Wheel bearing failure

[Garyvv]

We were in Alaska when the outer bearing on my 29RS failed. Fortunately I got the TPMS hot alert and did a left turn (left rear wheel) into a rest stop and the wheel didn’t come off. When I took the tire off to inspect I was able to take off the hub because the bearing had disintegrated. After one night in the rest stop and a Good Sam provided mechanic we got back on the road and completed our trip back to Michigan.
I’ve taken apart another wheel to check the bearings and races and they appear OK. My question is, in light of my failure of the OEM Chinese bearings do I replace the three other wheel set. Bearings, races, and seal for high class Timkens that are about $60.00?
Or just do the annual check.

[jh.xsnrg]

If one failed, what would make you trust your future vacations to the other 3?

At least that is how I would approach the question.

Jim

[D2Reid]

One failing would be my call to duty to have all of them replaced. I tend to lean heavily on the preventative maintenance side rather than the fix it when it breaks side. The main reason for this is that when stuff breaks I am usually someplace where help is difficult to obtain.

[Calbar]

We were in Alaska when the outer bearing on my 29RS failed. Fortunately I got the TPMS hot alert and did a left turn (left rear wheel) into a rest stop and the wheel didn’t come off. When I took the tire off to inspect I was able to take off the hub because the bearing had disintegrated. After one night in the rest stop and a Good Sam provided mechanic we got back on the road and completed our trip back to Michigan.
I’ve taken apart another wheel to check the bearings and races and they appear OK. My question is, in light of my failure of the OEM Chinese bearings do I replace the three other wheel set. Bearings, races, and seal for high class Timkens that are about $60.00?
Or just do the annual check.

I have had similar issues on my previous trailer. I just replaced the bad one and serviced the rest. Never had an issue with the rest. If they look good without and marking or signs of heat just do the preventative maintenance.

Rob

[gordofuchs]

If it were me, I'd feel very lucky it didn't turn out worse. If it cost you 240 bucks and some time, I would do it. Especially if you are planning on more long distance towing.

[FT4NOW]

Makes you wonder why it failed. I've replaced all of mine when I fixed my greased brakes problem. I went with whatever etrailer had and didnt go the Timken route. After almost 20k miles with annual clean and inspects, no issues. I wonder if its possible the last time yours were inspected they didnt get greased properly or the castle nut was tightened too much. On the positive side, you didnt lose your wheel and no one got hurt.

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[tatetoter]

We were in Alaska when the outer bearing on my 29RS failed. Fortunately I got the TPMS hot alert and did a left turn (left rear wheel) into a rest stop and the wheel didn’t come off. When I took the tire off to inspect I was able to take off the hub because the bearing had disintegrated. After one night in the rest stop and a Good Sam provided mechanic we got back on the road and completed our trip back to Michigan.
I’ve taken apart another wheel to check the bearings and races and they appear OK. My question is, in light of my failure of the OEM Chinese bearings do I replace the three other wheel set. Bearings, races, and seal for high class Timkens that are about $60.00?
Or just do the annual check.

The fact that you are asking the question is your answer. Better safe then sorry.

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[Garyvv]

After hearing from my peers, I decided to replace all the bearings with Timken. Got them on Amazon for 60% of the cost at the local store. Bearing packer and race setter made the job easier. Kept one of the Chinese set as a spare.

Thanks for the input.

[Maximus216]

After hearing from my peers, I decided to replace all the bearings with Timken. Got them on Amazon for 60% of the cost at the local store. Bearing packer and race setter made the job easier. Kept one of the Chinese set as a spare.

Thanks for the input.

can you send us the link to those parts?

[Buckskin]

First off; like others suggested to be on safe side replace all bearings and races. 2nd, I started using an infrared temp gun to check temperature of hubs and brake drum at each fuel stop. Just shot light on area closes to hub or spindle(not on cap covering zerk grease fitting as this does not give you a good reading) and then shoot light onto drum area where brake shoes ride. Temps will vary from 10 to 20 degrees especially on hot day where the sun hits one side of camper more than other side.