How to Manually Repack Bearings on a Trailer
Dexter recommends repacking your bearings annually and replacing the grease. Bearings should be lubricated every 12 months or 12,000 miles. It is essential to complete regular maintenance checks to keep your trailer safe and proactively prevent other costly trailer repairs. When repacking your bearings, follow the additional steps recommended in Dexter’s Operation Maintenance Service Manual. For example, inspect your brakes and perform the appropriate brake maintenance when performing bearing maintenance. If you are not comfortable performing this maintenance, please have any maintenance to your trailer completed at a local service center.
There are two methods for repacking bearings. The preferred method is with a grease gun using a Universal Bearing Packer or a Handy Bearing Packer Tool. These tools will speed up the process and make you feel confident that your bearing is completely packed. The second option is to repack your bearings by hand. Follow the detailed instructions below if you choose to repack your bearings manually.
ProTip: If you are replacing your entire hub and need to repack bearings, Dexter also offers a variety of Pre-Greased Hub & Hub-Drum kits. These will arrive pre-greased and ready for installation.
Time to Complete: roughly 30 minutes per bearing (depending on the level of expertise)
Tools Required:
1. Shop rags
2. Heavy-duty rubber gloves (optional)
Materials Required:
Steps:
1. Place a small amount (about the size of a half-dollar) of grease on your hand.
2. Press a section of the widest end of the bearing into the outer edge of the grease pile closest to the thumb forcing grease into the interior of the bearing.
3. Repeat this while rotating the bearing from roller to roller.
4. Continue this process until the entire bearing is filled with grease.
5. You should see grease through the rollers to confirm that the grease has worked through the bearing.
6. Before reinstalling, apply a light coat of grease to the bearing cup. Confirm there are no spots left without grease
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