How to Pack Wheel Bearings with Grease
Wheel bearings take a beating — constant load, heat, and rotation with nothing but grease standing between them and failure. Properly packed bearings run cooler, last longer, and give you warning signs before they fail. Here's how to do it right.
What Grease Should You Use?
Use an EP2-rated wheel bearing grease — the EP stands for "extreme pressure," and the 2 rating indicates the consistency. EP2 lithium complex grease like Big Blue EP2 Hi-Temp Wheel Bearing Grease is formulated to handle the heat and load that wheel bearings generate, and it won't wash out in wet conditions.
Do not use general-purpose grease or chassis grease for wheel bearings. They're not rated for the heat and load, and they'll break down faster.
What You'll Need
- EP2 wheel bearing grease
- Clean rags or shop towels
- Solvent or parts cleaner
- Gloves
- Bearing packer tool (optional but helpful)
Step 1: Remove and Clean the Bearing
Remove the bearing from the hub and clean it thoroughly with parts cleaner or solvent. Spin it by hand and inspect for roughness, pitting, or discoloration. If it feels rough or looks damaged, replace it — no amount of fresh grease will fix a worn bearing.
Step 2: Load Grease into Your Palm
Put a generous dollop of grease in the palm of your non-dominant hand. You'll use this as your packing surface.
Step 3: Pack the Bearing by Hand
Hold the bearing with your dominant hand and press the widest edge of the bearing into the grease, forcing it up through the rollers and cage. Rotate the bearing slightly and repeat, working your way around until grease is visibly pushing through all the rollers from the inside out. Every roller needs to be fully coated.
If you have a bearing packer tool, place the bearing in the tool, add grease to the top, and pump the handle — it forces grease through the bearing evenly and quickly.
Step 4: Apply Grease to the Hub and Race
Wipe a thin coat of grease around the bearing race (the surface the bearing sits against in the hub). This ensures there's no dry metal-to-metal contact on initial startup.
Step 5: Reinstall and Adjust
Reinstall the bearing, seal, and hub. Adjust the bearing preload according to the manufacturer's spec — too tight causes heat buildup, too loose causes slop and accelerated wear. Most trailer and non-drive wheel bearings are adjusted to zero preload with a slight drag.
How Often Should You Repack Wheel Bearings?
For trailer bearings, repack annually or every 10,000–12,000 miles — whichever comes first. For boat trailers, repack every season since water exposure accelerates grease breakdown. For automotive applications, follow the manufacturer's service interval.
Shop Big Blue EP2 Hi-Temp Wheel Bearing Grease at Chem Nut Supply →