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Hub And Axle Problems With Trailers

Date Posted Friday, January 27, 2012
 

Hi, my name is Rory from Bold Trailers – the trailer repair specialists. I will take you quickly through a job which has come into our workshop. This trailer here right next to me on the hoist has come in on the back of a tow truck. Similar to one of our other jobs in the past, the wheel has come off on the other side of the trailer, basically because the bearings have collapsed. In order to complete the job I have to take this side off as well. 

The customer says his trailer was last serviced just before he bought it and he purchased it 6 months ago. In order to take this off, I have taken the bearing cap off and gone to take the axle nut off. Now generally you will have a split pin through the holes in the nut and through the hole in the middle of the axle. This was missing. This is possibly one of the reasons why the nut came loose on the other side. Furthermore behind this nut, there is normally a washer. That washer will hold the front forward bearing in place. Again this was also missing. So whoever last did the service, we have to assume left this out. This causes big issues. 

That has allowed both the front bearing and the whole hub to move. Through the breakdown of the grease, as you can see which is black, you can tell from my hands, the wheel has not been able to rotate freely and is actually quite stiff. In the process, over the course of time, this has now heated up and has welded itself in place. Generally during a service, once I have all of these components removed, I am able to pull this hub off by hand. 

As you can hear in the background there, this one is not budging and the whole hoist is moving. I am left now with no option other than to take the whole axle out and replace the whole axle. This is resulting in a very costly repair for this customer and simple maintenance could have prevented this. So, if I can help you in any way with your trailer, remember Rory from Bold Trailers – trailer repair specialists, and I would be more than happy to help you. Rory, Bold Trailers 




Why It Is Important To Look After Your Bearings

Date Posted Wednesday, October 05, 2011

Hey guys, Christian at Bold Trailers. I just wanted to take a minute to show you the difference between getting the bearings serviced on your trailer and leaving it for a long period of time.

Have a look at this wheel here, These bearings were replace recently. You can see they are packed full of grease, ready to go and there is not going to be an issue with this trailer’s bearings for at least 18 months time.

 Now follow me this way….. The owner of this trailer hasn’t had their bearings serviced  for quite a long time. You can see it is all damaged and not only do the bearings now need to be replaced but also the axle and the hubs and this can get very expensive.

So remember, if you need any bearings changed on your trailer, if you need any trailer repair done whatsoever, remember the name Bold Trails, We are your Trailer Repair Specialists. www.boldtrailers.com.au




When Is The Right Time To Change My Bearings?

Date Posted Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Author:  Christian Bold

I often get asked by trailer owners “when should I change the wheel bearings on my trailer?”. My first question to the trailer owner is always “When was the last time you had them replaced"? The most common answers to that is "I can’t remember" or " They have not been done since I purchased the trailer 10 years ago".

If your trailer wheel has overtaken you on the road whilst towing the trailer, that is a pretty clear sign that the bearings need to be replaced.... If that hasn’t happened to you and you don’t want that to happen to you then here are 3 questions to ask yourself:

1. Have I had my trailer serviced within the last 18 months?
2. How many times have I backed the trailer into water over the last 18 months? (for boat trailers)
3. How long has the trailer been sitting on the grass or driveway without moving it?

If your answer to 1 or more of these questions is ‘I can’t remember’ then maybe it’s better to be safe than sorry and have the trailer serviced.

There are 3 simple checks YOU can do to your trailer to see if the bearings need to be replaced:

1. Jack one side of your trailer up so that one wheel is off the ground. Place one hand on the tyre at 2 o’clock and the other on the tyre at 7 o’clock. Move the tyre back and forth a few times by pushing the tyre with one hand whilst pulling back with the other hand. If there is movement (also called 'free play') in the tyre, there is a good chance the bearings are damaged.

2. Jack one side of the trailer up off the ground and remove the tyre. If there is excessive grease on the wheel hub, this is a good indication that one of the wheel bearing could be damaged.

3. Hook your trailer up to your vehicle and have someone move the car back and forth whilst you watch the trailer wheels. If you notice the wheels are moving a little wonky, it may be time to change the bearings.

These are just a few things you can do at home to make sure your trailer is going to drive smoothly. The last thing you want is to be broken down on the side of the road when you should be out and about enjoying yourself. 

BOLD Trailers are the Trailer Repair Specialists. When it comes to trailer parts, servicing and repairs - let the experts keep your trailer moving.

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