Wheel Cap Function & Bearing Lubrication Guidelines  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hub center caps such as # 319EZ are definitely designed with aesthetics in mind, but they also serve the purpose of keeping dirt away from the wheel bearings.

You are correct that a hub that radiates excessive heat is a sign that there is at the very least a lubrication problem. However, that is not the only test or guideline for when and how to lubricate your wheel bearings. Wheel bearings are a critical part of the trailer body. They help support the trailer's weight and keep the wheels turning on the axle. Properly maintained bearings allow the wheel to spin freely, without putting unnecessary friction on the trailer axle. A wheel bearing that has been neglected eventually leaks and deteriorates. Dirt and other foreign objects can contaminate the bearings, cause breakdown of the assembly and possibly enable the wheel to detach from the axle.

Wheel bearing maintenance frequency depends on the trailer type, wheel size, and average load weight. We recommend inspecting the bearings every year or every 12,000 miles. But boat trailers with small wheels require re-packing every 2,000 miles. Generally, the smaller the tire, the faster the wheels spin, which puts stress on the bearings. Frequency can also be determined by considering how the trailer is used and where it has traveled.

The safety of the cargo inside depends on proper maintenance of the trailer's wheel bearings. Greasing the bearings must be done at regular intervals for proper load distribution and mechanical integrity of the wheels. Improperly maintained wheel bearings can cause wheels to detach without warning and result in damage to the trailer and its cargo.

expert reply by: Aaron A

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