A trailer's bearings are key to its smooth operation. If these bearings become damaged or worn, the trailer will no longer be able to function properly. That's why it's important to regularly inspect your trailer bearings and replace them when necessary.
When it is time to replace your trailer's bearings, make sure you purchase the best trailer bearings available, as these will ensure the smooth operation of your trailer for a long period.
Poor-grade bearings are unable to provide smooth rotation and can wear out rapidly. See our top-rated trailer bearing reviews to determine which set of bearings is well suited to your trailer.
BEST PICK
WPS 3,500 lb Trailer Bearing Kit
PREMIUM PICK
LIBRA 3500 lb Trailer Axle Bearings
BEST VALUE
CURT Trailer Bearing Replacement
Top 7 Reviews on Best Trailer Bearings
Trailer bearing sets are often overlooked when making repairs, but they play an essential role in the functionality of a trailer.
These small components allow for smooth rotation of the axle and wheels, which helps to avoid damage to the trailer. For finding the best boat trailer bearings, simply check out our top picks below.
1. WPS 3,500 lb Trailer Bearing Kit
In order to function properly on long trips, the trailer requires good quality bearings. WPS offers a set of four bearings with a grease seal for tandem axles which will help to keep your trailer running smoothly.
Key Features:
- 3,500 lb weight capacity for carrying heavy loads
- Double-lip grease seals for preventing dirt and debris
- Set of four bearings with grease seal for tandem axles
- Spindle size of 84 for compatibility with many boat trailers
This particular set is designed for a spindle size of 84, so be sure to check your trailer's spindle size before making a purchase.
With a 3500 lbs weight capacity, this set of bearings can handle a heavy load, making them ideal for those who frequently haul large items with their trailer.
The kit includes four sets of inner bearings and races, four sets of outer bearings and races, and four pieces of double lip wheel bearing grease seal.
Using this kit, you can easily replace old or worn inner and outer bearings and seals for a long-lasting repair.
A pair of double-lip grease seals help prevent dirt and debris from entering the vehicle. The weight and dimensions of this item are 6.8 x 6.3 x 3.2 inches and 3 pounds, respectively.
Pros:
- High load capacity
- Easy to install
- Double-lip grease seals
- It comes with four sets of bearings and races
Verdict:
Installing WPS 3,500 lb trailer bearing kit can be a great way to keep your trailer running smoothly on long trips. This set includes everything you need to replace old or worn bearings and seals, and it can handle a heavy load. However, be sure to check your trailer's spindle size before making a purchase.
2. LIBRA 3500 lb Trailer Axle Bearings
These bearing sets from LIBRA are designed to use on the trailer. They are of a high-quality and will ensure a smooth ride for your trailer.
Key Features:
- Fits trailers with axle weight ratings of 3,500 lbs
- The bolt pattern of 5 on 4.5" for compatibility with a variety of trailers
- Races are already installed for quick and easy installation
- E-Z lube grease caps for easy bearing maintenance
- Rubber plugs help keep grease from leaking out
Two replacement bearings are included in this kit and are designed to fit trailers with axle weight ratings of 3,500 lbs. Installing them is a breeze since they are designed to work with standard 5 on 4.5-inch wheel hubs.
For those looking to replace their old, worn-out bearings and restore the performance of their trailer, these bearings can be a viable option.
The bearings are made from high-quality materials and have a bolt pattern of 5 on 4.5", making them compatible with a variety of trailers. The races are already installed, so you can simply drop them in and get the job done.
All the axle bearings are durable and long-lasting, and all the necessary components are included so that they can be installed quickly and easily. With proper maintenance, these bearings will keep your trailer rolling smoothly for a long time.
The E-Z lube grease cap makes it easy to keep the bearings properly lubricated, and the rubber plugs help keep the grease from leaking out.
Wheel nuts on cone wheels are made of high-grade materials and are designed to prevent bearing damage.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Durable material
- 3500 lb rating
- E-Z lube grease caps
Cons:
- It can be rusty in rare cases
Verdict:
Considering overall features, the LIBRA 3500 lb trailer axle bearings can be a good option to go with. With proper care, these bearings can last for a long time.
