Trailer Bearing Failure

[SCHNORR12]

Just noticed it while going to check the tire pressure. I've never had to deal with bearings before. Can anyone tell me what most likely happened and how to go about fixing it? It's a 2005 Karavan double trailer.

[The Rooster]

Most likely outer seal finally blew out. Will need to replace / repack bearings & inspect axle / splines. Plenty of "How to" youtube videos available to help you. Good luck !!!

[SCHNORR12]

Thanks. Should I get a bearing buddy for each side?

[Mr. GP1800]

There should be a grease fitting in the end of the axle. Have you ever greased tje bearings before?

[CJ's gpr]

You're in for a messy job . trailer bearings aren't hard to change but I suggest wearing some rubber gloves!

I think this will help you, different trailer but same process. http://www.greenhulk.net/showthread.php?t=26878

[K447]

Just noticed it while going to check the tire pressure.

... It's a 2005 Karavan double trailer.

What is the DOT date code on each tire's sidewall?

If the tires are the originals from 2005 then it is time to replace them. Nine years is beyond old age for most trailer tires.

Trailer tires mostly die from age and exposure, not from tread wear.

[OzarkYamMonster]

You can mess with trying to repair by repacking bearings but if damaged .... buy new wheel hub about $40. And yes add Bearing Buddies. I had an entire hub go do to bad bearing going out. Good Luck

[Mr. GP1800]

Im pretty sure Karavan uses the sure lube type hubs with a grease fitting on the end of the axle that pumps grease through both bearings and out the front or back of the axle. If it has that, bearing buddies are not necessary.

[SCHNORR12]

I took it apart and the outer bearing was completely shot. I bought the bearings I needed at the store but lost the dust cover along the drive so I guess I'll have to order one online. I'm having a hard time getting the old races out, they don't have a lip so using a punch isn't going so well.

[mattquist]

Trailer maintenance is almost as important as ski maintenance. Stranded on the side of the road is just as bad as breaking down on the water. I repack the bearings at least yearly, and check grease monthly. Make sure you add this to your check sheet.

[K447]

You can mess with trying to repair by repacking bearings .... buy new wheel hub about $40...

... I'm having a hard time getting the old races out, they don't have a lip so using a punch isn't going so well.

Replace the entire hub then.

[SCHNORR12]

You can mess with trying to repair by repacking bearings .... buy new wheel hub about $40...

... I'm having a hard time getting the old races out, they don't have a lip so using a punch isn't going so well.

Replace the entire hub then.

Had to heat it a little to get them out but they're out and the new ones are in. Everything is back on the trailer, I just need a new dust cover.

[CJ's gpr]

Trailer maintenance is almost as important as ski maintenance. Stranded on the side of the road is just as bad as breaking down on the water. I repack the bearings at least yearly, and check grease monthly. Make sure you add this to your check sheet.

I agree, and I think its something that a lot of people don't pay much attention to.

[K447]

... Everything is back on the trailer, I just need a new dust cover.

Just noticed it while going to check the tire pressure.

... It's a 2005 Karavan double trailer.

What is the DOT date code on each tire's sidewall?

If the tires are the originals from 2005 then it is time to replace them. Nine years is beyond old age for most trailer tires.

Trailer tires mostly die from age and exposure, not from tread wear.

.

[Carbonic]

Trailer maintenance is almost as important as ski maintenance. Stranded on the side of the road is just as bad as breaking down on the water. I repack the bearings at least yearly, and check grease monthly. Make sure you add this to your check sheet.

I do this stuff for a living (on much bigger trailers) and those who have their trailers put through a regular monthly service have the least amount of problems and need very little in the way of major repairs. I see some newer trailers poorly maintained with issues up the yang while trailers several years older in far better shape due to maintenance performed on a regular basis.

Looking things over and keeping things tippy top will ensure that your trailer (or vehicle, or ski) treats you as well as you treat it.