Haven't done a bearing job in years. Was looking for UA-cam expertise to guide me on my single axle boat trailer. In 17 min. you showed me what had to be done and give in prep and tool info to help me not screw up. THX.
I've seen a couple of your videos now. Really appreciate you putting this content out there. For those of us not naturally mechanically inclined and new to hauling, this is a huge help.
I’ve been an USAF Aircraft Mechanic for my adult life. We have several critical inspections…Pre-Fight, Post- Flight, Scheduled and UnScheduled Maintenance. Applying that to my personal life has been beneficial and saved me tons in money, time and safety. I will definitely apply those rubrics to my Truck and Trailer when I start HotShotting. No reasons to drop $100K + and treat it like chewed Bubblegum…that’s just crazy.
In a pinch you can pull the outermost bearing. Put only the nut on the spindle and pop the hub/drum off the backing plate. The nut will pass through the hub and the nut will pop the rear seal and bearing out with some love. The most important thing you should have said is to carry at least a full set of bearings and seals in the truck. I carried 2 in the truck.
That’s an awesome trick!! What’s funny is I actually did mention running with a spare kit the first time I recorded this intro but my mic wasn’t connected so I had to redo it, 🤦♂️
Great video! Not alot of guys out there showing this side of towing trailers. I had a wheel completely snap off one of our dump trailers and roll down the highway into a field a few years back due to the negligence of this very topic. We got lucky. Ended up having to replace the entire axle simply because we didn't do something as simple as keep the bearings greased. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the video. If you don't need to take it apart to inspect the bearing, you can Use that grease fitting in the end of the axle, that will fill your bearings with grease and push out the old.
Excellent video with a lot of details. Question: I am pretty handy, but I have never changed out bearings on an axle. I have a 5x10 Wells Cargo trailer and it is time to maintain the bearings. The axle on the trailer is a Dexter axle, and do you think that would be comparable with what you did in this video for me to venture doing this on my own? TIA
Save a ton of $$$ !!! I just had both axles serviced at a PJ dealership, complete 70K service. Unfortunately my back is wasted so I can no longer do simple maintenance stuff myself anymore. About 9K miles later, been on the road about 2 hours that morning, heard a loud POP, pulled over, assuming I blew a tire. Checked the tires, all good, but excessive heat coming from the right rear wheels. I go back to my truck to get my thermal gun, turn around, smoke, then fire. You, bearing and/or axle failure. Fire did too much damage to determine which. 7 fire extinguishers later (my 2 then a DOT worker stopped and we used all 5 of his), Fire Department showed up. Burnt 2 tires, 2 airbags and scorched every thing surrounding. No idea what went wrong yet (just got Dexter Axle's authority to begin the disassembly) but obviously the "service" I was charged for by the PJ Trailer service shop either didn't happen or wasn't done properly. Any other shared experiences would be appreciated. Never hauled overweight, tires aligned and balanced. Any ideas ??? Haven't posted anywhere else, Loadmizer's Channel is one of very few I trust & respect. Thanks again LM for the continued education and for finding the time to do the videos you do.
Man I just did one which I knew that failed, so changed the whole assembly bc was dirty and figured was easier and installed nice sell adjusting brakes. Went to adjust other 2 on that side, and 1 I cant adjust, and then the other new axle wheel had a blown seal 🙄 so just replaced that one too with new self adjust.
@@geriatricginger Those are way handy, but a very easy way to over grease and push grease out your back seal and then it gets on your brakes. I learned this the hard way so I only use a manual grease gun now because you can feel if it pressures up.
Great video. I just started driving g for someone about 4 months ago. I always ask when they do bearing maintenance and they told me that bearings can last 50k or more. I've driven about 35k miles and have had no maintenance. If they wait til they fail it really isn't maintenance anymore. I just keep an eye on the oil baths.
