2012 Lacrosse Bearing Issues

[SK_AusTX]

We are just under two years into ownership of our 318BHS.

3 weeks after our purchase I noticed that one of the hubs was running too hot to touch. We took it to the dealership and after a bit of fussing about, they replaced one of the axles. Seems that they had one in stock since someone else was having a similar issue.

This weekend after an short trip I noticed that the same wheel is now covered in grime and grease is streaking the brake drum. So it looks as though the bearings and/or seals are shot on this one too.

Call me suspicious, but after a lifetime of owning boat trailers with no bearing issues, having issues with the same hub two times in two years is a bit troubling. Especially since the dealership supposedly replaced the axle.

My question to the community is this: Has anyone else had recurring issues with these axles? If so, do you have any words of wisdom?

Are the races replaceable on these axles or will the spindle need to be replaced also?

Thanks for your input.

[Twisty]

Remove the bearings and check for wear/damage/discoloration.
The races in the hub can be replaced.
Replace the bearings/races if questionable and replace the seal.

[youroo]

Originally Posted by Twisty

Remove the bearings and check for wear/damage/discoloration.
The races in the hub can be replaced.
Replace the bearings/races if questionable and replace the seal.

I agree,Plus check the other (3) also! Youroo!!

[huntr70]

Have you done any maintenance since they replaced the axle?

Repacked bearings? At minimum, used the "easy lube" zerk fittings?

Hard to point any fingers at what is wrong if you haven't looked at them before now.

[BarryD0706]

Leaking grease indicates a bad seal. Nothing wrong with the bearings.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by BarryD0706

Leaking grease indicates a bad seal. Nothing wrong with the bearings.

Not necessarily, over filling will sling grease out the front of the hub and onto the outside of the wheel. Leaking rear seal will throw grease on back of wheel and into the hub and brake linings.

[BarryD0706]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

Not necessarily, over filling will sling grease out the front of the hub and onto the outside of the wheel. Leaking rear seal will throw grease on back of wheel and into the hub and brake linings.

Good point OC! It could also be the front "seal". ;-)

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by BarryD0706

Good point OC! It could also be the front "seal". ;-)

Have never seen a front "seal" on any wheel brg except on a full floating axle like on trucks and that is a gasket on the axle flange.

[youroo]

Originally Posted by BarryD0706

Leaking grease indicates a bad seal. Nothing wrong with the bearings.

The person who removes the hub assy. and properly removes & cleans (All) the components can make a determination on the condition of them. Replacing seals after use is a given. Youroo!!

[BarryD0706]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

Have never seen a front "seal" on any wheel brg except on a full floating axle like on trucks and that is a gasket on the axle flange.

It meets the definition of a "seal" in my book (but hey, it's a very old book).

[Walke]

Most of these manufacturers use products that are purchased by them based mainly on PRICE.

No different with "wheel bearing grease", on our Lacrosse right from day one all of the bearings ran warm to hot after a couple of hours on the interstate.

If you are going to run 5 to 7 hours a day on the interstate as we do running to Florida, always have the wheels pulled on a brand new unit and completely clean the grease out with a solvent and hand pack them with a high quality grease.

Our Lacrosse now runs cold to lukewarm with a re-pack of LMX High Performance 4X Ultra-Lube #10320 www.ultra-lube.com Of course, you also top up the grease with 6 to 8 pumps of the grease gun on each wheel annually. Never mix two different types of grease.

[BarryD0706]

I just looked at page 52 of the Dexter Axle book and don't see UltraLube to be an approved source for their axle grease. You can find that book in the FRF Library (or on the Dexter website).

[Ford Idaho]

Originally Posted by Walke

Most of these manufacturers use products that are purchased by them based mainly on PRICE.

No different with "wheel bearing grease", on our Lacrosse right from day one all of the bearings ran warm to hot after a couple of hours on the interstate.

If you are going to run 5 to 7 hours a day on the interstate as we do running to Florida, always have the wheels pulled on a brand new unit and completely clean the grease out with a solvent and hand pack them with a high quality grease.

Our Lacrosse now runs cold to lukewarm with a re-pack of LMX High Performance 4X Ultra-Lube #10320 www.ultra-lube.com Of course, you also top up the grease with 6 to 8 pumps of the grease gun on each wheel annually. Never mix two different types of grease.

Agreed, I doubt you could find out what brand and type was used when the axel's were assembled.