Yearly Trailer Maintenance

Written By Todd S. Go2marin/LFS Tech Support

 

Once a year you should always inspect your trailer thoroughly, including greasing and adjusting bearings, checking springs, bunks and or rollers, brakes, lighting, tie down straps, jacks, couplers, wiring, cracks in the frame and tire pressures. I will go over in detail how to perform all these inspections and adjustments below. Proper trailer maintenance could save you from costly break downs during the boating season.

 

Lets start with the basics, just do a complete visual inspection of all of the above and note anything that needs addressing. I will post links to each item as we discuss them, here’s a link to our trailering parts and accessories in general. Trailer Parts once you have a list of items that need addressed hop over to our website and you can find all the products needed to repair your trailer.

 

Trailer Wheel Bearings

When greasing the bearings on the trailer you need to jack up the wheel and spin it as you are putting the grease into the bearing, so it is distributed evenly. Also check for up, down, and side to side movement as you have it lifted off the ground. If the bearing is sloppy, you can remove the cotter pin and tighten the nut up some, note do not overtighten the nut, you will cause damage to the spindle. You'll want to spin the wheel while tightening the nut so you can feel how much resistance is on the bearing. The wheel should spin freely with not up, down, or side to side movement. If for some reason tightening the nut does not help, then you have bearing issue, and they need replaced. There will be an inner and outer bearing, both needs replaced at the same time. It is a good idea to get a wheel bearing kit that includes both bearings, a grease seal, and a cotter pin. If you notice during your inspection that there is grease on the inside of the wheel that means that the grease seal on the back of the hub has failed. I would also like to recommend bearing protectors. I have used them for years and they are a life saver. They do not make a mess when greasing and they are a tight seal to keep water out of the hub. Measurement of existing dust cap or inside diameter of the hub is need.

 

Bearing ProtectorsDust Caps

 

When figuring out what size bearings are needed for replacement and unless the bearings have become extremely hot and discolored there should be a part number etched into the bearing. If the part number isn’t visible, you can measure the inside of the bearing and that will tell you the size bearing that you will need for replacement. If the bearings need replaced, pull the cotter pin out and remove the nut and washer. Remove the hub from the spindle, the outer bearing should slide out first. Once the bearings are removed inspect the bearing cups for damage or discoloration. Most of the time the cups do not need to be replaced. Knock the grease seal out of the back of the hub with a long flat head screwdriver. Put a touch of grease on the outer part of the new seal and gently knock it into the back of the hub with rubber mallet, just make sure not to damage the rubber part of the seal. Then take a handful of grease and work it into each bearing spinning it as you pack more grease into it. Once it is packed full, insert the inner bearing into the back of the hub with the tapered side pointed to the outside of the trailer. Then slide the hub and bearing back on to the spindle and install the outer bearing. Install the washer and nut, while spinning the wheel tighten up the nut until there is just barely a slight resistance and install the cotter pin. Reinstall your dust cap and put some grease into the hub while spinning the wheel until its full.

 

Wheel Bearing Kits

 

Springs and Spring Hangers

Make sure to carefully inspect the springs and the spring hangers. Springs have bushings in the ends of each spring pack take note if they are worn or missing and will need replaced. Springs on boat trailers especially with them being submerged in water over and over will rust and sometimes crack, pay extra close attention when inspecting for cracks on any part of the spring.