Thanks for the video, just repacked mine for the first time recently. 7 months as an O/O. One question, heat? I usually check my hubs when ever I stop. Hold em to see how hot they are, if I can hold em for at least five seconds or more i figure they are good. What is your thoughts?
@Asperian Transportation @Load Mizer keep a laser thermometer on hand. I once noticed oil splatter on one of my wheels during an en-route inspection, touched the hub and burnt the tips of my middle and index fingers.
Seems a lot of controversy about pumping grease in through the zerk fitting. They say do not do this as it could blow out the outer seal and saturate your brakes with grease. Some say it should only be used during an emergency situation (whatever that means). Would I be ok if I just packed mine by hand and not use the grease gun at the end like you did? Thanks for your input.
Absolutely. Just make sure you stuff plenty of grease in the empty space between the inner and outer bearings. I haven’t blown any seals using the zerk. I was told the way to avoid that was to spin each while as you pump. So far it’s worked perfect. I still prefer oil bath though, I’ll never own another trailer without them.
You have to raise the wheel off the ground and spin it while you a putting grease into the zirk at the end of the axle, or you'll blow out the seal every time, just like what you just found. SUPER IMPORTANT if you have trailer brakes. Now you'll have to change those pads and get all that hardware clean.
I was wondering when adjusting your brakes, at what level is it adjusted to to be adjusted 100%!? If that makes sense, I went with applying my brakes and adjusting it on level 4 so it would stop when spinning freely by hand. But then I wonder if I am over adjusting bc dealer said one of my magnets we burnt out! 🤷🏼♂️ idk, that’s why I ordered self adjusting ones bc not sure. I wish i had hydraulic disc brakes like my Diamond C. 😒 I need to make a road maintenance kit for my 9k axles now too just in case.
As far as the annual adjustment goes you want to back it off just enough to where the hub isn’t rubbing the brake surface anymore. Then as far as bedding the brakes go you’ll want to adjust the controller to the point right before it locks the wheels up. It’ll take time because each hub will act differently at first. The magnet failing is just part of these electric brakes. The 10k dexter brakes I have on my flatbed are notorious for magnets failing.
@@LoadMizer so when your empty, at what brake setting do you have to be set at to hold the truck with just the brake adjuster squeezed? Ex: at a stand still, level ground, I have it set at a 4.5 gain and can squeeze just the brake adjuster and it will hold truck, anything below that it will roll.. thanks
Most of these axles have maintenance schedule between 10k-15k miles. That would be inspecting bearings and races. You’d have to drain the oil for that anyway so you just refill the hub when your done. Between maintenance intervals just check the oil level and top off if needed unless something looks or feels off.
The best way to avoid that roadside spun bearing nightmare is to have a new or rebuilt hub already with you. I keep two at all times. Takes about 15 minutes to change and you're outta there!
I use Lucas grease. I’ve used both red n tacky and heavy duty green and I honestly haven’t noticed a difference. The gun is just a full size gun from lowes, not sure of the name
Good job. My only comment is that with chinese bearings; just replace. If I had German, Japanese, or Timken bearings; I'd inspect and possibly replace. But with chinese stuff, the quality just isn't there; and it's that peace of mind I'd go for if I only had a chinese option and replace with new. With the castle nut, I use a socket and tighten until seated; then back off. Channel lock will work, but not the best.
I think the manual says 12k miles or 12 months whichever comes first. I pull my caps and top off grease and check the axle nut every month though. If something seems off I pull the hub and dig deeper.
Man thank you so much for that info this really helps me. Where can I purchase a bearings kit? Can you put a amazon link on here so you can get credit for it?
I haven’t had much luck with kits from Amazon. I’d order directly from the manufacturer or etrailer.com. Those kits are specific to each hub part number. It should be stamped on the front of the hub 👍
@@LoadMizer awesome Ty. Hey, is it normal to have some camber while turning on a dual axle trailer? I noticed the other day there was some slight camber on my car trailer while I was holding my jeep during take turns and on uneven terrain. Otherwise the tires run straight it’s only when turning. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
Haven't done a bearing job in years. Was looking for UA-cam expertise to guide me on my single axle boat trailer. In 17 min. you showed me what had to be done and give in prep and tool info to help me not screw up. THX.
