Wheel bearing service.

[Gonzo 1066]

Has anyone had expereance with the Dexter greasable wheel bearings? I have had mixed reports some say they are great and you dont have to repack the bearings. Some say that the bearings should be repacked early just as though they were not repackable. I lost a bearing on one of my cargo trailers a couple of years ago and have been wondering if that would not have happened if I repacked by hand?

 

[Fireman]

It, s always a good idea to hand pack your bearings, so you can inspect them for wear and/or damage.

 

[Fireman]

It,s a good idea to hand pack your bearings, this allows you to inspect them for wear and/or damage.

 

[Dieselnerd]

I've got the Dexter axles with the grease fittings. The Dexter manual that came with my fifth wheel says you should periodically remove the wheels to check the brakes and bearing condition. I got the trailer new in 1998 and have been greasing with the fittings. I have never pulled the wheels yet. No problems but I do plan to pull the wheels before my next big trip to check brakes and bearings. The wheels have not developed any play in the bearings and the way the hubs are designed it looks unlikely that grease would get into the brakes since excess grease is released to the outside without building up any pressure that might blow the seals. When you do grease them you pump in grease until it comes out clean through the outside ports while spinning the wheel.

 

[RedRamer]

Are Dexter wheels the same as what they call E-Z lube wheels?



E-Z lubes have a nipple and tube that shoots the grease through the rear bearing then channels the grease front to outside bearing and excess flows through the front. Wipe 'em off and put the rubber cover back on.

I just bough a trailer and it came with these e-z lube wheels and was wondering if they work the same.

denis

 

[Dieselnerd]

Goober, it sounds just like mine.

 

[Big MAK]

I have the bearings packed and brakes inspected/tested at the beginning of every season. Part of the pre-season ritual. After the first season every single bearing set had to be replaced. Since then they've just been re-packed and everything's been normal.



This year even had them re-caulk all seams on the fifth wheel. If you've been using your camper over three years that's a must. Every other year if you're full timing or traveling a lot.