{"id":95276,"date":"2023-10-24T23:37:24","date_gmt":"2023-10-25T06:37:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogv2prod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=95276"},"modified":"2023-11-30T19:49:04","modified_gmt":"2023-12-01T03:49:04","slug":"your-guide-to-packing-bearings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/your-guide-to-packing-bearings\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Guide to Packing Bearings"},"content":{"rendered":"\nReading Time: <\/span> 5<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n

Anti-friction bearings make it possible for the wheels to rotate while they support the entire weight of the vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bearings are quite small, but they can have a big impact on drivability when they start to fail. To prevent issues and unscheduled trips to the auto repair shop, you must keep the bearings lubricated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Does It Mean to Pack a Bearing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To pack a bearing means to apply a substantial amount of grease throughout the entire bearing assembly. Packing is a part of bearing maintenance<\/a> that aims to clean the bearings and keep them lubricated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like most car parts, manufacturers also recommend using vehicle-specific grease for bearing assemblies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grease is oil mixed with a thickening agent. It’s typically inserted in spaces where liquid lubricant won’t hold. In most cases, aluminum, barium, and calcium are the thickening agents added to the grease mix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Pack Wheel Bearings On a Trailer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Packing a wheel bearing<\/a> is a fairly easy task that even newbie DIYers can do in their garage. Here’s a general guide on how to pack a bearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1<\/strong>: Hoist the vehicle safely before removing the wheel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2<\/strong>: For vehicles with a rotor\/caliper setup, remove the brake caliper assembly<\/a>. You can use a coat hanger or hook to support the assembly and prevent the caliper from hanging by the brake hose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3<\/strong>: Remove the grease cap, cotter key, and spindle nut<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4<\/strong>: Remove the washer and outer wheel bearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 5<\/strong>: Remove the bearing hub<\/a> from the spindle. The inner bearing will still be in the hub after this step, but you can remove it once the grease seal is pried out.<\/p>\n\n\n