How to Repack Trailer Wheel Bearings [Start to Finish] 

Liked the video. I'm an old Air Force crew chief. In tech school for aircraft maintenance specialist, jet aircraft, one and two engines they taught us how to pack wheel bearings for aircraft that takke off and land at well over 125 MPH. The method you demonstrated for packing the bearing is exactly what the AF taught us. On tightening the axle nut, aircraft have torque values for both initial and final torque but for cars, trucks and trailers I first tighten the nut as I rotate the wheel. Tighten it pretty tight and rotate the tire once or twice to seat the bearing in the race. Back off the nut and tighten, while rotating the wheel until it spins freely with no play. If the cotter key hole is slightly off, I turn the nut in the direction of least movement to align the hole. Going less than half a hole tighter or looser won't matter. The cotter key you used looked really weak from metal fatigue and, if that nut decided to back off, could be a real problem. Also, I've made it a habit at each stop (food, fuel, or personal pit stop) to walk around the rig, look it over and feel the trailer tires and hubs. If just the tire is hot, check the pressure. It's probably low. Slow down until you can get it aired up. If the hub is hot you have a bearing issue. Fix it then and there. Good video. Clear and concise. Other than that bad cotter key, great job.

Great step by step instructions. The dog getting your 2 × 4 up and out of the way for you was a great addition.

Excellent step-by-step instruction. This is how all RU-vid repair/build instructional videos should be produced. And nice dog cameo, too!

Best bearing vid i've seen. Simple to the point with all the info. Thanks for sharing.

So glad I watched your video first! I've never done this and am getting into doing as much of my own mechanical work as possible and this is a job that I need to do for the four tires on my 4 horse Stock trailer. This is such a great video with step by step, easy to follow, gives the WHY's of whats important to look for and how to do the job correctly. Really appreciate this! Thanks!

Thanks Tyson! Great video and you did a great job explaining the process. I'm an airplane mechanic so am familiar with repacking the bearings on small aircraft, but I've never done a trailer before. Glad to see that it is a very similar process with almost the exact same parts! I feel more prepared to dig into the bearings of a rusty old horse trailer I just picked up and am turning into a tool hauler :)

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and giving the "why" behind doing things a certain way. I appreciate your insight and experience.

Great video. Thanks for taking the time and explaining each step for those of us that dont do this often.

Great video with no fluff or bullshit. New subscriber here also!!! Just an idea from my days of packing bearings on golf carts. Use a new pin every time!!! And marine hi temp grease is expensive but way better for heavy trailers, or boat trailers. 7 dollars per tube verses 4 for regular.

Thank you. Just did my dual axle horse trailer, and the front axle (wi h drum brake) grease cap is threaded. No lip, but lots of hammering until I figured it out. Rear axle is very simple, and grease cap is lipped, so prying worked as you show in your video. Thanks

Nice job Tyson! Really helpful in helping me understand what this packing a wheel bearing is all about. I just purchased a used pop-up camper and was concerned with what needed to happen. More than likely I won't be getting dirty, but at least I now understand the mechanics.

AWESOME JOB!!!! Thank you for taking the time to make such a clear video!!!

Your video is from a few years ago, but still very relevant to repacking wheel bearings. I have repacked bearings when I was 10 years old believe it or not helping out my grandfather. I enjoyed it very much and it was great for bringing back memories on how to do it. Seems like repacking wheel bearings are nowadays a lost art.

very good, and I will use it to refresh me as I do my own repacking.

Great video. Took the challenge to do my own trailer which I was absolutely dreading, having never done this before & usually take to the shop. I could not believe how simple it was! Saved a few pounds & learnt something new. Cheers.

Excellent step-by-step instruction. This is how all RU-vid repair/build instructional videos should be produced. Thank you so much!

Thanks for the video. Well thought out and explained. Also liked the appearance of the dog at about 7:52. I'll probably be dealing with that too.

Amazingly helpful video, Tyson! I love how you articulate each step and things to look out for. I really appreciate you doing this...loved the dog running off with the wood block!

Hadn't done this job in a number of years. This video was a great refresher with great tips to make the job easier. Now I'm ready to go tackle my trailer. Thanks!

Excellent! Very well explained. I feel like I can do this myself now. Thanks!

