Repacking Trailer Bearings With Electric Brakes [Expert Guide]

Welcome, fellow gearheads and trailer enthusiasts. If you’ve stumbled upon this article, there’s a good chance you’re in need of a thorough guide to repacking trailer bearings with electric brakes. Well, strap in and grab your grease gun this is one of the best guides you will get.

Is Trailer Bearing With Electric Brakes Different

Yes, trailer bearings with electric brakes are different, and here’s why:

Regular trailer brakes use a hydraulic system, but electric brakes use electricity. Think of it like comparing a regular phone call to a video chat; both let you talk, but they work in different ways.

When it comes to repacking bearings, the electric brakes add an extra step. It’s a bit more complex and needs more attention to detail. It’s not an impossible task, but it’s like cooking a slightly fancier dinner you need to follow the recipe a bit more carefully.

So, in short, trailer bearings with electric brakes are a unique twist on the usual job. They’re a bit more modern and need a bit more care. But don’t worry, with the right guidance, you’ll have them repacked in no time.

Tools and Materials Needed for Repacking Bearings

When it comes to repacking trailer bearings with electric brakes, equipping yourself with the right tools and materials is not only a mark of professionalism but a guarantee of efficiency. So here are the tools and materials that you need:

The Right Kind of Grease

You’re not just buttering toast here; you’re lubricating mechanical components. Selecting the proper grease is vital. The bearings and their associated parts require specific lubricants designed to withstand high temperatures and friction. Opt for high-quality grease specified for trailers to ensure optimal performance.

A Trusty Grease Gun

This isn’t a weapon from a sci-fi movie; it’s your tool for precise lubrication. A quality grease gun allows for the exact application of grease where it’s needed, avoiding excess that could lead to mess and waste.

Pliers and Screwdrivers

Your fingers might be nimble, but they’re no match for pliers and screwdrivers when it comes to the finesse needed in this task. Quality pliers will help you handle those cotter pins with the grace of a ballet dancer, while a solid screwdriver will make opening the dust cap a breeze.

Wrench Set

These aren’t just tools; they’re extensions of your hands. A complete wrench set that fits the nuts and bolts of your trailer will turn a potentially grueling task into an enjoyable puzzle-solving experience.

Jack Stands

Safety is no joke here. Supporting the trailer securely with quality jack stands is a non-negotiable aspect of this task. It ensures stability during the operation and keeps you safe while working beneath the trailer.

Cleaning Materials

There’s no sense in repacking bearings if you’re just adding fresh grease to old grime. Cleaning cloths, brushes, and proper cleaning solvents are must-haves to ensure that all the components are pristine before you apply new grease.

Other Miscellaneous Tools

Other tools like a hammer, seal puller, or torque wrench might come in handy depending on your specific trailer and bearing setup. Having these in your arsenal means you’re prepared for anything that comes your way.

When Do Trailer Bearings With Electric Brakes Need Repacking

Trailer bearings with electric brakes don’t scream for attention.  Now, how often should you break out the grease gun and give those bearings a little love? There are certainly some guiding principles.

Most manufacturers recommend repacking trailer bearings every 12,000 miles or annually. You can think of it as changing your car’s oil regularly and consistently. However, this isn’t set in stone. Factors such as usage, road conditions, and the type of trailer all come into play.

Your trailer talks to you, but not in words in noises and handling. If you notice an unusual noise or feel a vibration, these are symptoms of bearings that may be worn or inadequately lubricated, so don’t ignore them.

When you are taking your trailer on a wild adventure through dirt roads, or for a swim in a lake or ocean. These conditions can get water and debris into the bearings, necessitating a good cleaning and repacking. In essence, if you put your trailer through the wringer, it might be time to give those bearings some extra care.

Step-by-Step Guide to Repacking Trailer Bearings

Repacking trailer bearings may look tough if you haven’t done it before, but it’s a key part of taking care of your trailer so that it runs smoothly. Below, we’re going to give you a simple, clear, and complete guide to fixing those trailer bearings. Don’t worry, we’ll break it down in an easy-to-follow way, just like driving on a smooth road.