3. CURT Trailer Bearing Replacement
When you are in need of a replacement boat trailer bearing kit, you can check out this product from CURT.
Key Features:
- 1-inch inside diameter for easy replacement
- Maintains correct internal pressure to prevent seal damage
- Grease seal helps keep out dirt and moisture
- Made from strong metal for durability
This bearing kit has a 1-inch inside diameter and can be used to replace your old or damaged bearings. With this kit, you can keep your trailer rolling smoothly on the road.
In order to prevent seal damage, this trailer bearing replacement kit automatically maintains the correct internal pressure. Doing so helps to keep the trailer in good condition while it is in use.
It can be beneficial for people who use their trailers on a regular basis since this can prolong their trailer's life and avoid costly repairs.
With this kit, you will receive two bearing cones, two bearing cups, a grease seal, and a pin, so you will have everything you need to get the job done.
Moreover, the included grease seal helps keep out dirt and moisture, ensuring that your bearings remain in good condition for longer.
Made from strong metal, these bearings are built to last and can easily handle the wear and tear of regular use.
Pros:
- Prevents seal damage
- It keeps out dirt and moisture
- Automatically maintains internal pressure
- Strong and durable
- Easy to install
Verdict:
With the durable construction and easy-to-use design, this bearing replacement kit can be a wise choice for you. It helps to keep your trailer in top condition while you are on the road.
4. WESTERNPRIME Trailer Wheel Bearing Kit
WESTERNPRIME offers you a complete inner and outer bearing kit (Set of 4) for 5200-7000 lb. tandem axles. Made from high-quality materials, this product is designed to provide you with long-lasting service.
Key Features:
- Complete wheel bearing kit for 5200-7000 lb. tandem axles
- Double lip grease seals for superior protection against dirt and water
- Includes four cones and races made from premium quality materials
- Provide smooth and quiet operation
With proper installation and maintenance, your bearings will last a long time. This will also result in a smooth and quiet trailer operation.
The kit includes four cones and races made from premium quality materials, ensuring durability and long-lasting use.
In the inner bearing cones, the I.D. is 1.75", while the O.D. of the races is 3.265". The outer bearing cones have an I.D. of 1.25'', and the races have an O.D. of 2.717''.
This kit also includes four double lip grease seals designed to keep out dirt and water while providing superior lubrication.
Pros:
- Quality materials
- Smooth and quiet operation
- Double lip seals
- Long-lasting
Verdict:
The WESTERNPRIME trailer wheel bearing kit offers you a smooth, quiet, and long-lasting operation from your trailer wheels. Made from premium quality materials, this product can be a wise choice for those looking for a reliable and durable wheel bearing kit.
5. FKG Trailer Spindle Bearing Kit
FKG bearing kits are designed for use with trailer axles that have 1-1/16 inch straight spindles. This kit comes with four bearing sets, enough to replace all of the bearings on a trailer axle.
Key Features:
- Made from high-quality materials for long-lasting performance
- 4 grease seals with O.D of 1.98" and I.D of 1.25" for a snug fit
- Cotter pins, dust caps, and bearings included for easy installation
- Bearings have an inside dimension of 1 1/16 inch
- Races have an external dimension of 1.98 inch
The bearings in this kit are made from high-quality materials and are designed to provide long-lasting performance.
Eight L-44649 bearings, eight L-44610 races, and four grease seals are included in this kit. The bearing sets have an inside dimension of 1 1/16" and the races have an external dimension of 1.98". The seals have an O.D of 1.98" and an I.D of 1.25".
Kits contain cotter pins, dirt caps, and wheel bearings, so you are prepared for the task at hand. This item weighs 3.56 pounds and has dimensions of 8.78 x 8.7 x 4.53 inches.
Using this product will help to keep your trailer spindle in good condition and improve its longevity.
Pros:
- Durable construction
- Long-lasting functionality
- Easy to install
- Smooth performance
Verdict:
You can try to use this trailer spindle bearing kit to improve the longevity of your trailer spindle. The kit includes pins, dust caps, and bearings. It also comes with high-quality materials to provide long-lasting performance.