Thanks man glad I could help out!
I've seen a couple of your videos now. Really appreciate you putting this content out there. For those of us not naturally mechanically inclined and new to hauling, this is a huge help.
I appreciate that and Im happy to see they’re still helping people out 👍👍
Great detailed video! Thanks Load Mizer!
I’ve been an USAF Aircraft Mechanic for my adult life. We have several critical inspections…Pre-Fight, Post- Flight, Scheduled and UnScheduled Maintenance. Applying that to my personal life has been beneficial and saved me tons in money, time and safety. I will definitely apply those rubrics to my Truck and Trailer when I start HotShotting. No reasons to drop $100K + and treat it like chewed Bubblegum…that’s just crazy.
Bruh, you make great content. How tf you only have 12k subscribers?!
In a pinch you can pull the outermost bearing. Put only the nut on the spindle and pop the hub/drum off the backing plate. The nut will pass through the hub and the nut will pop the rear seal and bearing out with some love. The most important thing you should have said is to carry at least a full set of bearings and seals in the truck. I carried 2 in the truck.
That’s an awesome trick!! What’s funny is I actually did mention running with a spare kit the first time I recorded this intro but my mic wasn’t connected so I had to redo it, 🤦♂️
Great video! Not alot of guys out there showing this side of towing trailers. I had a wheel completely snap off one of our dump trailers and roll down the highway into a field a few years back due to the negligence of this very topic. We got lucky. Ended up having to replace the entire axle simply because we didn't do something as simple as keep the bearings greased. Thanks for sharing!
Great video! I watch frequently and have learned a ton from watching you. Thanks again brother! God bless.
Excellent detail - thanks mate
Ya ALWAYS A (BLESSING)..Thanks Cordell Hauling Family LLC 👪 🙏 ❤
Good informative video. Helped me do a simple trailer bearing swap easily. Thanks
I Appreciate You Man, This Helped Me Out A Lot 💪!
Thank you for sharing help me a lot God bless you
great video. very informative
Thanks for the video. If you don't need to take it apart to inspect the bearing, you can Use that grease fitting in the end of the axle, that will fill your bearings with grease and push out the old.
Well done again sir, thank-you, stay awesome .
Appreciate the refresher, about to dig into my Dexter 7ks today..ugh...
Thanks boss...always informative.
Fantastic video! My only question was if I found that I needed new bearings or seals, where do you find the number to get the correct ones?
Good Luck getting the outer race out.
Excellent video with a lot of details. Question: I am pretty handy, but I have never changed out bearings on an axle. I have a 5x10 Wells Cargo trailer and it is time to maintain the bearings. The axle on the trailer is a Dexter axle, and do you think that would be comparable with what you did in this video for me to venture doing this on my own? TIA
Well needed video
Appreciate the knowledge bro, ty……..much success to you bless you and the fam
Best HotShot youtube channel out here!
I’m just trying to be useful lately 😂 thanks man!
Save a ton of $$$ !!!
I just had both axles serviced at a PJ dealership, complete 70K service. Unfortunately my back is wasted so I can no longer do simple maintenance stuff myself anymore.
About 9K miles later, been on the road about 2 hours that morning, heard a loud POP, pulled over, assuming I blew a tire. Checked the tires, all good, but excessive heat coming from the right rear wheels. I go back to my truck to get my thermal gun, turn around, smoke, then fire. You, bearing and/or axle failure. Fire did too much damage to determine which. 7 fire extinguishers later (my 2 then a DOT worker stopped and we used all 5 of his), Fire Department showed up. Burnt 2 tires, 2 airbags and scorched every thing surrounding.
