AL-KO Wheel Bearings

AL-KO Wheel Bearings

    Wheel bearings create a certain haze in my mind.  I understand their value and function but please don’t ask me to explain their design.  I’m leaving that to the engineers.  The proper maintenance is important to the life of your bearings… and the savings in your wallet.  You can  “repack the inner and outer bearings easily, without disassembly” according to the company.  Repacking of the bearings with grease is important to their function and longevity; so repacking bearings quickly and easily without disassembly seems like a money saver to me.  Referred to as “Ultulube” and available for trailers from 2,000 lbs to 8,000 lbs with either rubber suspension or leaf spring axles.  Here’s the deal, don’t over grease them (I did that) and my dealer gave me a polite lesson ($150) in cleaning up my over greasing.  The company says the hubs and components should also be disassembled yearly and inspected for worn and otherwise damages parts.  That seems to me to remove the ease… and cost of hub greasing if I’m ask to  disassembled yearly.  I’m not sure what to make of all of this.  Their side of the story can be found at www.al-kousa.com.  I like the idea of saving maintenance money but I’m not sure I’m accomplishing that with this product.

George Bogosian       

Pittsfield, NH