6. XiKe Trailer Bearing Replacements Kits
XiKe bearing kits are designed for replacing worn-out bearings on your trailer. They are made of high-quality materials and come with all the necessary hardware for a complete installation.
Key Features:
- Made of high-quality materials for durability
- Quiet and fast rotation for superior performance
- 100% dimensional tolerance for optimal installation
- Vibration and noise inspected for quality assurance
Featuring high-quality chrome steel construction, these bearing sets are both rugged and durable, ensuring a long life of dependable service.
Their ability to rotate quickly and quietly offers superior performance, making them a suitable replacement for your existing bearings. Installation is simple, so you can have your trailer running again quickly.
The kits are made to 100% dimensional tolerance and include noise and vibration inspection, so you can get optimal installation and performance. With these replacement bearing sets, you can keep your trailer in peak condition for towing.
It is made to fit 1-3/8 to 1-1/16 inch axles. The kit includes an axle hub wheel, L68149/L68111 and L44649/44610 x 1, 171255TB seal, pin, and dust cover. This product is easy to install and is a great way to keep your trailer running smoothly.
Pros:
- Rugged and durable
- Simple installation
- 100% dimensional tolerance
- Quiet and smooth performance
Verdict:
Overall, choosing these trailer bearing replacements kits can be beneficial to you since they are easy to install, have high-quality materials, and provide quiet and smooth performance.
7. RIGID HITCH INCORPORATED Boat Trailer Bearings
These trailer bearing sets are designed for 1-inch straight spindles and are a great way to keep your trailer running smoothly.
Key Features:
- Includes four L-44643 bearings for 1 inch straight spindles
- Grease seals provide proper greasing for bearings
- Dirt cap for protecting bearings
- Keeps the trailer running smoothly
There are four L-44643 bearings included in this kit, as well as four L-44610 races measuring 1.98 inches in outside diameter.
So whether you're looking to replace your old bearing sets or simply don't have any, this kit has everything you need.
This set also includes two seals which have an outside dimension of 1.98 and an inside dimension of 1.25. You can also find a dirt cap that has a diameter of 1.986 inches and a depth of 1.16 inches.
The grease seals and dust caps help keep the bearings in place and properly greased so that your trailer will continue to run smoothly.
Pros:
- Fits 1-inch spindles
- Quality construction
- Smooth performance
- Protective dirt cap
Cons:
- The dust cap may a bit tight
Verdict:
By using these boat trailer bearings, your trailer will run smoothly. With four L-44643 bearing sets and four L-44610 races included in the kit, replacing your old bearings or adding new ones is easy.
Factors to Consider When Buying Trailer Bearing Kits
Boat trailer wheel bearings are an important part of your trailer and should be replaced when needed. They help keep your trailer running smoothly and can extend the life of your trailer.
When choosing trailer bearing repair kits, you should consider a number of factors. By doing so, you will obtain the best possible performance from your trailer. Consider the following factors when selecting bearing sets for your needs.
1. Bearing Size
The size of the bearing sets is important because it must correspond to the size of your trailer's axles.
If the bearings are too small, they cannot fit around the axle and will not perform as expected. In the event that the trailer bearing repair kits are too large, they may fall off of the axle while in use.
As the bearings size is directly connected to safety, you should always check and recheck it before making your purchase. Therefore, you can be sure that the bearing sets will stay in place and perform as needed.
2. Bearing Material
It is also important to consider the material of the bearing since it determines how long they will last. A bearing constructed from high-quality materials will last longer and perform better than those made from low-quality materials.
Make sure that the boat trailer wheel bearings you select are made of high-quality materials. Additionally, if the bearing is corrosion-resistant, it will be even better.
This is particularly important if you live in an area with a lot of moisture. The best boat trailer hubs are those that are made from quality material.
3. Spindle Size
Another important consideration is the size of the spindle. The spindle is the part of the trailer that the bearing fits around. Ensure that the spindle and bearing are compatible with each other. By doing so, the bearings will remain in place and not fall off during use.
