How to Hand Pack Roller Bearings

Boat trailer wheel bearings require regular maintenance.

Neatly tucked away in brake rotors or drums, roller bearings spin for years in silent servitude. Concern for maintenance is minimal in most cases, and this lack of attention can lead to "sudden" failure. A cargo trailer broken down at the end of a long skid mark is often a display of bearing failure. Packing new grease into the roller bearings of your vehicle or trailer can prevent breakdowns and may improve the ride and handling qualities. Many devices have been contrived over the years to pack wheel bearings, but none offers any great advantage to doing the job by hand.

Things You'll Need

• Parts cleaner solvent
• Compressed air
• Trigger-controlled air nozzle

Instructions

1. Clean old grease from the bearing with solvent or aerosol brake and parts cleaner. Remove solvent residue by flushing the bearing with hot water. Dry the bearing by directing compressed air across all surfaces. Grip the race and cage firmly while drying to prevent the bearing from spinning.

2. Place an ample glob of high-quality bearing grease in your less dominant hand. Hold the bearing in your other hand and scoop grease into the wide end of the roller cage. Press the bearing firmly across your greased palm while forcing lubricant through the rollers and out the narrow end of the cage.

3. Rotate the whole bearing while packing to ensure even distribution. Rotate the rollers and cage around the inner race to disperse the grease. Continue packing until the grease going in forces a similar amount out of the narrow end of the roller cage. Repeat as necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Remove inner bearings from drums or rotors by installing the spindle nut after the outer bearing is removed. Slide the rotor or drum off the spindle quickly to snatch the inner bearing and grease seal from the race. No distortion to the seal occurs if done correctly. Use latex gloves to avoid skin contamination and odors caused by grease.

• Prevent the bearing from spinning while directing compressed air over the surfaces. The bearing can fly apart if spun with compressed air, and you could be injured or property damage can occur.

References

• Automotive Suspensions Steering Alignment and Brakes: Walter E. Billiet and Walter Alley

Resources

• Popular Mechanics: Servicing Tapered Wheel Bearings