What Is One of the Most Important Parts of a Typical Trailer?
In transportation, the enemy of forward movement is friction. In short, you won't be able to move your vehicle and trailer unless certain mechanical components designed to deal with friction are in good shape. If you want trouble-free motoring and the ability to tow your car or boat to your destination, why do you need to pay particular attention to these friction-busting trailer parts?
Focusing on the Wheel Bearings
While many individual components must work in harmony before you can set out on the road, the most crucial parts in this situation are your wheel bearings. These tiny parts sit within the wheel hub assembly and are covered by a protective cap. Each bearing sits on the end of a static hub connected to the axle. The wheel and tyre assembly are then placed on top of the bearing.
How Bearings Work
Inside each wheel bearing case are many small taper or ball bearings. These are covered by grease and allow the wheel and tyre to spin freely while the hub remains static. Without these bearings, the wheel will not be able to turn, and you won't get anywhere. Fundamentally, the bearings permit friction-free movement and are some of the most essential parts of your entire rig.
The Need for Maintenance
Most modern-day bearings are sealed units that are not designed to be maintained as such. When they start to wear out, they will need to be replaced, although some older types can be serviced at predetermined intervals. In this situation, the bearing will be removed from its location and repacked with grease once it's been inspected to look for any signs of damage.
How Bearings Degrade
While wheel bearings should last a great deal of time without too much attention, they will inevitably begin to degrade. Sometimes, moisture and dirt can penetrate the protective barrier and compromise the bearing. At other times, the tiny components inside can wear out and, in the worst-case scenario, could seize altogether.
Consequences of Failure
If one of your bearings were to seize up, it would lock the wheel and tyre in place, which could be very problematic if you were driving at a higher speed. Worse still, the entire assembly could break away from the hub, leaving your trailer on one wheel instead of both.
Taking Action
Don't take your trailer bearings for granted but schedule regular service for close inspection. A mechanic will scrutinize each bearing and replace them if needed.
For more information about trailers and how they work, reach out to an auto service near you.