Detach the Wheel

First things first, we have to gain access to the hidden treasure known as your trailer’s bearings. And we do that by detaching the wheel.

1. Jack It Up: Using a proper jack, lift the trailer until the wheel is off the ground.
2. Steady as She Goes: Place jack stands beneath the trailer to ensure it stays securely elevated.
3. Lug Nuts Be Gone: Grab your wrench and remove the lug nuts holding the wheel in place.
4. Wheel Away: Gently take off the wheel, setting it aside.

Open Dust Cap

Think of the dust cap as the guardian of the bearings, a metallic shield that has seen better days. Using a flathead screwdriver, gently pry open the dust cap. Easy does it; we don’t want to damage this little fellow. You’ve now exposed the nut that’s holding everything together.

Pull Out the Cotter Pin

The cotter pin is the gatekeeper of this operation. It’s a tiny piece, but it has a huge responsibility. Look closely, and you’ll see the cotter pin looking back at you. Using pliers, extract the cotter pin with gentle, loving care.

Take Out the Hub

Now things are getting interesting. Taking out the hub requires some finesse. The castle nut comes off first. Twist it counterclockwise and set it aside. Gently slide the hub off. It might play hard to get, but persistence pays.

Take Out the Rear Bearings

With the hub gone, you’re now face-to-face with the rear bearings. Locate the seal, right there, behind the rear bearing. Gently pry the seal and take out the rear bearings.

Grease up the Bearings

Let’s pamper those bearings with a spa-like grease treatment! Select top-notch, trailer-specific grease. Using a grease gun or your fingers, apply the grease liberally to the bearings. Ensure every nook and cranny is coated. 

Reassemble Everything

Now, it’s time to put everything back where it belongs, only better.

1. Bearings First: Slide them back in like you’re tucking them into bed.
2. Hub’s Turn: Reattach the hub, followed by the castle nut and cotter pin.
3. Dust Cap and Wheel: Replace the dust cap and wheel, tightening those lug nuts.
4. Lower with Care: Remove the jack stands and lower the trailer

Tips and Tricks for Efficient Repacking

Repacking trailer bearings with electric brakes can be a breeze if you know what you’re doing. Here are some simple tips to help you out:

• Use the Right Grease: Pick a good quality grease made just for trailers.
• Clean Everything Well: Make sure all parts are clean before putting them back together.
• Check for Damage: Look for any signs of wear or damage while everything’s apart.
• Don’t Use Too Much Grease: More grease isn’t always better. Just use enough.
• Take Your Time: Don’t rush. Slow and steady wins the race.
• Have the Right Tools: Having the proper tools makes the job much easier.
• Follow Instructions: Stick to a guide to make sure you’re doing it right. 
• Be Safe: Always think about safety first. So handle everything with care and make sure neither you nor anything in your trailer gets hurt.

Popular Questions

How Often Should Trailer Bearings Be Repacked?

Generally speaking, trailer bearings should be repacked every year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. If you’re an occasional weekend wanderer, you might stretch it out a bit longer.

What Happens if You Don’t Repack Trailer Bearings?

Well, my friend, buckle up for a bumpy ride. Neglecting to repack trailer bearings is a bit like ignoring a toothache, it might be fine for a while, but eventually, it will catch up with you.

Should Trailer Bearings Be Tight or Loose?

Trailer bearings shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. Too tight, and you’re looking at excessive wear and potential overheating. Too loose, and you may have wobbly wheels, uneven wear, or worse, the bearing could fall out.

How Do I Know if My Trailer Bearings Need Repacking?

Signs that your trailer bearings need repacking might include grinding or squealing sounds, wobbly wheels, or visible wear or heat.

How Do You Clean Bearings Before Repacking?

Inspect for wear or damage and give those bearings a once-over. Thoroughly dry, air dry, or use compressed air. Just like washing your face, you don’t want to leave any residue.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, a comprehensive guide to repacking trailer bearings with electric brakes. It’s a journey filled with grease, nuts, bolts, and the satisfaction of a job well done.

Keep your bearings happy, and your trailer rolling smoothly, and never underestimate the importance of good maintenance. Happy trails to you, and remember, it’s not about the destination, it’s about how smoothly you get there.