Quote:
Originally Posted by RVhiker
I think there is supposed to be some play in the bearing adjustment on Dexter tapered bearing axles; the play results when Dexter's instructions are followed (tighten nut to remove all play, loosen nut without moving drum so that the nut is loose; tighten nut finger tight; loosen nut enough to get the cotter pin in or the new retainer spring on. That causes some looseness; Dexter bearings should not be adjusted without play. I can usually detect play when shaking the wheel up and down or side to side.
Bearing Adjustment is on page 56 of the Dekter manual. Here is a link to the Dexter manual: Dexter Manual (clicky)
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+1. And as the bearings heat up during use, the metal expands slightly, tightening up some of the looseness. A bit loose with bearing adjustment is better that too tight. And that's my informed opinion.
And yes, overgreasing an EZ-Lube axle (pumping a crapload of grease into the fitting so it runs out the outer bearing) is foolish. EZ-Lubes are designed for boat trailers that are submerged in water. I don't know why they are installed on TT axles, other than being a selling point for uninformed consumers.
12,000 miles or yearly is the Dexter recommended interval for axle service, which entails disassembling the hub, cleaning and inspecting the bearings and races (and replacing if imperfect), repacking the bearings, and replacing the seals. Just pumping grease into the EZ-Lube isn't a replacement for true maintenance. It's just a shortcut. You don't know the true condition of the bearings if you're just cramming more grease into the hubs.