Trailer wheel bearing lube

[Royal]

What is the best bearing grease? My Dexter manual says to grease bearings every 12 months or 12K miles. They spec. NLGI NO. 2 grease. Is anybody using synthetic grease? Since I only travel once a year for 6 to 8 weeks and about 4K miles,if synthetic grease is so great, maybe I could get by with changing lube every 2 years. Would like to hear your opinions. Thanks.

 

[Idaho Native]

I use plain old Valvoline dinosaur grease. The most important thing is to make sure you properly "tension" the bearings when reinstalling. In my experience, a notch loose on the castle nut is far better than trying to get to the next notch to install the cotter pin.



I found out the hard way that the factory lube job is poor at best. I nearly burned mine up in St Joe MO the summer of '98. Luckily it was raining cats and dogs so the water kept it cool. I didn't even notice it until I pulled into a truck stop for fuel. The gents at O'Reillys hooked me up with new bearings. I was back under way in about 2 hours or so.



My . 02 worth... Loren

 

[jimk]

wheel bearing grease

I like to use marine grease. I use Mistic blue marine grease. I have used marine grease for years in the u joins and steering also. I had a guy tell me that is what he used in his 4x4 that he used in his minnow truck. He used it to get minnows for his bait shop. That is the only grease that would stay in the u joints and the frount end in the 4x4. lol JImk

 

[LSMITH]

I use the Mobil 1 synthetic racing grease. It is rated for wheel bearings and is great in water. It is in my boat and every other trailer I have packed the bearings in for the last couple years. I have yet (knock on wood) to lose a wheel bearing using it. I have checked temps with an infared temp gun with several greases on my boat, the Mobil is lower by 20* than castrol dino grease and 20* lower than mystic marine after a 100 mile ride at 75 MPH.

 

[GLASMITHS]

Valvoline - the grease to use

I had mine repacked by RV Dealer last week. I knew what had been used in the past, and asked him about it. They also have a bunch of oilfield service trucks in the 75k range. Said they never had a bearing problem, as long as it was done right. Just repack every year and make ceretain you preload at 50ftlbs and do it right. Mine still looked good after about 12000 miles. He did the four wheels for 96. 00 and fixed blowout damage for free!

 

[Ron Bissett]

Best wheel bearing lube?

Any good wheel bearing lube is ok if old lube is removed and packed right . The reason to do this at least one time each season is to inspect for ware ,rust to race or bearing set also to check and adjust brake system and clean out dust , rust ,crud , clean with mineral sprit (paint thiner) and dry before assembly and replace if needed the inner seal , use torque wrench at proper pre set and then back off . if you do not know pre - load call Dexter or other axle co. Or ask some one its inportant that this be done. If bearing shows rust or pits don't use but keep in can of grease as a spare . carry new One or more sets with races and some solvent (paint thiner) and lube your choise. Nice to know that I saved about 90$ doing it my self . Ron in LOUISVILLE KY Oo. Oo. Oo. :-{}

 

[GLASMITHS]

I agree with Ron on that one. As long as the proper rated grease is used. As he pointed out, probably the most important aspect is inspection of brake compotents and cleaning. Surprising me, that after about 35,000 miles the brake shoes are still like new; the mechanic said atleast 2 more years at the present rate. Might be longer since I had the PAC brake fixed and is now operating for the first time However, I do like the RED VAVOLINE

 

[Nordby]

One thing to look out for is not to mix greases that are made of different bases. Your Dexter Axles are lithium base, ensure the grease you use says that.



Also, if you can, use the same thing that is already in there. If you can't, take the time to clean the bearings/races thoroughly and repack. It is likely one of the 3 or 4 High Temp Wheel Bearing greases mentioned in the Dexter manual, like Penzoil 707L, Valvoline EP, Ronex MP, etc.



I just went through this with a horse trailer, talked to the dealer, and mail ordered the exact same grease he already has in there so I can be lazy once in a while and use the EZ-Lube zerks.



later,jon

 

[Nordby]

Should have added:

www.dexteraxle.com

has excellent technical info on their axle products.

 

[Royal]

Thanks for your replies. I think checking every 12 months is a bit often if you only travel low miles. Example,how often do you service your truck front bearings?I do agree that the break inspection is important. Here in Arizona,its dam hot work if you do it your self. Thanks again & best wishes.

Royal. !!!

 

[dmurdock]

The reason they say once a year is because it isn't driven/towed often... something to do with moisture i believe (at least this is what I heard). I use valvoline synthetic once a year, probably doesn't make a difference but it's only like 2 dollars more