batesrt
ohio
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Joined: 01/21/2009
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Hi just wondering how I know when/if I need to replace wheel bearings? I know how to re-grease them just fine. But not sure if they need re-greased or replaced.
We bought the TT used, it's a 2006 20' and so I have no idea how much it was driven or maintained before me. We bought it last summer and put about 5,000mi on this year
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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Joined: 04/21/2005
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After cleaning them inspection should indicate condition. Unless they have a rough feel they should be good to go.
Donn,Lorri,Max (The Rescued Lab)
Resident Know It All 
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Bonefish
Midland, TX
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Joined: 01/08/2008
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Look for flat spots, pits, etc. on the bearing and races.
They will often discolor when going bad.
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tbrowne
Springfield, OH
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If in doubt - replace them. They're not expensive and a failure on the highway can be very costly.
Terry Browne
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batesrt
ohio
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donn0128 wrote:After cleaning them inspection should indicate condition. Unless they have a rough feel they should be good to go.
Darn, was hoping I could know without pulling them all apart, and just re-greasing the grease zert without having to even pull the wheel off.
Any idea just in general how long a set of bearings should last?
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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With proper maintenance there is no reason a bearing cant go a million miles.
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coolbreeze01
Redding, Ca
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Joined: 08/24/2006
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batesrt wrote:donn0128 wrote:After cleaning them inspection should indicate condition. Unless they have a rough feel they should be good to go.
Darn, was hoping I could know without pulling them all apart, and just re-greasing the grease zert without having to even pull the wheel off.
Any idea just in general how long a set of bearings should last?
Especially with a used trailer, it would be a good idea to check the brake shoes anyway. I heard one yesterday that must be metal to metal. Have fun.
2008 Dodge 3500 With a Really Strong Tractor Motor...........
LB, SRW, 4X4, 6-Speed Auto, 3.73, Prodigy P3, Blue Ox Sway Pro........
2007 Komfort 212 on 225 75R 15E Maxxis ST Tires.........
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batesrt
ohio
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donn0128 wrote:With proper maintenance there is no reason a bearing cant go a million miles.
Thanks good to know! Do they actually need to be pulled out, cleaned, and re-packed? (long process)
Or can you just use the grease zerk to insert grease and wipe off the old grease? (5 minute process)
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mowermech
Billings, MT
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Joined: 06/28/2003
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batesrt wrote:donn0128 wrote:With proper maintenance there is no reason a bearing cant go a million miles.
Thanks good to know! Do they actually need to be pulled out, cleaned, and re-packed? (long process)
Or can you just use the grease zerk to insert grease and wipe off the old grease? (5 minute process)
IF you have the E-Z-Lube axles, AND you follow the instructions (as shown on the manufacturer's website) exactly so you don't blow the seals, yes, you can do that.
However, the hubs should still be pulled occasionally to inspect the brakes. When the hubs are pulled, the bearings should be cleaned, inspected, and repacked, and the seals should be thrown away and new ones installed.
No, you don't HAVE to do all that, but you SHOULD.
CM1, USN (RET)
2002 Fleetwood Southwind 32V, Ford V10
Toad: 2006 Jeep Rubicon LJ
Other toad: '06 PT Cruiser, Kar Kaddy dolly
Toy: 1977 Dodge W100 CC SWB, 3/4 ton axles & springs
"When seconds count, help is only minutes away!"
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MitchF150
Washington, the State
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I would pull 'em now and be sure.. A lot easier to do it at home than on the side of the road!
I would always have that thought in the back of my head (not knowing) and it would detract from the whole RVing experience for me anyway..
I did mine after the first year of owning mine and I'm glad I did! I found that 2 wheels that had a cut electric brake line (so they were not being any help when braking!) and I also found the bearings to be pretty much dry on grease....
Fixed the brake wires and re greased the bearings and been checking every year since. This will be my 10 year with the trailer and I'll be pulling them in the next couple of weeks for their annual INSPECTION.. 
Good luck!
Mitch
*Anything I post is for entertainment purposes only and what usually works for me.. Your Mileage May Vary..
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