Replacement Wheel Bearings

[YukonMP]

My multipurpose utility trailer which occassionally has a MultiPurpose on it needs new wheel bearings. Do I have the option of using sealed bearings? If so, is that a better way to go?

 

[Mooseman]

Trailer bearings are usually open tapered type. Why would you want sealed bearings? Get some bearing buddies (greasable caps) so you can grease them and help them last longer.

 

[Deeppow16]

I would do was Mooseman said and get the bearing buddies. Very nice to have.

 

[maim]

Trailer bearings are usually open tapered type. Why would you want sealed bearings? Get some bearing buddies (greasable caps) so you can grease them and help them last longer.

x2 on this.

 

[Ding]

Ez Lubes are better than bearing buddies as they send the new grease to the back bearing first and then force the old grease out the front. This helps clean the bearings of old grease and dirt that may have gotten in. This is a Dexter Axle option but others have similar. The spindle has to be drilled down the center though so you can't simply convert.

If you have the non-Ez Lube style it is good to pull the bearing out and clean them. Only real way to know for sure if it is getting worn and might leave you on the side of the road in the middle of the winter. Messy job but really incredibly easy. Great videos online from places like etrailer.com etc. Another option is to buy the whole hub assembly (with new bearings and seals). These are not nearly as expensive as you might think and a real breeze to swap on.