4. Grease Seals
Grease is important in the proper function of a bearing. In the absence of grease, the bearing will remain unlubricated and will eventually wear down. A grease seal acts as a bearing protector and is placed over the bearing to prevent the bearing wear.
These seals keep the grease in place and prevent it from leaking out. When choosing a bearing set, make sure that it comes with seals. This will extend the life of your trailer bearing repair kits and keep them running smoothly.
5. Dust Caps
Dust caps are placed over the bearing to keep dust and debris from entering them. This is important because dust can cause the bearing to wear down prematurely.
Additionally, dust can also cause the grease to become contaminated and less effective. Make sure that the bearing set you select comes with dirt caps. In this manner, you can ensure the bearing runs smoothly for a long period of time.
6. Bearing Races
The races are the metal surfaces that the bearing roll on. They are an important part of the bearing and should be made of high-quality materials.
If the races are not made of high-quality materials, they will wear down quickly and need to be replaced frequently. To avoid this, make sure that the bearing set you select comes with high-quality races.
7. Cotter Pin
A cotter pin is a small metal pin that is placed through the hole in the spindle. This keeps the bearing from coming off of the spindle while in use. Make sure that the bearing set you purchase comes with a pin. As a result, your bearing will remain in place and will not fall out during use.
8. Noise
You should also consider the noise that the bearing makes. If the bearing sets are noisy, they will not only be annoying but can also indicate a problem. Be sure to select the best boat trailer bearings that run quietly. This way, you can avoid any potential problems and enjoy a smooth ride.
9. Vibration
In addition to noise, you should also consider the vibration that the bearing produces. Excessive vibration can indicate a problem with the bearing. The vibration is produced as a result of the movement of the trailer parts inside.
A poorly-made bearing can cause the parts to become loose and cause excessive vibration. Check the overall construction quality of the bearing before purchasing it. You will be able to avoid any potential problems.
10. Quantity
When selecting a boat trailer bearing replacement kit, you should also consider the quantity. Make sure to purchase a set that has enough inner and outer bearings for your needs. This way, you can be sure that all of the wheels on your trailer are properly supported.
11. Installation
As you look for buying boat trailer bearings, you should also take into account how easy it will be to install. A bearing that is easy to install will save you time.
In addition, an easy-to-install bearing is less likely to cause problems during installation. Choose a bearing that is easy to install so that you can get it up and running as soon as possible.
How to Replace a Trailer Bearing?
After an extended period of use, it is inevitable that the outer and inner bearing sets will need replacing. The good news is that this is a relatively easy process that can be done at home.
By learning how to replace the bearing set, you will save both time and money. Below are the steps you need to follow:
Step 01: Collect the Necessary Tools and Supplies
Before you begin, you need to gather the necessary tools and supplies. This will make the process much easier and will ensure that you have everything you need. The following is a list of the tools and supplies you will need:
- Adjustable wrench (large)
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Hammer
- Car-jack
- Needle-nose plier
- Lug wrench
- Bearing grease
- Clean rags
Step 02: Prepare the Trailer
When you have gathered the necessary tools and supplies, you need to prepare the trailer for repair. Begin by parking the trailer on a level surface. Next, engage the emergency brake and chock the wheels. This will prevent the trailer from moving while you are working.
Step 03: Jack Up the Trailer
Once the trailer is prepared, you need to jack it up. Place the car jack under the axle and slowly raise it until the tire is off the ground.
To prevent any accidents, ensure that the jack is placed on a solid surface. Slowly raise the jack and stop when the tire is just about off the ground.
Step 04: Remove the Tire
After the vehicle has been jacked up, the tire can be removed. Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts and then remove them by hand.
Carefully pull the tire off of the axle. If it is difficult to remove, use a hammer to tap it lose. Be careful not to damage the wheel. After removing the tire, set it aside in a safe place.
Step 05: Remove the Dust Cap
It is necessary to remove the dust cap after removing the tire. The dust cap is located at the front of the boat trailer wheel hub. To remove it, use a screwdriver. You may need to use a hammer to tap it lose. Once the dust cap is removed, set it aside.
