As a boater, it is essential to know the importance of maintaining your trailer wheel bearings. Failures in the bearings are one of the most common reasons for trailer breakdowns while towing. The following are simple maintenance tips that can help keep your boat trailer wheel bearings healthy:
1. Tighten the wheel bearings: Loose wheel bearings are a leading cause of bearing failure. Make sure you read your boat trailer owner manual to check if bearings should be hand-tightened, torqued or adjusted while the trailer is in motion. If you are uncertain, have a professional do it.
2. Keep them lubricated: It is essential to maintain your trailer bearings with the right lubricant to ensure smooth operation. Use a good quality water-resistant marine bearing grease to protect the bearings from getting rusted and corroded.
3. Keep the bearings clean: When it comes to maintaining the bearings’ health, cleanliness is crucial. Dirt, dust, and grime can find their way into the trailer bearings, causing damage and seizing. Regularly clean the bearings with a solvent, such as brake cleaner, to remove all the dirt and debris.
4. Inspect the bearings regularly: Check your bearings for wear, rust, or any signs of damage regularly. When the bearings are too worn or damaged, replace them promptly to avoid the risk of malfunction.
5. Keep the trailer wheels balanced: Unbalanced trailer wheels can cause excessive vibration, leading to bearing failure. Rotating the wheels or changing the tire can cause this issue. Having a professional perform a balancing check can prevent damage to the trailer bearings.
Maintaining your boat trailer wheel bearings is essential for the safety and longevity of your vessel. Properly lubricate, clean, tighten and inspect the bearings regularly that can provide you with peace of mind while handling your boat trailer with care. With these easy maintenance practices, you can keep your bearings healthy and ensure a smooth boating experience.