How To Pack Wheel Bearings

Learning how to pack wheel bearings is an important first step to properly maintaining your wheel bearings. Over time wheel bearings start to show signs of wear and it becomes necessary to re-pack wheel bearings. All types of trailers have wheel bearings located in the wheel assembly and they need to be repacked eventually as part of regular maintenance. Aside from boat trailers, other types of trailers such as motorcycle trailers, jet-ski trailers, ATV trailers and general purpose trailers all require maintenance of the wheel assembly and need to have the wheel bearings repacked. This guide will teach you the proper way to pack wheel bearings.

To pack wheel bearings you will need:

• Grease (for wheel bearings)
• Bearing packer (optional)

1. Fill the bearing packer. Fill the wheel bearing packer about half way with wheel bearing grease. Do not fill the wheel bearing packer with more than fifty percent grease. Drop the wheel bearings into the wheel bearing packer one by one, tapered side pointing up. Apply pressure with the wheel bearing packer to press the wheel bearings into the grease.
2. Remove the wheel bearings. Remove the wheel bearing from the wheel bearing packer. Open the cover of the wheel bearing packer and take the wheel bearing out.
3. Manually grease the bearing. Follow this step if you do not own a wheel bearing packer and do not wish to use one. Scoop a decent amount of wheel bearing grease into your hand. Pick up one of the wheel bearings with your free hand.
4. Grease the bearing. Place the bearing in your hand and hold the wider side of the bearing against your hand. Pack the grease into the cage of the wheel bearings. Exercise patience and continue to rotate the bearing until it is fully packed.
5. Verify your work. Continue to rotate the bearing as necessary and add more grease as necessary. Inspect the wheel bearings to ensure grease is visible on all sides of the wheel bearing. Take a small amount of wheel bearing grease and wipe it around the sides of each bearing before installing the wheel bearings.

You might consider using a wheel bearing packer for a much easier and cleaner result. Packers for wheel bearings can be purchased at most major automotive stores.