DIY: How to Service a Jockey Wheel
Servicing a jockey wheel is one of the easier maintenance jobs you can do — if you don’t mind getting your hands dirty.
Although a straightforward DIY task, servicing a jockey wheel should still be carried out with the utmost care. This mechanism is the only thing preventing the front of your caravan from falling on the ground until you put your stabilisers down.
The jockey wheel only has a couple of moving parts inside. There’s the worm drive which is a coarsely threaded shaft that enables the mechanism to go up and down when you wind the handle. And there are bearings that sit just below the winding handle which minimise resistance so you can turn it with ease. Dust and sand can find their way into these moving parts and lubrication can dry up. This can make the jockey wheel increasingly difficult to operate and could ultimately cause the mechanism to seize. The consequences? Well, you could find yourself in the situation where the winding handle just won’t turn, and you won’t be able to lift the caravan to get it on or off your car. Furthermore, if you’re trying to manoeuvre the van around by hand with the jockey wheel attached, you may find the wheel becomes difficult to pivot. This will make it hard to get the van to change direction.
However, if you keep these moving parts clean and lubricated and replace the bearings occasionally, you should be able to prevent your travel plans from being interrupted by a pesky jockey wheel. You will only need a few basic hand tools and some bearing grease. A jack stand could be used to support the van while you work on the jockey wheel — always ensure the park brake is engaged and the wheels are chocked. Alternatively, you can simply support your van on your car coupling.
Step 1
Remove the jockey wheel with the A frame securely supported by a jack stand or coupled to the car.
Step 2
Use a hammer and punch to knock out the pin securing the wind handle.
Step 3
Remove the wind handle.
Step 4
Slide the outer shaft off.
Step 5
Slide off the bearing assembly.
Step 6
Inspect the bearing assembly for wear or damage. Note the orientation for reassembly.
Step 7
Source replacement bearings if required.
Step 8
Screw out the worm drive.
Step 9
Clean the worm drive with a rag.
Step 10
Clean the inner shaft top with a rag.
Step 11
Clean the inner shaft with a rag.
Step 12
Apply grease to the inner shaft top.
Step 13
Lightly grease the worm drive.
Step 14
Screw the worm drive into the inner shaft until it seats on the stop.
Step 15
a. Grease all faces of the bearing assembly.
b. Grease all faces of the bearing assembly including the ball bearings.
Step 16
Slide the bearing assembly on the worm drive in the correct orientation.
Step 17
Slide the outer shaft back onto the inner shaft.
Step 18
Wipe off excess grease from the top of the worm drive with a rag.
Step 19
Position the winding handle on the worm drive so the ‘flats’ on each part align.
Step 20
Refit the retaining pin being careful to align the holes and drive it home with a hammer.
Step 21
Inspect the wheel tread for signs of damage and replace the wheel if necessary.
Step 22
Loosen the axle bolt.
Step 23
Remove the axle bolt nut.
Step 24
Remove the axle bolt.
Step 25
Clean the axle bolt with a rag.
Step 26
Wheels with nylon inners do not require lubrication. Wheels fitted with bearings should be greased.
Step 27
Reassemble and tighten the axle bolt and nut. Do not overtighten as this will bind the wheel.
Step 28
Refit the jockey wheel and test the operation.
If in doubt, consult a professional
Improper maintenance could lead to injury, death or property damage. Maintenance work of this nature should only be undertaken by persons with suitable mechanical competence. Information provided is general in nature, not comprehensive and can only be taken as a guide. Individual discretion must be exercised and persons undertaking described tasks do so completely at their own risk. Publishers and creators of this content accept no responsibility for loss or damage.
Thanks to Andrew Phillips and the team from the RV Repair Centre for their assistance.
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