RV Trailer Wheel Bearing Maintenance: What You Need to Know

If you’ve ever pulled your trailer down the highway and thought, “Man, I hope everything under there is holding together,” you’re not alone. One of the most overlooked but most important parts of trailer maintenance is taking care of your wheel bearings. Ignore them, and you could find yourself stranded on the side of the road—or worse.

Here’s how I like to keep things rolling smoothly:

Step 1: Get Your Trailer in the Air (Safely)

First things first—lift your trailer just a little off the ground. I use a jack under the frame (not the axle) so I don’t risk bending anything. Then I support it with jack stands or whatever I’m using that day to make sure it’s stable. Manufacturers recommend this because the axle wasn’t designed to hold that kind of point pressure.

Step 2: The Wiggle Test

With the tire just off the ground, I grab it top to bottom and side to side. If the tire wiggles even a little bit, your bearings might be on their way out. Solid and steady? You’re good—for now.

Step 3: Pull It Apart

When it’s time for a deeper inspection, I pull the tire and hub so I can actually check the bearings themselves. Here’s what I’m looking for:

• Pitting or damage on the bearings

• Black grease (bad sign—it means something’s wearing out)

• Dry or scorched look (could mean they’ve been running metal-on-metal)

Healthy bearings should be smooth, shiny, and well-greased with clean grease—not black sludge.

Step 4: Grease Is Your Best Friend

Grease keeps those bearings rolling smoothly. If yours look dry, scorched, or you see signs of overheating, it’s time to repack or replace them. Don’t cheap out here—a little tube of grease is a whole lot cheaper than replacing an axle.

Step 5: Check on the Road

When I’m traveling, I make it a habit to check my axles every time I stop for fuel. While the truck’s filling up, I walk around and put my hand on each axle. I’m not worried about the actual temperature as much as differences between them.

If three hubs feel about the same and one is noticeably hotter? That’s a red flag. Example, if one bearing is reading 400 degrees while the others are at 200—that bearing is toast. Better to find that at the pump than out on the highway.

Why This Matters

Wheel bearings don’t get the same attention as tires or brakes, but they’re just as critical. A bad bearing can lock up a wheel, wreck an axle, or leave you stuck waiting for a tow. Spending a little time maintaining them now saves you a lot of headache later.

So next time you’re out on the road, remember: check your bearings, grease them when needed, and don’t ignore the little signs. Your trailer—and your peace of mind—will thank you.

NavigatingMenopause.com

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always consult with qualified experts about any specific concerns or needs.

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