New Trailer and Dexter EZ-Lube Bearings

Jhnbggs · 02-12-2016, 01:34 PM

Hello All,
I had read about the factory when sending the axles and wheel set up to the Jayco plant that they only grease just the bearing itself and they don't fill the EZ-Lube tube. I have to tell you, I just did a grease job on mine and from as much grease as they took I have to believe that statement. So everyone that has purchased a new trailer here is a word of advice. If you can on your walk through have the dealer lube all of the wheels and confirm it. If they won't do that then have a grease gun ready to go when you get it home. My bearings weren't dry but they all 4 took a lot of grease. Happy Camping.

sbpatterson · 02-12-2016, 01:43 PM

Just curious ... how much did you have to pump into each wheel? Single or duals?

ROC-REQS · 02-12-2016, 01:47 PM

Jhnbggs,

Good suggestions, but from experience you want to be careful that you don't blow a grease seal by pumping too much in. I did that once on 1 wheel and had to have a full brake job done.

I believe Dexter recommends you jack the wheel off the ground and spin it while pumping grease.

Jhnbggs · 02-12-2016, 01:49 PM

Sbpatterson,
I have dual axles 4 wheels and it took about 15-20 pumps on it to fill each one. I went through a full tube of grease and very little old grease came out. The seals are also clear which I have to believe what I had heard.

Jhnbggs · 02-12-2016, 01:54 PM

Roc-Recs,
Exactly what I did. I purchased one of those Trailer-Aid ramps which is supposed to put you high enough to change out the tire but still had to pump up the other axle about 1 inch to get the clearance to spin the wheel. Yep spun and pumped slowly by hand no air pressure. Seals are good no leaks.

need-a-vacation · 02-12-2016, 02:12 PM

Roc,

I have heard that also about the ez-lube axles.... Also if possible, I was told it helps if the bearings are warmed up a little (short drive) to help push the old grease out and not blow outt the seals. No guarantee, but may help prevent blown axle seals...

Jhnbggs · 02-12-2016, 02:22 PM

Need-a-vacation,
Short trips for me is a major undertaking. See the pics I have very little room to maneuver each time I take it in or pull it out.

SmokerBill · 02-12-2016, 07:59 PM

When I replaced my bearings and seals, I only used about 2/3 of 1 tube of grease total to lubricate all 4 sets of bearings. I don't see the point in wasting so much grease, when only a tiny bit of it is actually used by the bearings.

Now if it were a boat and the hubs were being submerged in water, I'd fill the hub up for sure. But since my TT isn't a boat, I see no need to pump it full. I've towed it thousands of miles this way, with no bearing problems at all.

Guess I have a different philosophy -- more isn't necessarily better.

rkresge · 02-12-2016, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jhnbggs

Need-a-vacation,
Short trips for me is a major undertaking. See the pics I have very little room to maneuver each time I take it in or pull it out.

Wow, and I thought my driveway was tight. Better you than me!

Roger

waynem · 02-14-2016, 01:03 AM

So how do you check the seals? I understand the procedure for adding the new grease and spinning the wheel while doing it. But I'm not sure how to tell if I've blown a seal. Also, what kind of grease do you recommend?

ecoboosteagle · 02-15-2016, 07:38 AM

I am also a bit perplexed on the whole grease issue of filling the hub. However I believe with the design of the ez lube bearing system you must fill completely with grease for maintenance. The only other way(which some do) is to actually remove and re-pack the bearings. I would be cautious about not filling completely because there is no other way to ensure the bearings are getting it. There is no point in having the axle 2/3 full of grease if the actual bearings are running on old grease or worse dry...

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