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Why Axle Service is Important for Your Trailer

Axle Service: Read Why It's The Most Important Thing You Can Do For Your Trailer

Having bad, unmaintained axles can be disastrous. Axles are the central shafts for rotating a wheel or gear.

An axle can be attached directly to the wheel to rotate them. An axle can also be just fixed to the vehicle and the wheels of the vehicle spin around the axle.

Now even on a normal vehicle, axles have to be running smoothly for the car to actually move.

Having unmaintained, built up axles can mean that your vehicle's tires can pop out at any given moment while you're driving. Imagine driving on the highway at a high speed and your axle gives way. The result could be disastrous.

Now imagine the threat of having something as important as your axles unmaintained, and multiply it by ten. That's the threat you have with un-checked axles on your trailer.

On a utility or gooseneck trailer, you're probably carrying some important cargo with you. Imagine your trailer breaking down in the middle of a delivery or in the middle of the highway.

Having to unload that cargo, jack up your vehicle in the middle of the highway to possibly repair an axle is a painstaking process. This painstaking process can be avoided entirely by regularly checking up on your trailer's axle to make sure a wheel or two don't come flying off at anyone.

Maintain Your Trailer Axles

Whether you have utility trailers, dump trailers, gooseneck or car haulers, you would be carrying some sort of cargo with you. Checking up on your axle, an essential part of your entire set up, can save you from potential losses as mentioned.

Here are a few things you should look out for when maintaining your trailer's axles

Moisture Build-Up

The biggest reason you need to have your trailer axles maintained is that they have moisture build-up.

The lubrication you apply to your axles can be rendered useless as it becomes diluted and breaks down if there is moisture build-up.

Besides moisture, dirt, dust or debris has a likelihood of accumulating over time.

Even if your trailer remains idle, a simple clean up can ensure everything is smooth and running by getting rid of moisture build-up.

Ball Bearings

A bearing is made of a cup and a cone. The cup is pressed into the central part of the axle and the cone contained the actual ball bearings. Your bearings should be kept well-greased at all times to protect them from heat caused by friction.

When checking on your bearings, make sure you clean thoroughly to get rid of any build-up.

While doing the wipe down, check whether the bearings have any cracks, dents or any opening that seems like it may break. If they are damaged, they should be replaced as a set for the cup and cone according to the load rating of the trailer.

If the bearing looks good, use a degreaser on it.

Avoid adding too much lubricant, as it can damage the grease seal.

The Seal

The rubber seal should be flexible and should hold back any fluid. Greasing your bearings too much can cause damage to your seals.

If the seals become damaged, grease or oil can begin to leak out of the seal and once it's open, dirt and debris can come in too. Fluid and dirt combine to form a nasty brown substance that can completely jam your bearings lead to catastrophic results.

Check for any faults in the seal and replace it for any crack you might see.

The Race

The race is the design of the bearing. The bearing has inner and outer races or protrusions. Each race is a ring with a groove where a set of balls lay. The balls are meant to be loose in the groove.

Run your hands along the race to find any signs of damage. Any discoloration can cause an improper fit and can cause noise during acceleration or deceleration. If you do find a fault make sure you write down the trailer axle part number for quick reference for a replacement.

If everything looks good, pack the bearings by greasing them up a little.

The trailer axle should be coated with grease as well and then slide the bearing back into the hub of the axle and tighten the nut. Make sure you tighten efficiently since loose nuts can still cause the wheels to fall off entirely.

Grease Efficiently

The majority of your trailer axle problems stem from not routinely greasing your bearings.

Greasing is a deterrent to heat caused by friction. An un-greased hub can overheat, it can destroy spindles, brake hubs and have your tires running off your axle while you're driving.

The hub should be greased once a year or every 3000 miles if you use your trailer a lot for cargo. Before a maintenance routine, check if y our hubs are leaking or if the tires are shaking. You can easily spot this by checking the back of the rim for splattered grease.

Like we mentioned earlier, if the color of this grease is brown or grey this means that there is a sure sign of leaking and water, dust and debris have flown into the bearing.

Maintaining the trailer hub affects the trailer's axle directly. Keep the hub free of dust by giving it a slight shake or tap after you've removed it.

Remove the key lock to pull the hub off the spindle. Wipe down the spindle with a lint proof cloth. Inspect the spindle for any cracks. If the cracks are deep enough, this means the trailer's axle has been damaged and needs to be replaced.

After you've disassembled the seal and taken apart the ball bearing and you're ready to put it back together, pack the bearings with grease.

Take a piece of grease in your hand roll the bearing around in the grease to get it deep within. The cap of the bearing should be greased pretty well when you're re-installing the seal and bearing.

If you are looking for trailer axle service nearby just check out our page and schedule your appointment

About the Author

Hi, I’m Johnny Shelton with NC Trailers, the #1 rated trailer dealer in the Carolinas. With over 300 trailers in stock, we’ve proudly served contractors, adventure seekers, and everyone in between since 1996. Having sold and serviced over 10,000 trailers, we’re grateful for the trust our customers have placed in us. We’re committed to using our experience to help you succeed in all your trailer and towing needs. Let’s thrive together!

