The signs
- 1
A hub much hotter than the others
At a stop, carefully hold your hand near each hub. Warm is normal. One that is far hotter than the rest, or too hot to touch, needs a look.
- 2
Grease on the wheel or tire
Grease slung on the inside of the wheel can mean a bad seal. Dirty grease and water get into bearings fast.
- 3
Grinding or rumbling
A rough noise from one wheel, especially one that changes with speed, is a classic bad bearing sound.
- 4
Wobble in the wheel
Jack up the trailer safely and rock the tire at the top and bottom. It should not move much. Noticeable play means something is worn or loose.
- 5
Uneven tire wear
Tires wearing on one edge can point to a bent axle, a worn spring or other running gear problems.
- 6
Damage you can see
When the hub is off, look for a scored spindle, blue heat marks or a chewed-up castle nut. A new bearing will not fix a badly damaged spindle.
When to stop towing
If a hub is smoking, the wheel is wobbling or you hear grinding, stop. Don't try to make it home. A failed bearing can take the spindle and the wheel with it. Call 417-630-8724 and we will talk through it.
How to stay ahead of it
Many axle makers call for checking and repacking wheel bearings about once a year or every 12,000 miles, so check the manual for yours. A trailer that sat for a long time deserves a look before its first long tow, because grease dries out and water gets in.
