Posted 2009-06-23 1:00 PM (#106908) Subject: What do you pay for repacking wheel barrings
Member
Posts: 24
Location: Pennsylvania
We recently purchased an older trailer, and although it needed some work, it is structurally sound, and the floor is solid. We did have to replace the wood in the ramp and sides, and there is some surface rust. I assume the last owner didn't take the best care of the trailer, and the wheel barrings need repacked. My husband has never done this, and dosent want to mess it up. I called a trailer repair place today, and they quoted me $30 per wheel but said if it has the "fittings" that you just pump grease into it yourself. I was under the impression that it was taken apart and looked at, anything "broke" replaced, and repacked. Maybe Im thinking about something else.
What do you pay for getting wheel barrings repacked?
Im in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Posted 2009-06-23 1:05 PM (#106910 - in reply to #106908) Subject: RE: What do you pay for repacking wheel barrings
Veteran
Posts: 197 Location: MT
My roomate recently had his 2 horse bumper pull bearing packed and I think it cost him right around $250. Its not a hard job to do yourself but if your husband doens't feel comfortable doing it himself it doesn't cost a lot of money to have it done.
Posted 2009-06-23 2:01 PM (#106923 - in reply to #106908) Subject: RE: What do you pay for repacking wheel barrings
Expert
Posts: 2953 Location: North Carolina
Originally written by mydaddysjag on 2009-06-23 10:00 AM
... I assume the last owner didn't take the best care of the trailer, and the wheel barrings need repacked. My husband has never done this, and dosent want to mess it up. ...
The repacking of wheel bearings is easy enough for any person of normal intelligence. The hardest part is PARTS. Having the correct parts on hand for the job is most difficult if you haven't done it before. I would suggest any first timer to plan on making a parts run after they take the first wheel apart. Having the old parts in hand while you purchase the replacements is best insurance to getting the correct part.
(Shameless plug follows...) Here's a step by step article on repacking trailer wheel bearings on Mrtrailer.com It's a bit misnamed. I hope it informs & entertains...
Posted 2009-06-23 2:02 PM (#106924 - in reply to #106908) Subject: RE: What do you pay for repacking wheel barrings
Regular
Posts: 70 Location: Temecula, CA
First of all I wouldn't recomend just pumping grease in because of the greasae fitting (this concept was adapted for boat trailers where the wheel bearing would be subject water). If you use your horse trailer regulary, you so should have your wheel bearings cleaned and packed once a year. By doing this you can check the bearings, races and axle tubes for wear. This yearly maintance will almost guarantee you trouble free traveling at least from your axles on down. This is very important because your wheel bearings carry most of the weight of your trailer...................
Posted 2009-06-23 2:12 PM (#106927 - in reply to #106908) Subject: RE: What do you pay for repacking wheel barrings
Expert
Posts: 2953 Location: North Carolina
Another point about DIY wheel bearing service. You take short cuts at your choice. There have been instances of shops only packing the front bearing of the wheel. Or reusing the grease seal. Or not actually cleaning and repacking the bearings at all... Just pumping some grease of dubious provenience into the hub.
Posted 2009-06-23 3:09 PM (#106940 - in reply to #106908) Subject: RE: What do you pay for repacking wheel barrings
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Packing a wheel bearing correctly takes some time, usually in excess of half an hour per wheel. So if your shop rates are $50/hr, you can expect at least a $200 bill. Some shops in our area are now $90/hr. Those are the labour rates, parts and "shop" supplies will be added to the bill.
Sometimes more damage is done to a bearing by frequent inspections, than if it is left alone. If the mechanic pulls your outer bearing and sets it on the hub cap, you're in trouble. When he takes an old rag out of his pocket, wipes out the race, and then handles the bearing, you're in trouble. Before he reinstalls the bearing and smears some new grease over the old black streaked grease, you're in trouble. If he torques the nut without spinning the wheel, you're in trouble.
A well packed bearing that has not been exposed to extreme conditions of water and mud, should easily last a couple of years. The double tapered front wheel bearings of non-front wheel drive cars, commonly were not serviced for up to 50K miles. With the advent of the newer synthetic greases, a yearly repacking is rarely necessary.
Packing a wheel bearing may not be a job for the first time DIYer. A high or low torque on the nut can cause adverse problems. If the safety isn't installed correctly, problems can result. If the bearings aren't lubricated correctly, they can fail. There are different types of lubrication systems, that have a zerk fitting in the end of the axle. Adding grease to them, without knowing what you're doing, is a bad idea.
The wheel bearings are critical to the safe operation of your trailer, and the lives it carries. Do not attempt this procedure for the first time, unless you have a trained professional at your side, giving accurate instructions. An improperly installed bearing can cause a failure of the bearing, and the spindle. It can and has resulted in the loss of the whole hub and wheel assembly.
Posted 2009-06-24 12:36 PM (#106974 - in reply to #106908) Subject: RE: What do you pay for repacking wheel barrings
Member
Posts: 22
Location: SE Wisconsin
As a first time trailer owner of a used trailer that hadn't been used much in recent years, I tackled it mnyself.
First I found some videos (I *think* on www.etrailer.com) that step by step showed how to do the whole process. Then I read the instructions over and over. Then I ordered parts. The wrong parts of course. Then I went to a local place and got the right bearings, and the owner sat me down and went over all the steps again to make sure I knew what I was doing and to see if I had any questions (very nice guy). They charge about $250 to do it there, so he certainly didn't have to take the time to help me do it myself.
Overall, it wasn't a hard job.. but a lot of parts and messy. I spent a few hours easily sitting on the ground next to my trailer figuring out what I was doing. The first one was the hardest, the last three went really easy once I knew what I was doing.
I did completey replace all of them, although they really didn't need it. It was a good learning experience though :)
What do you pay for repacking wheel barrings
That is why I don't use the grease zerts on mine. Been through the same thing.