To knock out the seal without damage, go in through the opening in the spindle cavity where the outer bearing sits & lightly tap on the outer edge of the inside bearing ( the side of the bearing that faces in toward the spindle cavity) with a hammer & wooden dowel. Neither the bearing nor seal is damaged that way.

i always clean the bearings in solvent to remove any dirt and same with the inside of the housing then repack after they are clean and dry. the old grease probably contains contaminants and should be removed.

Great job on the video. Very informative, without being long winded. My RV mechanic is booked up, so I decided I’m going to learn how to repack my bearings. This is the first video I’ve seen with very simple to the point instructions on doing just that. Thanks!

Great vid for a DIY guy on my m101 trailer that needs some love. Also the bed head your sporting is strong!

I am a bike mechanic, and repack wheel bearings all the time, so I have some transferable knowledge to apply the the trailer wheels. But I had no idea how to adjust the play using the castle nut. This video gives me all I need to do the wheels, step by step, safe, focus on key points And the dog edit was fun! THANKS for a clear, well done video.

I liked your video. Would have liked you giving explanation regarding the greasing of that zerk fitting that was in the axle under the grease cap.

I've watched 5 videos on changing a hub and this was absolutely the best.

Thank you, this was the most straight forward set of instructions that I needed for my RV, you made this picture perfect and made it look more simplified, awesome tutorial.

Great video! I need to do this on my tent trailer so, thanks for the info. Loved the random shot of the dog grabbing your 2x4. haha :)

Dog is putting in some work 7:51

Such an awesome tutorial! Thanks a lot for doing this. I'm going to inspect/repack my popup camper wheel bearings today.

Tyson......Excellent "how to" video! I looked at at least ten others...your's is by far the best....Good job!

Thanks heaps, well explained and no crazy music, time for a BUD!

cotter pins are cheap.. replace them. spec on a bearing end play is normally .001" - .005". would be measured with a dial indicator, push in pull out. essentially there should be almost no wobble. to loose and the bearing will work harder only rolling on a couple rollers. to tight and we'll,... it tries to roll on all of them. if install new races, you should also seat the new bearing races. torque spec is handy here.

That was an awesome video. No silliness, very simply and thoroughly explained. EXACTLY what I was looking for. Thank you,

nice job, first time checking the wheel and bearings out. It took the mystery out of the jog. Thanks again. Diego Vansante

I bought instruction from Avasva and I build it very very cheap.

Dude, put a new cotter pin in!!!

Tyson, thanks for the video. Just about to travel with my 23 travel trailer and your video reminded me of the next steps.

Perfect instructional video👍🏻. This has been a big help to me when changing my cartrailer bearings. Thanks 🙏🏻✌🏻

I’ve watched a million videos on how to fix stuff, this was one of the best. Very well explained! Thank you!

Best all around video I have seen on this subject, well done!

Thanks!Getting ready to take apart this on a camper...Appreciate your time.

Absolutley a top notch video. Very well explained, for a layman and novice mechanic. I had a rough idea about how to change wheel bearings, but your explanation eased all my apprehension. Definitely will subscribe to your channel.

Great video. Easy to follow for a novice boat trailer owner. Thank you.

Awesome video! You got all the points that I needed and it was informative, effective, and easy to follow. Thank you!

I have never done this before but your video was well shot so that it is easy to see, and your instructions are simple and clear. Thank you sir, well done!

Thank you this video got me in the right direction I was able to change mine out it took me about an hour but I appreciate the the video that really helped

I wish every RU-vid tutorial was as clean and concise as this!! Not counting the grease of course

Nice pace. Very clear and a great video for someone doing this for a first time.

Great video. Very informative and well explained. Thank you for the making!!

Thanks for the great video. I found it to be very helpful and well thought out. Very good info.

Great video! Thanks for taking the time to do it.

thanks for taking the time to do the vid. straight to the point. great job!

Excellent tutorial- thanks. Amazing how these videos are still helpful years down the road.

Well explained...I’m ready to try it! Thanks for a great video!

