

12

Lower the jack and move on to the next wheel to be serviced.