Step 06: Remove the Cotter Pin
After you have removed the dust cap, you will need to remove the cotter pin. Use a needle-nose plier to remove it. Set the cotter pin aside once it has been removed.
Step 07: Remove the Spindle Nut
Now you can remove the spindle nut. Use the adjustable wrench to loosen it. Once it is loose, remove it by hand.
Step 08: Remove the Hub
The next step is to remove the hub. To do this, simply pull it off of the axle. If it is difficult to remove, lightly tap it with a hammer. Be careful not to damage the hub.
Step 09: Remove the Bearing and Seal
The bearing and grease seal is located inside the hub. You can remove them by using a block of wood and a hammer.
Place the wood block on top of the bearing and lightly tap it with the hammer. This will loosen the bearing and seal. Once they are loose, you can remove them by hand.
Step 10: Clean the Area
After removing the old bearing and seal, it is important to clean the area. This will ensure that the new bearing and grease seal is properly seated. To clean the area, use a rag.
Step 11: Greasing the New Bearing and Seal
The next step is to grease the new bearing. This will help it to last longer and prevent any problems.
To do this, place some grease on your hand and rub it on the bearing. Next, put a small amount of grease on the seal. Please note that you must wear hand gloves to prevent your hands from becoming dirty.
Step 12: Inserting the New Bearing and Seal
You are now ready to insert the new bearing and seal. Insert the seal and bearing into the hub. Once they are in place, use a block of wood and a hammer to tap them into place. Be sure not to damage the bearing or seal.
Step 13: Re-assemble the Hub
After the new bearing and seal are in place, you can re-assemble the hub. Before doing so, it is important to add some grease to the spindle. This will help to keep the hub in place and prevent any damage.
To add the grease, simply put some on your finger and rub it on the spindle. Then, place the hub back on the axle and tighten the spindle nut.
Step 14: Insert the Spindle nut and Cotter Pin
Now you can insert the cotter pin and spindle nut. Reverse the order in which you removed them. First, insert the spindle nut and then the cotter pin. Be sure that they are properly seated before moving on to the next step.
Step 15: Replace the Dust Cap
The next step is to replace the dust cap. Simply press it into position. If it is difficult to press on, use a hammer to tap it into place. Make sure that you do not damage the dust cap during this process.
Step 16: Re-install the Tire
When you have installed the dust cap, you can reinstall the tire. You should simply place it on the axle and tighten the lug nuts using the lug wrench. Be sure to tighten them as much as possible.
Step 17: Lower the Trailer
After the tire has been installed, you can lower the trailer. Slowly lower the jack. Once the trailer is on the ground, remove the jack and store it in a safe place.
After following these steps, your vehicle should be ready to go. The trailer will now operate smoothly on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions:
There are a few questions that are commonly asked about bearing. The answers to these questions can help you to gain a better understanding of bearing. The following are a few frequently asked questions and their answers:
1. How Long Do Trailer Wheel Bearings Last?
Travel trailer wheel bearings typically last for about 85,000 to 100,000 miles. However, this will vary depending on the type of bearing and how it is used.
2. How Often to Grease Boat Trailer Bearings?
You should grease your trailer wheel bearing sets every 12000 miles or every 12 months, whichever comes first.
3. Do Trailer Bearings Have a Speed Rating?
The bearings do not have a speed rating. Providing the tires are kept clean, and the vehicle is kept at a minimum speed, the bearings are not affected unless you have problems with the wheels.
4. How Do I Know If My Trailer Bearings are Bad?
There are a few signs that your boat trailer bearings may be bad. These signs include noise coming from the bearing sets, difficulty in turning the wheel, or the wheel feeling “sticky” when you turn it. Any of the following signs may indicate that your bearing sets need to be replaced.
Conclusion
It is clear to you why you should invest in the best trailer bearings and how to install them without any problems. Installing new bearing sets can be a simple process if you follow the steps outlined in this guide.
By checking the features, benefits, and cons, of the bearing sets we have listed, you will be able to find the appropriate bearing set to suit your trailer.
With the right bearing sets, you can enjoy a smooth ride on the road and peace of mind knowing that your trailer is in good working order.
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