Axle bearings

edward willis · 08-02-2019, 03:32 PM

Just purchased one of those super duper infrared temperature gauges. My question to you guy,s is at what temperature should my bearings be running. And at what point is the high temperature dangerous?

Cbrez · 08-02-2019, 03:48 PM

I also have an infrared temperature gauge. I have never been concerned with the actual running temperature, but I check the wheel hubs to see if I have a significant temperature differential between any of the hubs and therefor a potential wheel bearing issue to investigate. Perhaps others can offer a more definitive answer than me.

Frank G · 08-02-2019, 03:50 PM

Quick answer, Good bearings properly lubricated about 20 deg. F above ambient.

**sourdough** · 08-02-2019, 04:43 PM

I don't think there is a "set" temp since there are so many variables between trailers, components and weather on a given day.

I'm not sure about the 20 degrees above ambient either because I've seen all kinds of temps depending on what we've been driving through, brake usage etc.

I start the trip with a TPMS, log the pressures and temps and make a quick round with the infrared and log all that (mentally). I watch the TPMS all the time and read the tires/wheels/hubs/brakes with the infrared when I stop. The TPMS and infrared vary from each other in readings but they both register proportional changes as I drive. Using the pre flight readings I have a base to note temp increases in all of the listed components for educational purposes; I do not write them all down. I do look for any large deviation between tire/wheel combos. Keep in mind that the sun side tires/wheels will have higher readings than the shade side; sometimes more than you would think but as long as the 2 are close I don't worry.

You've made a worthwhile purchase now just go out and get used to it towing or not. Heck, check your boiling water to see what temp it takes to boil on your stove, check the temp of the air coming out of the AC registers; kind of novel for a while.

{tpc} · 08-06-2019, 08:11 AM

I touch the wheels with my hand when we stop. I figure if its super hot to the touch, then thats a problem. If they all feel relatively similar, then I feel all is well. Might not be accurate, maybe too old school, but thats how I do it.

I use the same method for the fridge, freezer, and AC lol.

Ken / Claudia · 08-06-2019, 10:04 AM

Here's what I found. After inspecting and repacking 4 wheel bearing s on my boat trailer. I did a test drive on the freeway. I pulled over and checked the temps with the gun, 3 were 110 to 120f the last was 190f. Upon checking the hot 1, I found the disk brake not releasing. I did the same again 2 months ago, this time neighborhood test drive and again found a brake caliper not releasing that was about 40 degree hotter than others.
So, find the normal temps and if/when there is a problem it will be much higher than the others.

fatcatzzz · 08-06-2019, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by {tpc}

I touch the wheels with my hand when we stop. I figure if its super hot to the touch, then thats a problem. If they all feel relatively similar, then I feel all is well. Might not be accurate, maybe too old school, but thats how I do it.

Me as well.

Northofu1 · 08-06-2019, 05:57 PM

Me too. If your that close, you can usually smell when something is wrong, smells like the tranny from a 2010 F150

66joej · 08-06-2019, 06:08 PM

I put a hand on each hub and tire sidewall after few hrs. towing and first break. Not all will be the same temp if you have a bearing or tire overheat problem it will become obvious. Just from personal experience.

travelin texans · 08-06-2019, 09:34 PM

So when you burn the sh## out of your hand that's the one that's too hot!
For just a very few $$ you can get the infrared temp gun at Harbor Freight that's digital, easier to read & more accurate than your hands.

ctbruce · 08-07-2019, 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travelin texans

So when you burn the sh## out of your hand that's the one that's too hot!

For just a very few $$ you can get the infrared temp gun at Harbor Freight that's digital, easier to read & more accurate than your hands.

Fingers are highly overrated. LOL!

66joej · 08-07-2019, 04:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travelin texans

So when you burn the sh## out of your hand that's the one that's too hot!
For just a very few $$ you can get the infrared temp gun at Harbor Freight that's digital, easier to read & more accurate than your hands.

Bought one of these many years ago. Have used it on occasion. These old leathery hands have used the touch method for 50+ years in my line of work. Maybe just a bad habit. You are right if a person has tender skin the infrared gun is the best option. Not advocating the touch method. YMMV

fatcatzzz · 08-07-2019, 07:10 AM

A couple pluses about using to touch method is the you ALWAYS have them with you. Batteries don't go dead. They don't get shuffled around to the bottom of the toolbox. If the hub get to hot to touch, most likely you would smell the HOT grease.

skmct · 08-11-2019, 09:19 AM

I worked in the machine building industry for 40 years bearing limiting temps are dictated by retainer material bearing type and lubricants. Taper roller bearings have metal retainers or cages as some people say. So the limiting temp is controlled by lubricants. We used a very high quality grease and would limit our products to 185 deg f as measured on the housings
What I do on my trailer is the touch method. You can hold your hand on 140 to 145 deg f which i consider a safe range based on the the grease quality. If you can't hold your hand on it it is probably too .

FlyingAroundRV · 08-11-2019, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travelin texans

So when you burn the sh## out of your hand that's the one that's too hot!
For just a very few $$ you can get the infrared temp gun at Harbor Freight that's digital, easier to read & more accurate than your hands.

I use the feel test too. It's easy to not burn yourself if you use your grey matter and approach the hub slowly. If they're hot, the hub and drum will both be hot and you'll feel the heat radiating long before your hand gets to them.

If I don't sense any radiant heat, I touch the wheel nuts to see how warm they are. If one was noticeably warmer, I'd investigate. I do the same with the tires, on the TT and the TV, at each stop.

And FWIW, I have a heat gun from HF also.

mlk1950 · 08-11-2019, 01:35 PM

When we stop, I will just use the top of my index finger and lightly touch it, for a test. I would never grab it with the palm of my hand on it.

Ken / Claudia · 08-12-2019, 07:47 AM

I learned not to grab or attempt to touch possible hot stuff/burning stuff. The best advice finally came up. Place your hand or fingers close before touching it
that might save burned fingers. I think I paid 20 bucks for the gun. Now I just stand, aim, pull the trigger.

larryflew · 08-12-2019, 01:01 PM

ditto, temp difference is a better indicator than picking a temp.

Brentw · 08-12-2019, 07:57 PM

By hand as well.
Rubber, rim, hub. In that order. Short term touch is around 140 degrees, too hot to touch, you've got trouble starting.

{tpc} · 08-13-2019, 04:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travelin texans

So when you burn the sh## out of your hand that's the one that's too hot!
For just a very few $$ you can get the infrared temp gun at Harbor Freight that's digital, easier to read & more accurate than your hands.

I own one of those and I find its accuracy to be questionable at best. If there is a problem you will likely smell or see something before your hand gets lose enough anyways.

I work in the electronics field and have been soldering and testing various forms of things for a living for the last 20 plus years. There isn't anything that a hot wheel is going to do to my hands that hasn't already been done. 85C isn't too hot for me lol. Neither is -40C if isn't metal. Add metal to the mix and its a different story. 105C same way. But thats just to "hold" it, touching metal at those temps for a brief moment isn't something that is an issue for me.

But YMMV.

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