Awesome video! Straight forward, detailed, and to the point! Thanks

I found this very informative. The last time I packed bearings was in the late 1970s on my 1969 Oldsmobile 442. I needed this refresher and found it useful today as I cleaned and repacked the hubs on my 26 year old Utility Trailer ... first time since I purchased it. The wheels were turning smoothly but was thinking its something I put off too long. I did not note any damage on the hubs, races, or bearings.

Good video. I just did mine and followed most of these same steps. I went by Dexter’s manual and torqued to 50 ft/lbs to set the bearing, then backed off the nut and went finger tight and installed the locking. Also got new Good Year Endurance tires installed today as well 😁

Super clear instructions and he covers other possibilities and things to be aware about too. Very useful!

Great clear instructions, best instructional video I have ever seen. No wasted time, great explanations of the how and why. Exactly how my dad taught me to pack my bike bearings as a kid!

Great video for those of us who are not that mechanical. This was a nice guide for someone like me who is not real confident trying to do something like this without some assistance.

Very informative, thanks, Tyson.... I have always enjoyed doing things myself rather than paying someone else to do some of the simpler jobs.

in the 50's I was raised in a Richfield gas station, (arco today) if i've that job once ive done it 100's of times. you have done a great job with your instruction. good job. all safety.

Good video, I will now go and attempt this on my trailer, thank you for the detailed video 😎👍

Thank you. Great job! I just happen to be doing 3 marching band trailers this weekend!

Thank you, that has saved me a trip to the mechanics.

Thanks! Used this tutorial to repack front hubs on an E-Ride Industries EV

Thanks for creating this video. I am currently restoring a vintage Shasta trailer. I put new tires on it and noticed that the wheel bearing felt dry or gritty. I'll be following your directions here really soon.

Great job in explaining all the steps. I think I can do it right now! Enjoyed the dog blip too!

Excellent video! I learned some things I did not know! Appreciate your style of explanation. Thanks!

Well put together, logical step by step info. I actually got it after the first time. Thanks Tyson.

Great Video. This should be viewed by service facilities. I take my camper in for a state inspection. After I grease/inspected bearings. The shops just don't now how to properly tighten the axle nut. Some wrench it on so tight and others to loose.....

I’ve watched several similar videos, this is the best.

Great info and covers all parts of the process. You just saved me time and money!

Thanks for this video. I just bought my first travel trailer and I am looking on getting the trailer up on its maintenance.

Very well explained and all done with basic tools. Perfect.

fantastic video...beautifully explained and demonstrated....thank you!!!

Thanks Mate. That was very helpful I feel confident to go out and do mine.

Great presentation! Clear, well thought and thorough. As another comment already shared; thanks for no loud music. I'll be back.

Great job and easy to follow. Thanks for the info-well done.

Excellent. Thank you, Ryan Reynolds. Very helpful video that was well made.

Thanks, mate. Best one of these i've found.

Perfect video! Not too long but covers all the bases!! Awesome 👌

Great video. Thanks for sharing! (one of my four trailer wheels just rolled off of my trailer. Fortunately, I was at my destination and driving 2 MPH when it happened).

Very good presentation. You spoke well, clearly, and slow enough to understand and follow. Thanks.

Nice video, it's been awhile since I needed to do this and the video really helped me out this time around.

Nice video. About the tackle this process on my little trailer and now I feel like I actually know how to handle it.

Super informative video with lots of details and close up shots.

Well done video. I feel confident that I can now do it myself.

Informative and complete....all you need to know....thanks for an excellent presentation.

Very helpful. Great jobTyson. Loved the dog. Thank you guys

Great explanation and you got straight to the point great job buddy

Thank you very much. These were very important imformation for me.

Great video. Thank you very much you guys did a great job.

Excellent video. Very helpful. Thanks for sharing this.

One of the best DIY video. Thanks.

Really thorough while also brief. Thanks for the vid - it's helpful!

That’s as good as they get. REALLY nicely done. Thanks.

thanks buddy! Just redid mine by addoing new bolts since mine were stripped out but forgot in what order the bearings went back in. Very cool way to grease the bearing Thankyou wheel went back on in a snap. Only thing is mine had a washer type cotter pin that fits on after the washer and then with prongs bent you tighten castle nut and prongs stick out from axle side outer diameter and travel under castle nut and then you align in a good spot and bend them up in castle nut notches....Thanks again Great video Subbed!