Understand The Risk - Why Wheel Bearings Matter
Every year thousands of enthusiasts with boat trailers, caravans, box trailers, horse floats and semi-trailers are stranded on the side of the road due to trailer failures relating to wheels, wheel bearings and axles.
The essentials of wheel bearings
Your wheel bearing is essential – it connects your wheel to your car, and enables your wheels to rotate smoothly while you are driving. Any weakness in this connection, and your wheels just won’t move smoothly or at all. Suddenly you’ve got yourself a serious risk on the road. According to BoatUS, the number one reason for requests for their roadside Trailer Assist service were attributed to flat tires/no spare, second on the list was failed Wheel bearings.
First, let’s understand the role of the wheel bearing
Your trailer has four bearings, each located on the wheel of your trailer.
Your bearings are paramount to the proper function of the hub, tyre and wheel assemblies.
The bearings allow friction-free movement and rotation of the around the axle assembly, supporting smooth tyre and wheel rotation. All wheel bearings must have a constant supply of grease for lubrication, and must be periodically repacked with fresh grease to keep lubrication to the area.
Can you spot a bad bearing?
It’s a good idea to have your bearings checked every time you have a service, checking for discolouration, etching, spalling, misalignment and fractures.
Any changes in these conditions indicate the bearings are worn and need to be replaced.
Once you are on the road, Wheel Sensei is the safest way to spot a bad bearing before it causes any real risk, because it alerts you to conditions before they lead to a problem.
Traditionally, drivers relied on manual inspections to pre-empt a problem, or wait until the following tell-tale signs emerged while on the road:
- Issues with ABS systems
- Irregular noises such as a clunking, humming, whining or grinding noise when you are driving .
- Looseness or vibration in the steering wheel