Dexter Nev-r-lube bearing

[Hummin Cummins]

Im gonna take a longshot here and ask if anyone has replaced their 50mm nev-r-lube bearing pack? If so is there a manufacturer and part number stamped on the bearing? Surely dexter does not make their own bearings and can be purchased from a bearing distributor for alot less than 130. 00.

 

[6speed]

Not familiar with those type of never lube bearings, but every bearing I've incountered has a part number that you can use or cross reference.

 

[Tumbleweed]

We have a 2007 31. 5 Citation fifth wheel with 7000 lb. axles and Nevr / Lube bearings. About 5 years ago I picked up a bearing to have as a spare. If memory serves me right i think i just gave them the numbers off the Hub/Drum assembly. I bought mine at Standen's a heavy duty truck/Trailer shop who are a Dexter Dealer. I can't remember the make of the bearing and I'm 500 Miles from the trailer for the time being. ... ..... ED

 

[Nigel]

I just happen to have one on my desk beside my computer. Made in China by CMC? and the numbers are 9KC T508454. I'm not sure if that is for the assembly or the individual bearings. Mine have always lasted a couple of hundred thousand miles and by then the drums are oversize anyway. I believe there might be warranty unless you have huge mileage on them. The easiest way to change them is to cut them out with a torch. Put the bearing in the freezer overnight and then warm the drum a little just before you press the bearing in.
If you are just getting one for a spare I suggest buying a complete drum and bearing assembly for $300 plus, you'll never be able to change the bearing on the side of the road.
Nigel

 

[CPG]

Answering your questions on the Never/Lube bearings for trailers. I had these on a old Alpenlite fifth wheel trailer, I had a lot of miles on it but lost track of mileage. It muyst have been close to 100,000 but quoting Nigels statement, "do not try to change on side of road". These are double row tapered bearings and are pressed in the hubs usually by a arbor press. Keep to bearings that you can regularly pack yourself or have it done. When in their last years of production by Alpenlite trailers before they went under, their was a high rate of failure. Chinese manufacture was doubtfull.

CPG
Chuck

 

[Hummin Cummins]

Thanks for the info Nigel. I will see if Bearings Drives Unlimited in my area can cross that number for me. I found from work experience that a person can usually get the bearing from a bearing place for half the price that you pay from the machinery dealer. We have all the equipment for changing them out in the shop at work. I'm not sure if mine are bad, and havent checked them all yet. Unsure of the mileage on my 5er, bought it used. Changed a tire out today and there was some wobble in the wheel. Dexter says some play is normal, but how much is too much? (without a special tool for measuring endplay) Popped the dust cap off and there was some lube in the hub which would mean leakage, but not alot.



Just doing some research for now

 

[DFark]

I have a 2004 Sunnybrook with the dexter never lube. Is it possible to get some grease into them without tearing them all apart? I haven't torn into them to see how they come off. My trailer was bought used and had 13,000 miles on it, the previous owner documented every mile. The camper sat for 5 years so I'd like to service them if possible.

 

[RustyJC]

I have a 2004 Sunnybrook with the dexter never lube. Is it possible to get some grease into them without tearing them all apart?

I doubt it since they're sealed bearings. I haven't had any problems with mine in 9 years of service. According to Dexter, they're good for at least 100K miles.



Rusty

 

[Grizzly]

I may not have done the right thing when I ordered my 08 Arctic Fox. All Arctic Fox have Dexter axles and brakes. I did not order the Nev-r-lube bearings, which could have been a mistake. My thought was that I want to remove the drums every other year anyway to inspect the brake shoes and bearings, which is a good time to repack the bearings.



A neighbor of mine has a 32' Montana 5er with the Nev-r-lube bearing. He had a bearing and brake shoe failure. He found that the Nev-r-lube bearing only greased the front bearing and not the inner bearing. He also went too long without inspecting the brake shoes.



george

 

[Hummin Cummins]

My whole thought on this is, they are like the sealed hub assembly on the front of our pickups, "maintenance free". Problem is, IMO, there should be no free play when you grab the tire top and bottom and wiggle it. According to dexter, there should be some? So how do you tell when the bearing needs replaced other than waiting for catastrophic failure? With a tri-axle, I'm looking at almost $800 for 6 bearings that I'm not sure are bad or not. They seem to spin quiet, only noise I hear is the brakes on the drum.

 

[RustyJC]

A neighbor of mine has a 32' Montana 5er with the Nev-r-lube bearing. He had a bearing and brake shoe failure. He found that the Nev-r-lube bearing only greased the front bearing and not the inner bearing.

The Nev-r-lube bearings have no provision for greasing at all. They are sealed unit bearings. Are you sure your neighbor didn't have the Dexter E-Z Lube bearings?

Rusty

 

[Grizzly]

The Nev-r-lube bearings have no provision for greasing at all. They are sealed unit bearings. Are you sure your neighbor didn't have the Dexter E-Z Lube bearings?



Rusty

I believe you are correct. They were the E-Z Lube bearings.



You still need to look at the brake shoes at least every other year however.



george

 

[jelag]

I walk around my unit every time I stop for a rest stop and test the temperature of the hubs, brakes and tires... I also never grease the ez lube axle... my axles have a path for grease for both the front and rear bearing... but personally like to pull it apart ever 2 or 3 years for inspection... remember we used have normal wheel bearings in our cars and they got greased ever 4 to 5 years as they needed brakes unless you bought into the Firestone wheel pack of the outer bearing alone at $3. 99 or what ever the hot deal was to sell you more service... .

I do pull mine down but its longer time span... and to date with lots of miles on my 5er... I've not found or had a problem... .

Just my thoughts...

 

[RCorbeil]

If you are careful, you can take them apart, add grease and reassemble quite easily.

RJ

 

[JGrandy]

If you are careful, you can take them apart, add grease and reassemble quite easily.



RJ

I had a 2002 Sunnybrook with Dexter Nev-R-Lube bearings and I had one go bad in 2012. The axle has a serial number stamped on it which can be referanced without taking apart the hub. I broke down at a Cabela's parking lot in Portland, Maine. I finally found the bearning in Boston 2 days later. It is not hard to change out, but it does require a torque wrench with a long handle to properly re assemble. I don't remember the torque, but it was a lot. My advice: spend the $300 plus and buy a complete assembly with brake drum and carry as a spare.