How Often Should You Repack Trailer Wheel Bearings? A Practical Guide for Western Washington Haulers

Introduction

One of the most important—and most overlooked—parts of trailer maintenance is keeping your wheel bearings properly greased and in good condition. Whether you haul horses, equipment, landscaping tools, or cargo, those bearings carry the entire load. Failure can lead to overheated hubs, spindle damage, lost wheels, or dangerous roadside breakdowns.

If you're wondering how often to repack trailer wheel bearings, the answer depends on your trailer type, hauling conditions, and mileage. In Western Washington—where moisture, rain, and road grime accelerate wear—bearings need more frequent attention than in drier climates.

General Guidelines: How Often Should You Repack Trailer Bearings?

For most trailers:

• Every 12 months OR every 10,000 miles — whichever comes first.

• Every 6 months for horse trailers or commercial-use trailers.

• Every 3–6 months for boat trailers (water immersion increases contamination).

But for Western Washington haulers:

Western Washington Recommended Interval

Every 6–12 months, regardless of mileage, because bearings here face:

• consistent moisture exposure

• wet roads

• temperature swings

• long storage periods (rust risk)

How Trailer Type Affects Bearing Service Frequency

Horse Trailers

Every 6–12 months Horses shift weight unevenly, creating wear patterns on one side. Urine and moisture also increase corrosion risk inside the hub.

Utility, Landscape & Cargo Trailers

Every 12 months More frequent if hauling heavy materials or driving long distances.

Dump Trailers

Every 6–12 months Heavier loads + hydraulic systems mean more stress on axles and hubs.

Equipment Trailers

Every 6–12 months Skid steers, tractors, and machinery place high stress on bearings.

Boat Trailers

Every 3–6 months Water immersion introduces contaminants quickly.

Signs Your Wheel Bearings Need Service Now

If you notice any of these warning signs, schedule service immediately:

• Humming, grinding, or squealing noise

• Excessive heat around hubs

• Wheel wobble or looseness

• Grease leaking from caps or seals

• Visible rust, water, or contamination

• Uneven tire wear

• Brakes not performing normally

Ignoring early symptoms leads to spindle damage, blown hubs, or wheel separation.

Why Wheel Bearings Wear Faster in Western Washington

Our region’s climate accelerates bearing wear due to:

• Frequent rain = water intrusion

• Mud and road debris = contamination

• Cold seasons = thickened grease + friction

• Long winter storage = corrosion

This is why local shops (including ours) see high bearing failure rates around spring.

What’s Included in a Professional Bearing Repack?

At Northwest Trailer & Equipment, a standard bearing service includes:

• Removing hubs and drums

• Cleaning all bearings and races

• Inspecting for cracks, scoring, and pitting

• Repacking bearings with high-temperature grease

• Replacing seals as needed

• Inspecting brakes, magnets, wiring, and backing plates

• Reassembling and properly torquing hardware

• Road-test and final safety check

This ensures your trailer is safe, smooth, and ready to haul.

How Much Does Bearing Service Cost?

The cost of repacking trailer wheel bearings depends on the number of axles, the type of brakes your trailer uses, and the condition of the hubs and seals. Most customers fall into these general ranges:

• Single-Axle Trailers: Typically a modest service cost for the full inspection and repack.

• Tandem-Axle Trailers: Generally priced higher due to the additional hubs and brake components involved.

• Triple-Axle Trailers: Costs vary more based on axle rating, load demands, and wear.

Your final price may be higher if we discover damaged bearings, worn races, leaking seals, or brake components that need replacement. We always provide a clear estimate before any additional work is performed.

If you’re unsure what your trailer needs, we’re happy to take a look and walk you through the best maintenance plan for your hauling style and axle type.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you experience heat, noise, vibration, grease leaks, or visible corrosion, do not haul until inspected.

Regular service prevents:

• roadside breakdowns

• hub failures

• axle damage

• wheel loss

• repairs costing 3–5× more than routine maintenance

Conclusion

For most Western Washington haulers, wheel bearings should be inspected and repacked every 6–12 months depending on use. Proper maintenance keeps your trailer safe, prevents expensive repairs, and ensures your load arrives without problems.

If you’re unsure of your bearing condition or it’s been over a year, it’s time for an inspection.

Contact Northwest Trailer & Equipment to schedule a bearing service for your horse trailer, dump trailer, utility trailer, or cargo trailer.