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Trailer Prelim Financing Blog
First Last N.
12:41 13 Apr 25
Nctrailers Team are awesome !!! Sam the sales representative was very helpful on the phone and when I should up on site. Shanice with my contract. Tammy explaining each process during the DMV registration and paperwork. Ryan was very patient in the pouring rain preparing and getting me connected to the truck and doing the safety checks 5 times to make sure no issues. Thanks nctrailers of Thomasville for professionalism and attention to detail. I definitely be seeing you guys in a few months for a car trailer .
Desiree B.
18:02 12 Apr 25
Had the pleasure of buying our first trailer for our new business from them this weekend. And let me say I can’t say enough about this company. From the first call with Donna, till we drove off the lot hooked up, they were absolutely amazing! Their inventory is intensive yes, but the customer service is extraordinary! Our purchase experience start with a transfer to Zach who was welcoming and extremely knowledgeable! Shancie took care of the financing and made everything so easy and simple, and Tammy was fast with our paperwork! Noah and Ryan went above and beyond for the install and hookup of all the accessories we choose! These folks are the best around and hire the most wonderful crew! Highly recommend them for any trailer purchase or service needs!
Mitch O.
12:47 12 Apr 25
I would like to take a minute and recognize several people at NC trailers. From the start it was Zach & Sam in sales which went above and beyond the process of helping me pick the correct trailer and helping me complete all necessary paperwork when I was literally 1800 miles away driving down the road.

Shanice in financing made financing the trailer simple and quick, and behind the scenes Tammy in tag/title department was doing her magic so it all came together as one cohesive unit the day of picking the trailer up.

Speaking of picking up the trailer, Ryan & Noah truly went above and beyond expectations working in the pouring rain, while not compromising standards of making sure everything went smoothly and that I was hooked up correctly while taking the time to fully go over every aspect of the trailer and how to hook and unhook the trailer.

Tyler in Service & Parts was very helpful with information regarding the Gooseneck hitch for my next trailer.

Thank you to each Team member of NC trailers. I HIGHLY recommend this company to anyone needing a trailer.

So, if you need any type of trailer, accessory or even a repair, NC trailers should be your First and only stop. They truly make you feel like Family and the trailers are rated top in the Industry and priced very reasonably.

Head on over to NC trailers and get your trailer today. Tell them Mitch with a “M” not a “B” sent you, and you should receive an extra smile or two.
Anthony T.
21:34 10 Apr 25
Awesome place to do business!
Shaun O.
04:19 09 Apr 25
I have to say I had great experience with the staff at NCtrailers in Thomasville, NC. The staff up there were amazing. I had the pleasure of being David’s first sale for his new career dealing in this type of equipment. He has had many years in sales and it shows but he decided to venture into a new atmosphere of sales. Working through the contract side of things Shanice was very thorough and was able to give me all the details I needed. She was so inviting and made you feel comfortable through would could be a stressful process.

Tammy was a sweetheart with the tag and title paper work and talked me through all the necessary links and info I would need to setup the last little bit of info.

Ryan and Noah had me all hooked up and ready to go and even took the time to help me find a short in my connection on my truck so I would be comfortable knowing all the lights and everything worked properly on the new trailer.

All in all I had a great experience with the entire staff from parts to sales to service. I will most definitely be recommending them to anyone I know for their trailer needs.

Now wish me luck on my lawn care company venture.
Lawn Legends LLC.
Conard B.
14:22 07 Mar 25
The staff was very helpful and motivated I went back and forth with two trailers figuring prices and add ons they were very patient and provide me with two different layouts for two different prices. I finally made my decision. I would highly recommend for your next trailer go too NC trailer sales.
Keith B.
02:54 07 Feb 25
After searching many sites, I settled on calling NC Trailers of Thomasville, NC. Zach was very helpful over the phone answering my questions. After I decided on a trailer I drove 3 1/2 hours to arrive at their location only 30 minutes before they closed. They didn’t mind my late arrival or staying to complete the sale. I changed my mind on the trailer I wanted and Shaun was very quick to redo all the paperwork for the sale. Noah was also helpful in going over the trailer with me and answering questions I had. And thank you Tammy for saving me a trip to NCDMV, at NC Trailers they can do your DMV registration and you leave with tags already installed. The trailer pulled smoothly all the home.
Jenny D
00:33 11 Dec 24
Tyler at NC trailers was knowledgeable, helpful & communicated well. Tyler made getting the replacement part I needed hassle free. Thanks again!
Stephen J.
18:46 09 Dec 24
What a great place to purchase a trailer!! Such a huge inventory and very competitive pricing. My sales representative was Zach and he really went over the top to satisfy what I wanted. Shaun handled my contract and was super efficient as with Tammy, who handled my DMV paperwork. Many thumbs up to this great group!!
Thanks so very much!!
Frederick H.
10:06 07 Dec 24
Bought a Landscaping trailer from them 5 years ago. Great trailer! They service and have parts in stock! Went and seen Tyler for parts the other day and he's very knowledgeable and friendly. Would recommend these guys to anyone! Dec 2024 Update: This is my second review. Lol. I some new HD axles installed on a trailer back in the spring and they are holding up GREAT! Thanks Tyler again for your sales work and Wes for an amazing flawless install! Great knowledgeable crew here!
Stephanie N James R
03:44 07 Dec 24
This company was great! Zach showed us great options, and helped us pick the perfect trailer for our needs. Shawn explained all of the extra packages we could add to it, and finalized the contract. Tammy did a great job at making sure we had our title, tag,and registration taken care of. And, Ryan and Noah got us hooked up and ready to go. Because they have an on-site parts and service department they were able to install the needed brake controller the our truck wasn't equipped with. Wonderful place. Will definitely recommend!
william C.
20:34 27 Nov 24
This is my second Trailer I bought from NC Trailers. Everyone that helped me went above and beyond with their service.
Sales- Shancie
Finance- Shawn
DMV/paperwork- Tammy
Hookup-Ryan & Noah.
Their Service department helped me out a week later too.

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