Trailer Bearings - " Rumbling"

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tchart

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#286026 31-May-2021 16:34

Just after some suggestions.

Took my trailer for WOF on the weekend. VTNZ failed it as they said the bearings were "rumbling". Seems a bit odd that both bearings would go at the same time on a 5 year old trailer. He said it was becuase of all the sitting around.

Anyway, phoned the local trailer place and they reckon $290 to replace. Seems a bit excessive given the parts are around $40.

So, does anyone have any suggestions for place in Wellington (prefer the Hutt) that does this kind of thing?

Otherwise will just do it myself, only reason I was hesitant was becuase of the grease etc.

Scott3

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#2716255 31-May-2021 16:43

Around two trailers it seems like I am replacing trailer bearings every year or two. If you have the will to do so, probiably a good task to tool up to DIY.

Don't need a grease gun unless you are running buddy bearings, can just hand pack the grease.

last few time I ordered "Timken" brand bearings, & grease.

I also purchased a bearing race punch down tool, and a punch / Large hammer to get the old races out.

Alternatively any mechanic should be able to do this task. Shouldn't take more than a couple of hours labor.

mattwnz

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#2716257 31-May-2021 17:00

Whenever we took our old trailer to get a warrant, they always said the bearings sounded noisy. But it has always been like that and it was quite an old trailer. I recall it has grease nipples to lube it up.

shrub

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#2716260 31-May-2021 17:08

This is normal. bearings need to be adjusted as they wear or they will rumble. It's a pretty easy repair with basic tools. Suggest a puller for the inner race and a good punch tool.
Cutting also works but you risk cutting the axel.

YouTube is your friend here

tchart

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#2716261 31-May-2021 17:09

mattwnz:
Whenever we took our old trailer to get a warrant, they always said the bearings sounded noisy. But it has always been like that and it was quite an old trailer. I recall it has grease nipples to lube it up.

Yeah that occured to me too. If the bearing were seized it's one thing but if they are noisy perhaps a bit of grease will sort it out.

I'll probably try that first. It doesn't see a lot of use so perhaps it just needs a good run on the motorway after greasing.

Fred99

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#2716503 1-Jun-2021 08:45

tchart:
mattwnz:

Whenever we took our old trailer to get a warrant, they always said the bearings sounded noisy. But it has always been like that and it was quite an old trailer. I recall it has grease nipples to lube it up.

Yeah that occured to me too. If the bearing were seized it's one thing but if they are noisy perhaps a bit of grease will sort it out.

I'll probably try that first. It doesn't see a lot of use so perhaps it just needs a good run on the motorway after greasing.

I don't fancy your chances. If they're rumbling but not loose (which VTNZ should have noted if they were), then replace them. If they start "going on you" - failing - on the motorway after greasing, then it can happen fast. The wheels could fall off - which is generally a very bad thing. You could kill someone.

Rumbly means the bearings and/or shell surfaces have rust and/or wear spots. It won't fix itself.

I wouldn't waste grease on them - unless they're "loose" as opposed to "rumbling".

1101

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#2716589 1-Jun-2021 09:58

Perhaps the bearings were the cheapest Chinesium quality ?

If they fail while towing the trailer around , you wont notice until its too late .
Ring around for some quotes/estimates . Im sure it would be a quick job for experienced mechanics (Ive replaced bearings, its not hard)

Dyson

Shop now for Dyson appliances (affiliate link).

dukester

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#2716674 1-Jun-2021 11:53

I have just replaced 2 wheel bearings on my trailer. never done it before.

Youtube videos were useful plus having the right tools.

Cost About $100 for two wheel bearing kits and grease from Repco

tchart

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#2716679 1-Jun-2021 12:31

dukester:
I have just replaced 2 wheel bearings on my trailer. never done it before.

Youtube videos were useful plus having the right tools.

Cost About $100 for two wheel bearing kits and grease from Repco

Thanks @dukester I might just do the same given it sounds like this is going to be a repeat event over the lifetime of the trailer.