How often should the wheel bearings be serviced? I have a 2003 Scamp 16 and the previous owner did not have any maintenance history. How easy is it to do?
Wed, 03/05/2014 - 11:48
#1
wheel bearings
Hey Dr John,
You'll see all kinds of answers on this question, but most seem to recommend inspecting and greasing the bearings annually. Joe Z gave me some tips on pulling over after you have been on the road for an hour or so and putting your fingers on the hub. If it is blazing hot you need to do the bearings ASAP. If it is warm to the touch but not overly hot then your bearing lube is good. I've done the job myself and probably took about an hour. It wasn't hard, but it can be a bit messy.
Below are a couple of good links to the procedures:
eTrailers Bearing Maintenance
RV SuperStores Bearing repack
Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape
Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:
Fiberglass-RV-4Sale
I've gone years without re-doing the bearings and simply touching the center of the hub every time you stop for gas is a very good thing to do. The sunny side or the heavier kitchen side may get a touch warmer (you should be able to leave your finger there without discomfort.... about warm water feel) but it should never burn your finger...... you will get plenty of warning consistently doing that. I learned that trick driving semi's on the front steering hubs (oil filled) for my own safety. didn't care about the tandems as they where cooled from differential lube.... Older cars had bearings up front that most people only inspected when brakes where re-done which was years apart..... When i did re=do them it still looked very good in there. You can do them once a year if it makes you sleep better at night :).......... never mix different type greases and i use the red stuff.....EZ-Lube Hubs are another story and i don't use them
Joe
Joe & Linda
New River, Arizona
2013 Casita SD 17'