Greasing Pop-Up Camper Axles: A Step-By-Step Guide

Pop-up camper owners need to grease their axles and wheel bearings to ensure the longevity of their campers. The grease in the hubs keeps everything moving freely, and if not checked regularly and properly maintained, increased friction can cause the wheel bearings to overheat and seize. Grease products with a spray applicator are available, but some users recommend avoiding grease or oil as dirt will stick to it. Instead, they suggest using a silicone spray. However, others recommend using a grease gun to apply grease to the bearings.

How to grease the lift cables

To grease the lift cables of your pop-up camper, you will need to identify the type of lift system in your camper. Different lift systems have different lubrication requirements. For example, some lift systems have a grease fitting underneath the camper for the main cable, while others do not.

Once you have identified your lift system, you can gather the necessary materials. Silicone spray is a popular choice for lubricating the exposed lifters and cables, but it is important to avoid getting it on the canvas. You can use a piece of cardboard to protect the canvas while spraying. Some people also recommend using a dry lubricant or a lithium-based grease, especially for the interior parts inside the wiffle trees.

After you have gathered your materials and identified the specific requirements of your lift system, you can begin the lubrication process. Make sure to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your lift system for the best results.

• Clean the cables and lift system components before applying any lubricant. This will help remove any dirt, dust, or old grease that may be built up.
• Avoid applying excessive amounts of grease or leaving globs or large amounts anywhere. This can attract dirt and dust, making it difficult to keep the system clean.
• Be careful not to get lubricant on the canvas or any other parts of the camper that should not be lubricated.
• If you are using a spray lubricant, make sure to spray from a safe distance and use a piece of cardboard or another protective barrier to avoid getting it on unwanted areas.
• After applying the lubricant, wipe off any excess with a clean cloth or towel.

By following these tips and the specific instructions for your lift system, you can effectively grease the lift cables of your pop-up camper, ensuring smooth and easy operation.

How to grease the torsion spring

To grease the torsion spring on a pop-up camper, you will need to access the spring, clean it, and apply grease. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Accessing the Torsion Spring

Park your pop-up camper on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Locate the torsion spring, which is typically found near the axle of the camper. The torsion spring is a coiled metal component that provides tension and support for the pop-up mechanism. Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary tools and safety equipment, such as gloves and eye protection.

Step 2: Preparing the Work Area

Place a jack under the axle of the camper to support the weight and lift the tires slightly off the ground. This will give you better access to the torsion spring and related components. Make sure the jack is stable and secure before proceeding. You may also want to place jack stands under the camper for added stability.

Step 3: Cleaning the Torsion Spring

Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe down the torsion spring and the surrounding area. Remove any dirt, debris, or old grease buildup. It's important to ensure that the area is clean before applying new grease. You may also use a degreaser or solvent to help remove any stubborn residue. Ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines when using any chemicals.

Step 4: Applying Grease to the Torsion Spring

Once the torsion spring is clean and dry, you can begin applying the grease. Choose a high-quality grease suitable for torsion springs, following the manufacturer's recommendations. Using a grease gun or a suitable applicator, apply a generous amount of grease to the torsion spring, making sure to coat all surfaces thoroughly. Work the grease into the coils of the spring and ensure it is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Reassembling and Testing

After greasing the torsion spring, carefully wipe away any excess grease from surrounding components to avoid attracting dirt and dust. Reassemble any components that were removed for access, such as panels or covers. Lower the camper back to the ground by slowly turning the jack handle in the opposite direction. Remove the jack and jack stands, ensuring the camper is securely on the ground. Test the operation of the pop-up mechanism to ensure it functions smoothly and efficiently.

Greasing the torsion spring on a pop-up camper is an important maintenance task that will help keep the mechanism functioning properly and prevent premature wear. By following these steps, you can ensure the torsion spring is well-lubricated and help extend the lifespan of your pop-up camper.

How to grease the wheel bearings

To grease the wheel bearings of your pop-up camper, start by removing the wheel. Use an impact wrench to remove all the lug nuts, then slide the wheel off and set it aside. Once the wheel is off, remove the dust cap with a pair of channel locks or a flathead screwdriver.

With the dust cap off, you'll see the spindle and castle nut (or spindle nut), as well as a cotter pin inserted through the spindle. Straighten out the end of the cotter pin and pull it out with a pair of needle-nose pliers. Remove the castle nut from the spindle.

Now, jiggle the hub slightly to loosen the outer bearing, which you can then remove by hand. You might also have a washer here; if so, remove and set it aside in a clean container.

Next, remove the inner bearing and grease seal. Pull the hub off the spindle and place it with the wheel studs facing up on a stable surface. You can use a wooden dowel and a mallet to tap the inner bearing and grease seal out, or you may be able to pry the grease seal up with a flathead screwdriver and remove the inner bearing by hand.

Once the inner bearing and grease seal are removed, place them with the outer bearing and castle nut in a clean container. Discard the old grease seal and replace it with a new one.

Before reinstalling the bearings, clean and inspect them for any damage. Wipe them down with paper towels and inspect for pitting, scratches, excessive wear, discolouration, or other damage. If they're damaged, discard and replace them. If they're in good condition, clean them with a solvent like acetone or mineral spirits. Soak the bearings and castle nut for about an hour, then wipe them down and let them dry.