No idea what went wrong yet (just got Dexter Axle's authority to begin the disassembly) but obviously the "service" I was charged for by the PJ Trailer service shop either didn't happen or wasn't done properly.
Any other shared experiences would be appreciated.
Never hauled overweight, tires aligned and balanced. Any ideas ???
Haven't posted anywhere else, Loadmizer's Channel is one of very few I trust & respect.
Thanks again LM for the continued education and for finding the time to do the videos you do.
That’s insane 😦
Man I just did one which I knew that failed, so changed the whole assembly bc was dirty and figured was easier and installed nice sell adjusting brakes. Went to adjust other 2 on that side, and 1 I cant adjust, and then the other new axle wheel had a blown seal 🙄 so just replaced that one too with new self adjust.
appreciate this video very helpful doing them myself now! by the way are you still driving?
lol just did bearings in my trailer.. awesome vid, per usual, brother!
Easily one of my least favorite things to do...ever. I miss my oil hubs 😂
@@LoadMizer I had shit everywhere! first time it was this messy.
Lmao
@@LoadMizer When you gonna buy one of these? LOL www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCGG571M1-20V-Cordless-Grease/dp/B00FL2SOXW
@@geriatricginger Those are way handy, but a very easy way to over grease and push grease out your back seal and then it gets on your brakes. I learned this the hard way so I only use a manual grease gun now because you can feel if it pressures up.
Great video. I just started driving g for someone about 4 months ago. I always ask when they do bearing maintenance and they told me that bearings can last 50k or more. I've driven about 35k miles and have had no maintenance. If they wait til they fail it really isn't maintenance anymore. I just keep an eye on the oil baths.
You can do this easy on the side of the road or at a truck stop
Thanks for the video, just repacked mine for the first time recently. 7 months as an O/O. One question, heat? I usually check my hubs when ever I stop. Hold em to see how hot they are, if I can hold em for at least five seconds or more i figure they are good. What is your thoughts?
That’s a habit you want to keep. Easiest way to tell if a hub is struggling.
@Asperian Transportation @Load Mizer keep a laser thermometer on hand. I once noticed oil splatter on one of my wheels during an en-route inspection, touched the hub and burnt the tips of my middle and index fingers.
Seems a lot of controversy about pumping grease in through the zerk fitting. They say do not do this as it could blow out the outer seal and saturate your brakes with grease. Some say it should only be used during an emergency situation (whatever that means). Would I be ok if I just packed mine by hand and not use the grease gun at the end like you did? Thanks for your input.
Absolutely. Just make sure you stuff plenty of grease in the empty space between the inner and outer bearings. I haven’t blown any seals using the zerk. I was told the way to avoid that was to spin each while as you pump. So far it’s worked perfect. I still prefer oil bath though, I’ll never own another trailer without them.
@@LoadMizer Thanks for your reply!
You have to raise the wheel off the ground and spin it while you a putting grease into the zirk at the end of the axle, or you'll blow out the seal every time, just like what you just found. SUPER IMPORTANT if you have trailer brakes. Now you'll have to change those pads and get all that hardware clean.
What grease do you recommend? I use the Lucas red and tacky.
I’ve used the red and tacky the whole time I’ve had it. I just decided to use the Lucas heavy duty this time. Just to see if I can tell a difference.
@@LoadMizer okay. Thanks
I was wondering when adjusting your brakes, at what level is it adjusted to to be adjusted 100%!? If that makes sense, I went with applying my brakes and adjusting it on level 4 so it would stop when spinning freely by hand. But then I wonder if I am over adjusting bc dealer said one of my magnets we burnt out! 🤷🏼♂️ idk, that’s why I ordered self adjusting ones bc not sure. I wish i had hydraulic disc brakes like my Diamond C. 😒 I need to make a road maintenance kit for my 9k axles now too just in case.
