Changing Wheel Bearings

[raytwntrvlr]

Our trailer is just in its second season but we put over 5K miles on it last year and are heading out in a couple weeks on a month long 4K trip. A local shop where I have my automotive work done is willing to service the wheel bearings on it. I am thinking about just having them replace all the original bearings with new. I would like to use Timken as I have seen many references to them as the best. Is there any way I can get the correct Timken part numbers for the bearing sets and seals without taking the wheel apart?

My trailer has Dexter 3500 pound easy lube axles.

TIA for your ideas, Mike

[raytwntrvlr]

So we went down to the storage bldg. to get the numbers, etc. off the axle and what do you know? There in the owners folder for the trailer I found a nice little book "Operation Maintenance Service Manual" for our Dexter axle.

Everything I need is right there.

I also watched a couple of videos by Dexter on the servicing of the bearings. They recommend service intervals of 12months/12K miles. Since my bearings are running cool all the time now, I am going to wait until this summer to take on this project myself.

For trip insurance, I am going to buy two sets of bearings plus seals to take with me should I have a need to repair while traveling.

[OKI Marine]

Originally Posted by raytwntrvlr

For trip insurance, I am going to buy two sets of bearings plus seals to take with me should I have a need to repair while traveling.

Good idea. You might consider grease and the correct drop point temp which should be in the paperwork you have. There should also be a list of recommended grease to use. You might also want a brass bar about 1/2" diameter x 6 to 8" long and a hammer to knock a race out of the drum if needed. I also carry a piece of plywood cut to about 12" square to work on.

[Mars]

Good idea. It seems Dexter uses decent bearings. My last unit still had the original bearings when I sold it. Inspected and repacked a few times but they looked great.

[Too Tall]

IMO, If you got EZ Lube axles just change out the grease once a year and check for wear and you should not have to disassemble them

[davel1971]

Originally Posted by Too Tall

IMO, If you got EZ Lube axles just change out the grease once a year and check for wear and you should not have to disassemble them

how do you change grease and check for wear without disassembly

[Too Tall]

Originally Posted by davel1971

how do you change grease and check for wear without disassembly

Jack the wheel up
grab the top of the tire and pull it back and forth to check for play and listen for any grinding noise when rotating the bearing.
rotate the tire and pump grease until it's completely displaced.
Good for another year

For years I didn't rotate the tire while pumping the grease but after talking to Dexter, they recommended that to prevent possibly blowing the rear seal.

[m2kamp]

Newb question. I have 3500 lb dexter axles (non EZ lube). Is there a trick to dealing with the drum brakes when servicing the bearings?

[Too Tall]

Originally Posted by m2kamp

Newb question. I have 3500 lb dexter axles (non EZ lube). Is there a trick to dealing with the drum brakes when servicing the bearings?

Here's a good video on adjusting the brakes.

https://youtu.be/jDMNjK3CkZ0

[davel1971]

Originally Posted by Too Tall

Jack the wheel up
grab the top of the tire and pull it back and forth to check for play and listen for any grinding noise when rotating the bearing.
rotate the tire and pump grease until it's completely displaced.
Good for another year

For years I didn't rotate the tire while pumping the grease but after talking to Dexter, they recommended that to prevent possibly blowing the rear seal.

If you keep pumping grease in till it's all new, you just force it out the back and onto the brakes.

[Too Tall]

Originally Posted by davel1971

If you keep pumping grease in till it's all new, you just force it out the back and onto the brakes.

no, your seal stop that. it all comes back to the front. Try it you'll like it. that's what EZ Lube is designed to do.

[m2kamp]

Originally Posted by Too Tall

Here's a good video on adjusting the brakes.

https://youtu.be/jDMNjK3CkZ0

Thanks for the link!

I guess I was asking more about how to remove the brake/drum assembly (if even needed?) to service the wheel bearings? Thanks

[Too Tall]

Originally Posted by m2kamp

Thanks for the link!

I guess I was asking more about how to remove the brake/drum assembly (if even needed?) to service the wheel bearings? Thanks

Okay sorry, I didn't understand that. Check the Dexter site they have videos on how to do just about everything pertaining to their axles and wheels.

[Jimsue]

Too Tall et al...I tried pumping the zirks on my ez Lube and blew my seals, ruining my brakes and nearly crashing in Moab. One needs to be extremely cautious when pumping grease into the ez lube system. Be sure to jack up and rotate the tire while pumping grease in to the zirk.


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[Too Tall]

Yes and instructions also say to only use a hand grease gun as a powered one will possibly pump too fast and blow the seal.

[davel1971]

any grease gun can blow the seal if too much grease is put in. You can't see inside, so it's easy to over do it. Grease seal is not made to hold back pressure. Best method is to disassemble and grease by hand. This way you get to inspect the bearings and brakes at the same time.

[Too Tall]

Originally Posted by davel1971

any grease gun can blow the seal if too much grease is put in. You can't see inside, so it's easy to over do it. Grease seal is not made to hold back pressure. Best method is to disassemble and grease by hand. This way you get to inspect the bearings and brakes at the same time.

Sure take them apart if you like. It's works for me. Hadn't blown a seal yet in 20 years.

[OKI Marine]

It's great that you've had luck with not blowing the rear seal. I for one disagree and that's my thoughts on that as I have blown the rear seal. To me good practice is taking it apart and inspecting all the internal parts. Bearings, seals, magnets, drums and shoes.

[Too Tall]

Sure, everyone has their preference. I've repacked so many bearings by hand in my lifetime, I thought I had died and gone to heaven when the EZ lube came out. Unfortunately, I've got a boat trailer and utility trailer that still requires hand packing.