Bearing maintenance

mtb4life · 02-22-2019, 08:19 AM

Going to do some bearing maintenance this weekend. Is this Lucas Red grease that has always been mentioned on several threads for bearing grease?

curver900 · 02-22-2019, 08:34 AM

I use synthetic mobile one grease... but no matter what you use make sure you remove all of the original grease from the bearings/spindles and hubs... not all grease gets along with other grease...then stick with that brand from then on... or plan on cleaning everything again if you should change.

RMartin · 02-22-2019, 02:03 PM

curver900's advice is exactly correct. I also use mobile one synthetic wheel bearing grease.

mtb4life · 02-22-2019, 03:14 PM

yep.. the plan was to replace bearing and seals and put new grease. If I hand packed them, would I still need to add grease through the zerk EZ lube fitting?

**Midnightmoon** · 02-22-2019, 04:06 PM

I agree with cleaning and repacking the bearings yourself so that you know what is in there. But, do we know what grease Jayco/Lippert uses as the factory lube?

mtb4life · 02-22-2019, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnightmoon

But, do we know what grease Jayco/Lippert uses as the factory lube?

I called Dexter and asked for grease recommendation. Each Dexter plant may use different approved grease. They also have an old list of recommended greases. They are aware that there are others that are compatible but the list isn't updated. As long as it's NLGI2 and Lithium Complex, it's good to go.

Johnny Lightning · 02-22-2019, 08:39 PM

Cleaning the old grease out is unnecessary if you stick to the same grease chemistry, lithium with lithium and moly with moly. I know of old school mechanics that say you shouldn't clean bearings, but I'm not so sure. I do know I wouldn't clean them in a typical parts washer as the filter is not fine enough to catch all of the particulate contamination, and that is likely what they were talking about. That said, I don't see where cleaning the bearings in clean solvent is going to hurt them. I might also give them a final rinse with starting fluid (ether) as it evaporates completely. I also don't think it's necessary if you don't mix grease types. Just my dos centavos.

ShortCircuit · 02-22-2019, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtb4life

I called Dexter and asked for grease recommendation. Each Dexter plant may use different approved grease. They also have an old list of recommended greases. They are aware that there are others that are compatible but the list isn't updated. As long as it's NLGI2 and Lithium Complex, it's good to go.

I use a Timken Brand Bearing grease and a grease packing tool all from Amazon

Jagiven · 02-22-2019, 10:13 PM

Red and tacky is a good grease.

If you hand packing,and always hand pack, you do not need to pump any through the zero. If you do not, you might get some non compatible grease, some day in the future. I have no clue what they used in the factory.

As for cleaning the bearings. My favorite is a few paper towels and a can of wd40, it does a good job breaking down grease. About the only thing it is good for.

mtb4life · 02-22-2019, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShortCircuit

I use a Timken Brand Bearing grease and a grease packing tool all from Amazon

I tried the Lisle (with the red cover) bearing packer from Amazon, ok with the smaller outer bearing, not so much for the bigger inner bearing. Maybe I just don't know how to use it so I resorted to manual hand packing.

mikegray · 02-23-2019, 05:46 AM

I have a Flight 26bh 2014. It has the EZ lube fittings. Do I still need to take out the bearings and pack them by hand? Or just using the EZ fittings good enough?
Mike

les45 · 02-23-2019, 06:03 AM

I've been using Red and Tacky for years and it is good stuff. I started using it after a lot of research and found it is number one for boaters who routinely get their wheels wet. I clean my bearings by soaking in mineral spirits (using nitrile gloves) and thoroughly cleaning with a toothbrush. I do this two times and then lay them out to dry. Always use new seals each time you re-pack your bearings. I also pack by hand. I don't believe in Zerk fittings and filling the entire cavity with grease. I just pack enough around each bearing on each side to make sure it stays covered. BTW - I've found it's about as cheap to buy an entire spare hub already filled with bearings and grease than to buy the individual bearings for emergencies. It's also a lot easier to change out if you do have an emergency on the road.

**Midnightmoon** · 02-23-2019, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by les45

BTW - I've found it's about as cheap to buy an entire spare hub already filled with bearings and grease than to buy the individual bearings for emergencies. It's also a lot easier to change out if you do have an emergency on the road.

This is a really good idea. Much easier to make a repair along the side of the road.

les45 · 02-23-2019, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikegray

I have a Flight 26bh 2014. It has the EZ lube fittings. Do I still need to take out the bearings and pack them by hand? Or just using the EZ fittings good enough?
Mike

Not sure how often (depends on miles and age) but you definitely need to take your bearings out occasionally and inspect them for any problems. If they are wearing, early detection and correction can avoid a breakdown on the road. Also, feel them occasionally while towing to see if they are getting hot; another sign of problems.

mikegray · 02-23-2019, 09:16 AM

Does anyone know which QuickTrim Hub Cover for Trailer Wheels works for a 2014 Flight 26BH? Mike

**Midnightmoon** · 02-23-2019, 09:17 AM

Just something interesting I found. This is on one of my cargo trailers. It has 3500# Dexter axles.

oldmanAZ · 02-23-2019, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnightmoon

Just something interesting I found. This is on one of my cargo trailers. It has 3500# Dexter axles.

... but that label doesn't say to use a 'MANUAL' grease gun and ROTATE the wheel as you pump in the grease.

I believed those were critical items to avoid blowing out the seals.

**Midnightmoon** · 02-23-2019, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldmanAZ

... but that label doesn't say to use a 'MANUAL' grease gun and ROTATE the wheel as you pump in the grease.

I believed those were critical items to avoid blowing out the seals.

I especially like the part about adding grease until it comes out around the spindle nut. I wonder how many people have blown out their seals and or have grease soaked brakes and don't even know it using the manufacturers directions?

mia389 · 02-23-2019, 01:20 PM

Service Manual has all the info you need.

http://www.dexteraxle.com/docs/defau....pdf?sfvrsn=10

chrismoore701 · 02-25-2019, 06:52 AM

One thing to seriously consider. If you have and use the EZ lube system, be SURE to remove your lug nuts routinely. Should do this at least once a year. Whether you have the EZ lube or not. I did this on my snowmobile trailer that had the EZ lube system, had to remove the wheel and broke 2 of the 4 studs due to never touching them. This would have sucked on the side of the road. Luckily it was a lesson learned in my garage

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