Rich, I figure that you can hear things go wrong in a car but the poor old trailer is expected to perform year after year and trip after trip without a thought for any maintenance. I check all my trailers at least once a year for "peace of mind". After pulling them apart and cleaning and re-greasing or replacing, I fit a new seal at least. Takes about 2 hours to do a single axle trailer and about $10.00AUD for 2 new seals. Because we do a heap of remote area camping, I figure that the Tear will get the same treatment.
Cheers
Paul