Can you put too much grease in a trailer hub?

Too much grease causes churning and higher temperatures. Semi-fluid grease must be used with a vented hub cap. It cannot be packed around the bearing as it will slump.

Can you over grease a trailer bearing?

They keep grease packed into the hub. munchy wrote: More grease is never the right answer. Overgreasing can actually cause the rollers/balls to slide over the bearing surface rather than roll over them.

Can you pack too much grease in a bearing?

Too much grease volume (overgreasing) in a bearing cavity will cause the rotating bearing elements to begin churning the grease, pushing it out of the way, resulting in energy loss and rising temperatures.

Can you over grease a grease fitting?

While applying grease minimizes wear of parts and bearing, over-lubrication can reduce a component's life expectancy. For instance, too much grease can increase running temperatures and lead to energy losses.

Can you over grease equipment?

Over greasing is also to blame for seal failure and damage. Because grease guns produce up to 15,000 psi, lip seals can rupture allowing contaminates to enter the bearing housing.

Timken Tricks of the Trade: Trailer Wheel Bearing Maintenance

How much grease should you put in a bearing?

Typical relubrication amounts are 1/3 to 1/2 of the original fill quantity. The proper fill quantity of a grease lubricated bearing is often specified as a percentage of the bearing's free space. It is, therefore, important that the bearing's free space is accurately determined.

How often should you grease wheel bearings on travel trailer?

With a larger travel trailer, you should grease your trailer wheel bearings every 10,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. If you have a smaller travel trailer, however, you'll need to grease your wheel bearings every 2,000 miles. This is because the wheels are smaller and spin faster.

How do I know when a grease fitting is full?

If this is the case, the best tactic is to “feel” the grease into the bearing cavity until slight resistance or back pressure is felt against the trigger, or lever, signaling the bearing cavity is now full.

How much grease should you put in a grease fitting?

How do you know when enough grease?

The best policy, of course, is to measure the size of the bearing shaft, width and bearing outer diameter, as well as the grease gun output per stroke, then calculate the amount required. If a simple formula is not available, estimate the number of shots based on the shaft diameter for bore diameters up to 6 inches.

Can you over grease a ball joint?

DO NOT CONTINUE GREASING ONCE YOU SEE THE BOOT SWELL. The seal that holds that grease in the ball joint can be compromised if too much pressure is applied.

How much grease do you put in a bearing buddy?

How often should you grease your trailer hubs?

Proper lubrication helps maintain functionality and reliability of your trailer's axle(s). Bearings should be lubricated approximately every 12 months or 12,000 miles unless otherwise specified by the axle manufacturer.

How do I know if my trailer bearings need grease?

If noise is heard, check for a bad bearing or if lubrication is needed. Check for Heat – Tow the trailer for a short distance, 5-10 miles at highways speeds, then park the trailer. Place your hand on each of the wheel hubs of the trailer. If it is too warm to hold your hand in place, you may have a bad bearing.

Why are my trailer hubs hot?

When a hub heats up it is usually from either inadequate lubrication or a castle nut that is too tight; you confirmed that neither of these applies in your situation. If the trailer is overloaded with more weight on each hub than they are rated for this too can lead to higher hub temperatures.

How much grease comes out of a grease gun?

Grease guns deliver widely varying amounts of grease (typically 0.1 ounce or 2 to 3 grams).

What does ZERK mean?

(zɜrk ) noun. a small metal fitting through which grease can be inserted into a mechanical joint that requires periodic lubrication.

Why is it called a Zerk fitting?

The Zerk design, named after Oscar Zerk, used a fitting much smaller than the Alemite pin-type and did not lock the hose coupler or hand gun and fitting together. Instead, the seal between them was maintained by the pressure of a pushing action when the operator applied the coupler to the fitting.

How much grease do you put in a wheel hub?

For traditional greases (NLGI Nos. 1 and 2), pump a ring of grease into the entire circumference of the wheel hub and coat the hub cap inner wall. The housing should only be half full of grease. Too much grease causes churning and higher temperatures.

How long does bearing grease last?

Lubricant deteriorates over time as a result of ageing, condensation, and separation of the oil and thickener. Therefore, sealed bearings should not be stored for more than three years.