Alko - Without a Hitch
  • Caravan
    • How To
    • Products
    • Reviews
  • Trailer
    • How To
    • Products
    • Reviews
  • Boats
    • How To
    • Products
    • Reviews
  • Travel
    • How To
    • Products
    • Reviews
  • Caravan
  • Trailer
  • Boats
  • Travel
How To • Products • Reviews
How To • Products • Reviews
How To • Products • Reviews
How To • Products • Reviews

Keep those wheels spinning – trailer wheel hub maintenance made easy

The wheel hubs on your trailer are vital safety. Keep them in great shape with our easy maintenance guide.

Reviews

07 August
2014

Trailer > Reviews > Keep those wheels spinning – trailer wheel hub maintenance made easy

Keep those wheels spinning – trailer wheel hub maintenance made easy

Reviews

07 August
2014

The wheel hubs on your trailer are vital safety. Keep them in great shape with our easy maintenance guide.

Share
this
story

The wheels on your trailer are connected to the axle by means of the wheel hub, so it needs to be kept in top condition. Luckily, it’s a fairly straightforward procedure to pull the hub apart and check on it as part of your regular trailer maintenance.

Let’s look at the parts of the wheel hub, and what you can do to keep them ready for the road.

First, you’ll need to jack up the trailer and remove the wheel. Remember that when the trailer’s wheels are off the ground it’s potentially unstable, so make sure you always work well back from it and no part of your body is underneath it at any time.

The bearings

Bearings are made up of two parts – the ‘cup’, which is pressed into the hub and the ‘cone’, which contains the rollers. It’s important they are kept well-greased at all times, as this will protect them from heat caused by friction.

When doing your trailer maintenance, wipe down the bearings and check they don’t have any nicks, dents or discoloration. If they’re okay, clean them thoroughly using a degreaser. If they need to be replaced, they should always be replaced in a set with cup and cone together and be matched to the load rating of the trailer.

The seal

Check that the rubber on the seal is still flexible and in good shape, because if it’s not it won’t work well. If it needs replacing, make sure you take note of the number stamped on it so you’ll know what to get.

The race

Run your fingers round the race to check for scratches and note any discoloration. Like the other parts, write down its number so it can be replaced.

After checking everything, ‘pack’ the bearings by rolling them in your hands with plenty of grease. Coat the axle shaft with grease, slide the hub in place and tighten the nut. Test it by holding on to the top of the tyre and rocking it gently. If it wobbles, loosen and tighten the nut again until it settles.

Dirt, salt, sand and water can quickly destroy your bearings, so it’s a good idea to have a grease or ‘dust’ cap as it fits over the outside of the trailer wheel hub to keep the grease in and impurities out.

Investing in a trailer hub kit, which usually contains the wheel hub, bearings, seal, dust cap and wheel nuts, can pay off in an emergency. As long as you’ve bought one that matches the trailer’s bearings, you’ll have everything you need to do any repairs or replacements.

How do you know when other parts of your trailer are getting worn? Here’s a quick guide on what to look for.

PREVIOUS
NEXT
You may also like...

Most Popular

Recent

  • > Battery Management Systems
  • > How To Find Safe Drinking Water In The ...
  • > How To Fit An Anderson Plug
  • > 10 tools you should take caravanning
  • > Mobility Issues? How To Make Your ...
  • > 2020 Fishing Calendar
  • > Why You Should Carry A Defibrillator In ...
  • > Cold-cranking Amps Explained
  • > Loveday – Relax or Pump It Up!
  • > How To Photograph Your RV Like A Pro
View on Facebook

Unable to display Facebook posts.
Show error

Error: Error validating application. Application has been deleted.
Type: OAuthException
Code: 190
Please refer to our Error Message Reference.

Download towing e-books

Alko

Categories

  • Caravan
  • Trailer
  • Boats
  • Travel

Tags

  • Caravan safe
  • replace trailer lights
  • caravan tv antenna
  • masthead lights
  • manual vs auto

Popular

  • Battery Management Systems
  • How To Find Safe Drinking Water In The Bush
  • How To Fit An Anderson Plug
  • 10 tools you should take caravanning
  • Mobility Issues? How To Make Your Caravan Holiday Accessible

Recommended

  • A state-by-state guide to trailer registration
  • Boats Ahoy! Australia’s Top Boating Events for 2016
  • Castaway Caravanning: 5 Island Destinations
  • 5 Best Campsites on the Eyre Peninsula

© 2016 Without A Hitch. All Rights Reserved.
Terms & Conditions | About Without A Hitch | Privacy Policy

Connect With Us :

Subscribe to Without a Hitch

Without A Hitch is the place you can turn to for up-to-date information, practical advice, "how to" guides and handy tips for your caravan, trailer and anything else worth towing. To receive regular towing hints, tips sign up to our newsletter today! Without A Hitch is the place you can turn to for up-do-date information...