Now, repack the bearings with a high-quality grease. You can use a bearing packing tool or pack the bearings by hand. Place a glob of grease in your palm and use the wide end of the bearing to scoop it up. Turn the bearing a quarter turn and repeat until it's completely filled with grease. Flip the bearing over and repeat on the other end.

Place your newly packed inner bearing into its place in the hub. Install the new grease seal and tap gently with a wooden mallet until it sits flush. Wipe off any excess grease.

Before putting the hub back on, clean and inspect the spindle. Remove any excess grease or debris and check for nicks or excessive wear. Grease the outer race and slide the hub onto the spindle, then slide the outer bearing into its place within the outer race. Replace the washer if you have one, then thread the castle nut onto the end of the spindle and tighten until snug.

Finally, put the wheel back on the hub, being careful not to get debris in the bearings. Tighten the lug nuts one at a time in a diagonal or star pattern. Loosen the castle nut about a quarter turn—you want the wheel to rotate freely without excessive play. Insert the cotter pin and bend the end to lock it into place.

How to grease the spindle

To grease the spindle of a pop-up camper, you'll first need to remove the wheel. Use an impact wrench to remove the lug nuts, then slide the wheel off and set it aside. Next, remove the dust cap with a pair of channel locks or a flathead screwdriver.

With the dust cap off, you'll see the spindle and castle nut (or spindle nut), as well as a cotter pin inserted through the spindle. Straighten out the end of the cotter pin and pull it out with a pair of needle-nose pliers. Remove the castle nut from the spindle.

Now, slightly jiggle the hub to loosen the outer bearing, which you can then remove by hand. There may also be a washer here, but some assemblies don't have one. Remove the castle nut, bearing, and washer (if applicable) and set them aside in a clean container.

To remove the inner bearing and grease seal, pull the hub off the spindle and place it with the wheel studs facing up on a stable surface. Use a wooden dowel that roughly fits the centre of the hub and a mallet to tap the inner bearing and grease seal out of the other end of the hub. Alternatively, you can pry the grease seal up with a flathead screwdriver and remove the inner bearing by hand.

Place the inner bearing with the outer bearing and castle nut in a clean container. Discard the old grease seal and replace it with a new one. Take note of the numbers stamped on the seal to find the correct replacement.

Before repacking the bearings, clean and inspect them for any damage. Wipe them down with paper towels and check for pitting, scratches, excessive wear, discolouration, or other issues. If there are any problems, discard the bearings and purchase replacements. If they're in good condition, clean them with a solvent such as acetone or mineral spirits. Soak the bearings and castle nut for about an hour, then wipe them with a dry paper towel and let them drain.

Once the bearings are dry, repack them with a high-quality grease, such as a red high-temperature grease made for bearings. You can use a bearing packing tool or pack the bearings by hand. Place a glob of grease in your palm and use the wide end of the bearing to scoop it up, using enough pressure to force the grease through the bottom of the bearing and out through the rollers on the side. Turn the bearing a quarter turn and repeat until it's completely filled with grease. Flip the bearing over and repeat on the other end.

Now, clean the inside of the hub and run a glob of grease around the inner race. Place the newly packed inner bearing into its place in the hub, then install the new grease seal and tap it gently with a wooden mallet until it sits flush. Wipe off any excess grease.

Before putting the hub back on, clean and inspect the spindle for any excess grease or debris, and check for nicks or excessive wear. Grease the outer race and slide the hub onto the spindle, being careful not to damage the spindle or grease seal. Slide the outer bearing into its place within the outer race and, if applicable, replace the washer. Thread the clean, dry castle nut onto the end of the spindle and tighten it until it stops or becomes snug. Rock the hub and push it in to make sure it's fully seated, then tighten the nut again until snug.

Now, you can put the wheel back on the hub, tightening the lug nuts one at a time in a diagonal or star pattern. Loosen the castle nut about a quarter turn—if the bearings are too tight or too loose, they will fail prematurely. Experiment with the castle nut to find the perfect adjustment—the wheel should rotate freely without excessive play. When you rock the wheel front to back, you should barely feel the hub move. Once you're satisfied, insert the cotter pin and bend the end to lock it into place.

Finally, replace the dust cap or install a Bearing Buddy for easier maintenance. Bearing Buddies replace the dust cap and make it much simpler to check grease levels and add grease as needed.

How to check the grease level

To check the grease level of your pop-up camper's axle, you will need to inspect the wheel bearings. These are located inside the hubs on the trailer axle and should be checked regularly to ensure the wheels can spin freely.

First, remove the wheel and dust cap. You can do this with channel locks or a flathead screwdriver. Next, remove the cotter pin, castle nut, and outer bearing. Now, pull off the hub and place it with the wheel studs facing up. You can then remove the inner bearing and grease seal.

At this point, you will be able to see the grease level inside the hub. If it looks low, you can add more using a hand grease gun. Do not use an automatic grease gun, as this can destroy the hub's inner seal. Press on the edge of the piston; if it doesn't move, add more grease until the piston moves about 1/8 inch.

Frequently asked questions