How often should caravan wheel bearings be replaced?

Typically there is no single universal replacement schedule for caravan wheel bearings. With proper maintenance, you should inspect and repack bearings regularly and replace them only when wear or damage is evident. In practice, many caravan owners follow a baseline of annual inspection and grease re-packing, with bearing replacement considered after substantial wear or adverse conditions, often within a broad range of tens of thousands of miles.

Caravan wheel bearings support the load of the trailer and must operate smoothly and safely. Bearing life depends on factors such as maintenance discipline, road conditions, water exposure, load, and the quality of bearings and seals. This article outlines common guidelines, triggers for replacement, and steps to extend bearing life, all while emphasizing adherence to manufacturer recommendations and professional service when in doubt.

Frequency, inspection, and replacement guidelines

The following guidelines reflect common practice among caravan and trailer service professionals. Use them as a baseline, but always verify with your vehicle’s manufacturer and a qualified technician, especially if you tow in harsh conditions or regularly drive long distances.

• Inspect and repack serviceable bearings every 12 months or 10,000–12,000 miles (16,000–19,000 km), whichever comes first. If you frequently tow in challenging conditions or watersplash environments, you may opt for more frequent checks.


• Replace bearings when you detect wear or damage during inspection: roughness when spinning the wheel, unusual play, heat buildup, grinding or rumbling noises, water intrusion, pitting or scoring on races, or damaged seals.


• When servicing an axle, replace both bearings on that axle and inspect the races; replace seals as needed. In cases of significant damage, consider replacing the hub or hub assembly rather than reusing damaged components.


• Typical bearing life with diligent maintenance is roughly 60,000–100,000 miles (96,000–160,000 km) for well-maintained, serviceable bearings, but severe conditions, improper lubrication, or water ingress can shorten the life significantly.


• For sealed, non-serviceable bearing hubs, replacement intervals are dictated by the manufacturer and may be framed in miles or years; rely on heat, noise, or leakage signs and follow the provided service schedule.

In practice, there is no one-size-fits-all timeline. Bearing replacement should be guided by actual condition, adherence to maintenance schedules, and professional advice when signs of wear or damage appear. Proactive maintenance and prompt replacement when issues are detected are essential for safety on the road.

Factors that influence how long caravan wheel bearings last

Several variables affect bearing life, including climate (temperate versus coastal or humid environments), frequency of water exposure (crossing streams or washing wheels), driving style (heavy braking, high speeds on long journeys), axle design, bearing quality, and the integrity of seals. Understanding these factors can help you tailor maintenance to your caravan’s usage and reduce the risk of premature failure.

Maintenance and practices to extend bearing life

Applying good maintenance practices can significantly extend bearing life and reduce the likelihood of out-of-service failures. Use the guidance below to protect your bearings between inspections and replacements.

• Keep hubs clean and dry; wash away road grime after trips and dry thoroughly to minimize water ingress.


• Repack serviceable bearings with the manufacturer-recommended grease, using correct grease type and quantities; avoid contamination from dirt or old grease.


• Check axle hub nut torque and wheel bearing preload as specified by the manufacturer; recheck after a short test drive and at regular service intervals.


• Inspect seals for wear, cracking, or leakage and replace damaged seals promptly to prevent grease loss and water intrusion.


• Monitor bearing temperature during and after long or strenuous journeys; detected overheating is a warning sign and warrants immediate inspection.


• Avoid overloading the caravan, which increases bearing load and heat; comply with gross vehicle weight and axle load ratings.


• If you suspect water ingress or contamination, disassemble, clean, inspect races, and replace bearings as needed rather than continuing to drive.

Following these maintenance practices does not guarantee a fixed replacement interval, but it greatly reduces the chance of unexpected bearing failures and helps ensure safer towing conditions.

