Are the Wheel Bearings on Your Trailer Failing? Call McFarlanes!

March 26, 2020 by

Call Mc Farlene for Trailer Needs

Keeping your trailer rolling smoothly down the road requires well-serviced wheel bearings. Find out how to protect bearings from damage and enjoy long-lasting results with quality repairs by our team at McFarlane Trailer Sales & Service. Shop our trailers for sale or restore your reliable trailer today.

Benefits of Quality Wheel Bearings

Trailer wheels use wheel bearings to allow each wheel to spin independently and with reduced friction. Well-lubricated wheels keep your trailer driving smoothly and reduce the risk of overheating. Whether you’re hauling your trailer across the country or just pulling it around your property, be sure you keep your wheel bearings lubricated.

A typical maintenance service for your bearings is repacking. This service replaces grease throughout the bearing and ensures a long life through good lubrication. If you’ve ever heard squealing wheels or felt excessive resistance as you tried to pull your trailer, you understand the benefits of lubrication.

Signs of Bad Wheel Bearings

Don’t let lack of lubrication stall your trailer or cause an accident. Here are some common signs to watch out for as you haul your work materials or off-road vehicles:

  • Grinding noises
  • Clicking
  • Resistance
  • Tire wear
  • Excessive heat

Listen for grinding and clicking noises by connecting your trailer and finding an area where it can be driven slowly and safely. An empty parking lot or your driveway is a great place to test your bearings. Stand safely to the side of your trailer as a friend slowly drives forward. Listen for sounds as the trailer tires pass you. Repeat the process on the other side to test the other wheels.

The best way to check for resistance is to jack up your trailer. Secure your trailer with the wheel in the air. Be sure it’s properly supported and then try to move a wheel. It should spin freely and have a slight amount of play. If it doesn’t spin or has too much or too little play, it’s time to lubricate or adjust your wheels.

Just like your vehicle’s wheels, your trailer’s wheels may wear out quickly if the suspension system or bearings need servicing. Check your trailer tires for signs of wear. If you experience uneven wear, it’s time to have your suspension and bearing system inspected. Don’t risk a blown tire or continue to replace trailer tires; take advantage of affordable repair services.

Finally, checking for excessive heat requires you to drive at highway speeds for at least 10 miles. Once you’ve traveled this far, find a place to safely pull off the road and come to a stop. Place a hand near your trailer’s wheel hubs and carefully touch them. If they are too hot to touch, you need to lubricate your wheel bearings.

Inspection Services

Thankfully, your local trailer service provider can assist you in identifying any signs of wear or lack of lubricant. Work with a local expert to find out if your trailer in Ontario needs to have repair services or more lubricant. Preventative maintenance is far more affordable than repair parts, so be sure you have your trailer checked up and ask about routine inspection services.

Care for your equipment to enjoy long-lasting quality. While your trailer may not need as much maintenance and servicing as your truck, making sure to complete a few key maintenance tasks can keep you hauling professional loads or accomplishing DIY projects.

Call McFarlanes To Restore Your Trailer

At McFarlane Trailer Sales & Service, you’ll meet some of the best technicians in the business. Contact us today to discuss any concerns you may have with your trailer. Work with reliable professionals in your area to enjoy a full-service trailer repair or simple lubrication service. If you’re ready to trade up for a new trailer with a higher weight rating, ask us about our extensive line of trailers for sale.