A seized wheel bearing at the boat launch will ruin your day—and possibly damage your trailer beyond repair. Five minutes of inspection prevents hours of headache.
The Pre-Launch Check
Before every trip, perform this quick inspection:
- Touch Test: After driving to the lake, carefully touch each hub. Warm is normal; hot means friction. If it's too hot to touch, you have a problem.
- Spin Test: Jack up each wheel slightly. Spin the tire. It should rotate freely with minimal noise. Grinding, roughness, or resistance indicates bearing wear.
- Wobble Test: Grab the tire at 12 and 6 o'clock. Push and pull. Any play or clunking means the bearings need attention.
Bearing Buddies: Your Best Friend
If your trailer doesn't have bearing protector caps (Bearing Buddies), install them. They maintain grease pressure and keep water out during submersion. Check the grease level by pressing the spring-loaded center—it should feel firm.
When to Repack
Most manufacturers recommend repacking bearings annually or every 12,000 km—whichever comes first. If you launch in salt water, increase frequency to every 6 months.
Signs of Failure
- Grease leaking down the wheel or onto brakes
- Brown or burnt-looking grease (indicates overheating)
- Metallic debris in the grease
- Grinding or humming noise while driving
Warning: Never submerge hot hubs in cold water immediately after arrival. The temperature shock can pull water past the seals. Let them cool for 10-15 minutes first.
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