Summary

Caravan wheel bearing replacement is not tied to a universal schedule. Regular inspection and grease repacking—typically every 12 months or 10,000–12,000 miles—are common baselines, with replacement triggered by wear, damage, or water ingress. For well-maintained serviceable bearings, life commonly falls in the tens of thousands of miles range, but harsh conditions can shorten it. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidance, and consult a qualified technician if you notice any abnormal noise, heat, or play. Prioritizing proactive maintenance and timely replacement enhances safety on the road.

What is one of the first signs of bearing failure?

Early indications of bearing failure can include machinery that is running unevenly, or at an exceptionally loud volume, or with reduced accuracy. There are also some visual signs to look for. Here are 5 common signs of bearing failure: Abrasion - Generally caused by excessive wear and friction against mating hardware.

How to tell if caravan wheel bearings are bad?

And doing a pushpull motion. This will put lateral force against the bearing. And if you hear or feel a knocking noise then your bearing could do with some adjustment.

How to tell if wheel bearings need replacing?

You can tell if wheel bearings need replacing by listening for noises like grinding, humming, or clicking, or by checking for a loose or wobbly wheel. To confirm, safely lift the vehicle and check for play by wiggling the wheel; if there's any looseness, the bearing likely needs replacement.
 
This video demonstrates how to check for wheel bearing play: 27sWay of the WrenchYouTube · Mar 25, 2021
Signs of a bad wheel bearing

• Unusual noises: Listen for humming, grinding, growling, or clicking sounds that may get louder as you drive or turn. 
• Wheel wobble or vibration: The car may feel loose, and the wheel could noticeably wobble or vibrate while driving, especially during turns. 
• Pulling to one side: The vehicle may pull to one side, which can happen as the bad bearing creates uneven wear and pressure. 
• Uneven tire wear: Check your tires for uneven wear patterns, which can indicate a problem with the wheel bearing. 

How to perform a physical check

1. Safely lift the vehicle: Jack up the car and secure it with a jack stand so the wheel is off the ground. 
2. Check for play: Grip the wheel at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions (top and bottom) and try to shake it. If you feel any side-to-side play or movement, the bearing may be bad. 
3. Spin the wheel: While the wheel is off the ground, spin it by hand. Listen for any rumbling or grinding noises. A bad bearing will often sound like it has pebbles inside it and the noise will increase with speed. 
4. Compare with other wheels: If the car is safe to drive, you can also drive at a low speed and gently steer from side to side. The noise may become louder when you steer in one direction, indicating the bearing is on the opposite side. 

You can watch this video to learn how to check for a bad wheel bearing: 57sFindTheBestCarPriceYouTube · Apr 14, 2023
What to do next

• Don't ignore it: A failing wheel bearing can lead to the wheel separating from the vehicle, which is extremely dangerous. 
• See a professional: If you suspect a bad wheel bearing, have a mechanic inspect it. They can confirm the diagnosis and replace the bearing for you. 
• Check lug nuts: Before assuming it's a bad bearing, make sure the wheel's lug nuts are tight, as a loose lug nut can cause similar symptoms. 

How often should RV wheel bearings be repacked?

You should repack RV trailer bearings once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. For smaller trailers or those with lighter use, repacking every other year is sometimes acceptable, but annual maintenance is the safest practice to prevent catastrophic failure. 
Recommended maintenance schedule

• Annually: The safest and most recommended interval is to repack the bearings once a year, even if you don't put on a lot of miles. 
• Every 12,000 miles: This is the other common recommendation, especially for trailers that are used frequently for long-distance travel. 
• Every 2,000 miles: This is a recommended interval for smaller travel trailers, which have smaller wheels that spin faster. 
• Every other year: This is an option for those who don't travel extensively and only use their trailer a few times a year, but you should still perform a visual inspection annually. 

Why repacking is important

• Prevents failure: Repacking the bearings removes old, contaminated grease and replaces it with fresh grease, which is crucial for proper lubrication and to prevent the bearings from seizing. 
• Allows inspection: The process provides an opportunity to inspect the bearings and races for damage like pitting, spalling, or corrosion. 
• Protects brakes: Neglecting wheel bearings can lead to grease leaking onto the brake shoes, which can cause brake failure.