lippert trailer axle bearings

[KWG]

Has anybody had issues replacing bearing on a lippert trailer axle? I have (2) 6000 lbs axles under my 5th wheel And have a wheel bearing going out. The use nevrlub bearing/hub combo. I've searched for just bearings so I dont have to buy the whole hub which retails for 350.00 and can not find them,bl because the are not made anymore. I've called lippert to find availability for the bearings and/or complete hub and it's been discontinued. Lippert informed me that the only way to fix this issue is to replace the entire axle hub to hub. Also I'm under the understanding that dexter parts don't work on lippert axels. Do anybody have suggestions or ideas it out spending a bunch of money on a new axle? do anybody have a cross reference for the parts?

 

[KATOOM]

I dont know but I do know that there is loads of trailer parts websites which should be able to help you out. Also, try some RV forums like rv.net. You're more likely to find someone who can answer your question there.

 

[MGreer]

If you can remove the bearings and races from one side of an axle your local auto parts store should be able to cross reference the parts. I would try someone like Napa if you have one locally.
Southwest wheel is a good online source for trailer parts.

 

[RustyJC]

If you can remove the bearings and races from one side of an axle your local auto parts store should be able to cross reference the parts.

Perhaps, but if it is available on the open market, your best chance of finding it is at a large commercial bearing supply store. Take the bearing assembly in and see if they can cross-reference it to something with the same fit, form and function, preferably from a good non-3rd-world supplier.

Rusty

 

[NIsaacs]

I think the issue is the Never Lube unit bearings, Dexter uses 3 sizes but probably won't fit Lippert, might be hard to come by.

Nick

 

[KWG]

Thank you for the replies. I just re read my post and auto correct on my phone didn't help me much but it looks like you were able to read through the mistakes.

I am going to research in a rv forums site as well as try to locate a bearing distributor here locally. I did replace 1 hub and bearing assembly about three years ago on the drivers side with a dexter kit. But a local axle shop I've talked to was surprised it worked and is still in service Because like I mentioned earlier they are not the same size. Though it's held up for a couple thousand miles now, I'm concerned when and if it will fail. So the reality is, I might be replacing that one also.

Its concerning to me how forest river and lippert is alright with the fact that those hubs have been discontinued maybe for safety reasons and more or less making their customers replace the axles. One would think that either it would be a recall (similar to gm or toyota and others) to replace the axle by manufacturer or at a minimum have a hub/bearing designed to fit.

Thanks again for your help

 

[NIsaacs]

This might apply?

Nick

http://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0SO8xvvby5VFBIAbRdXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTEzOWVkazV2BGNvbG8DZ3ExBHBvcwM3BHZ0aWQDVklQNjE5XzEEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1429135471/RO=10/RU=http%3a%2f%2fwww.forestriverforums.com%2fforums%2ff23%2flippert-replaceing-axles-and-hubs-35158.html/RK=0/RS=tHU9TCSH5yEPju48WDyqE1LAHGQ-

 

[KWG]

Nick that's awesome, I called forest river they put me on a conference call with lippert. Lippert agreed to replacing axles with no charge to me, they will send new axles and hubs to camping world and forest river will take care of brakes and labor.

Still I find it funny that forest river claims they haven't heard about this issue. Also last week when I talked to lippert about this they told me I was S.O.L. and had to buy new axles. Things changed a little when I got Forrest river up to speed and got them involve. If heard from other people lippert has terrible customer service. I will update once the new axles are in and project is complete

 

[KATOOM]

This "is" awesome.....

 

[mwilson]

This might apply?

Nick

http://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0SO8xvvby5VFBIAbRdXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTEzOWVkazV2BGNvbG8DZ3ExBHBvcwM3BHZ0aWQDVklQNjE5XzEEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1429135471/RO=10/RU=http%3a%2f%2fwww.forestriverforums.com%2fforums%2ff23%2flippert-replaceing-axles-and-hubs-35158.html/RK=0/RS=tHU9TCSH5yEPju48WDyqE1LAHGQ-

Great find, well done Nick!!!

 

[mpaulson]

Just for information sake, when I had my trailer in at a local axle shop here in Edmonton the manager told me when I asked him about the parts for the Lippert axles on my trailer that they use Dexter's parts on them with no problems. some are interchangeable I guess.

 

[NIsaacs]

Great find, well done Nick!!!

Thanks Mike! I hope it works out well for KWG.

Nick

 

[KWG]

Mpaulson, I do have one dexter hub, seem to fit good and has been fine but relieved now knowing axles are getting replaced. My problem now is trying to limp it over to camping world with the bad bearings on the one axle

 

[KWG]

All went well with the axles. My trailer has two new 6000# axles and hubs. Camping world received the axles on a Thursday, I dropped my 5th wheel off Friday afternoon and was ready for pick up Tuesday early afternoon. Real satisfied with everyone involved. I hope this thread will help someone in my same situation. The forest river rep I talked to was Jeff Holmes.

 

[Kirwin]

I applaud you for switching to a Dexter set up on your one wheel position. I thought it could be done but haven't tried it. I know for a fact that the 50mm Dexter Nev-R-Lube axle bearing and the Lippert Sealed Bearing Assembly bearing are the same bearing. I had the two setting side by side on a table once. Now the way Lippert chose to retain the spindle nut sucks. I have pictures to prove it!!!! I have pictures of the Lippert bearing part number if you need it. Lippert's Sealed Bearing Assembly is a copy of the Dexter's Nev-R-Lube set up. The spindle is the same except for the retaining nut is a smaller Nylok nut. This nut loosens up on the left side of the vehicle. They used a regular 1.125", if memory serves, washer that isn't tough enough for the stresses involved with pivoting trailer axles in my opinion. This leads to the axle bearing spinning on the spindle and ultimately bearing failure. My $0.02. Ken Irwin