As far as the annual adjustment goes you want to back it off just enough to where the hub isn’t rubbing the brake surface anymore. Then as far as bedding the brakes go you’ll want to adjust the controller to the point right before it locks the wheels up. It’ll take time because each hub will act differently at first. The magnet failing is just part of these electric brakes. The 10k dexter brakes I have on my flatbed are notorious for magnets failing.
@@LoadMizer yeah maybe I over tighten them. Thanks for the break information 👍🏻
@@LoadMizer so when your empty, at what brake setting do you have to be set at to hold the truck with just the brake adjuster squeezed? Ex: at a stand still, level ground, I have it set at a 4.5 gain and can squeeze just the brake adjuster and it will hold truck, anything below that it will roll.. thanks
What would the maintenance be on an oil bath axle?
Most of these axles have maintenance schedule between 10k-15k miles. That would be inspecting bearings and races. You’d have to drain the oil for that anyway so you just refill the hub when your done. Between maintenance intervals just check the oil level and top off if needed unless something looks or feels off.
The best way to avoid that roadside spun bearing nightmare is to have a new or rebuilt hub already with you. I keep two at all times. Takes about 15 minutes to change and you're outta there!
Hands down best plan
How often do you hit those bearing buddies while on the road?
Unless I hear or see a problem, I do all of my maintenance at home
Do you go by mileage or every 6 months maintenance
I top off the grease and check the axle nut once per month. If I see or hear or feel anything weird I pull the hub and break it down.
Great video as usual sir! What grease and gun do you use?
I use Lucas grease. I’ve used both red n tacky and heavy duty green and I honestly haven’t noticed a difference. The gun is just a full size gun from lowes, not sure of the name
Thank you sir!
Hey if at all possible I would love to be able to get up with you. I have a ton of questions about all sorts of stuff about hotshot.
Good job. My only comment is that with chinese bearings; just replace. If I had German, Japanese, or Timken bearings; I'd inspect and possibly replace. But with chinese stuff, the quality just isn't there; and it's that peace of mind I'd go for if I only had a chinese option and replace with new.
With the castle nut, I use a socket and tighten until seated; then back off. Channel lock will work, but not the best.
what’s the average miles driven before changing bearing. or what does the trailer do to tell you the bearings need changed
I think the manual says 12k miles or 12 months whichever comes first. I pull my caps and top off grease and check the axle nut every month though. If something seems off I pull the hub and dig deeper.
@@LoadMizer can u share an example of a Maintenance plan for d.o.t and do u need one for the trailer, too
Jltransportservice16@gmail.com
Man thank you so much for that info this really helps me. Where can I purchase a bearings kit? Can you put a amazon link on here so you can get credit for it?
I haven’t had much luck with kits from Amazon. I’d order directly from the manufacturer or etrailer.com. Those kits are specific to each hub part number. It should be stamped on the front of the hub 👍
I tried to do races, not knowing that I really don’t have to do them, and figured not worth the headache, just replace the whole thing 😂
If you have the money to throw at it, replacing the entire hub is so much easier. It’s also wayyyy less messy 🤣
@@LoadMizer yup, and hopefully save me a brake adjustment violation 🤷🏼♂️
What bearing grease do you use?
I used lucas grease both red n tacky and heavy duty (green). Didn’t really notice a difference between the 2 performance wise.
@@LoadMizer awesome Ty. Hey, is it normal to have some camber while turning on a dual axle trailer? I noticed the other day there was some slight camber on my car trailer while I was holding my jeep during take turns and on uneven terrain. Otherwise the tires run straight it’s only when turning. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
20 bucks buy a grease packing tool at autozone. take 10 seconds and the bearing is packed
I’ve got 10 trailer axles you can come do 😂 all my trailers are due
I don’t think the camera captures the pure misery doing these 😂😂😂
@@LoadMizer it definitely doesn’t. I always get half way through and ask myself why don’t I just pay someone lmfaooo
IMO you’re putting too much grease in the hub. This can lead to failed seals.
Yep
Excess grease can't return to the bearing and lubricate them
why would there be string on a trailer wheel bearing