Wheel Bearing Grease - Dexter Axle

ewhite2316 · 09-26-2021, 01:22 PM

We have Dexter Axles on our Flagstaff Micro Lite Model 25RKS. It looks to me like I will need to remove the trailer wheel to grease the wheel bearings without getting grease inside the hub/sleeve. Any ways around this? See pictures.

Also jacking up the trailer, where would you lift from? See pictures.

**Bama Rambler** · 09-26-2021, 01:59 PM

Before we address the greasing and jacking, I see something that bothers me. Hopefully it's just camera angle but it really jumps out at me. It doesn't look like the axle mounting bolts go through the flange, but instead are just clamping the flange to the angle iron on the frame. If that's the case you should get that fixed immediately.

If that's an optical illusion then we can address the greasing and jacking situation.

ewhite2316 · 09-26-2021, 02:10 PM

I will need to go back to the storage lot, but it appears that the top bolt is through but the bottom bolt is not with just the washer catching the frame.

Also another trip to the dealer to have a discussion with the dealer.

Thomas ho · 09-26-2021, 02:35 PM

pry out rubber cap on end of axle ,grease zerk is behind cap. pump in 4 strokes, turn wheel 1/4 turn , pump repeat .you can do this by driving forward . no jacking required.

ewhite2316 · 09-26-2021, 02:43 PM

What is the best way to keep the old grease out of the sleeve/hub that does not seem to pry off? It seems only the outer cap comes off.

Thomas ho · 09-26-2021, 02:54 PM

that is the center wheel cap. the old grease will be by the zerk. i scrape it out with a flat screw driver. or pull wheel and axle cap to expose nut and keeper.

paverdave · 09-26-2021, 02:58 PM

Using the search on this site, came up with a good article by rsdata....have a look see...https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...ob-158288.html

cboss · 09-26-2021, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paverdave

Using the search on this site, came up with a good article by rsdata....have a look see...https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...ob-158288.html

X2!!!!!
That was the article that taught me how to grease the bearings. Make sure you pump the grease gun very slowly while rotating the tire/wheel. If you don't you'll blow out the rear seal and get grease in your brakes.
Also, NEVER JACK A TORSION AXLE BY THE AXEL! Use the camper frame only. You will bend the axel if you try to jack it.

cboss · 09-26-2021, 03:19 PM

Instead of jacking I've had good luck with one of these, but you can only do one wheel at a time. It also comes in handy if you have a flat while traveling.

https://www.amazon.com/Trailer-Aid-T...687505&sr=8-38

5picker · 09-26-2021, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bama Rambler

Before we address the greasing and jacking, I see something that bothers me. Hopefully it's just camera angle but it really jumps out at me. It doesn't look like the axle mounting bolts go through the flange, but instead are just clamping the flange to the angle iron on the frame. If that's the case you should get that fixed immediately.

If that's an optical illusion then we can address the greasing and jacking situation.

I agree.
This bolt appears to just be pinching the mounting flange on the axle to the frame mounting point.
Please get this looked at immediately!

Click image for larger version

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TitanMike · 09-26-2021, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cboss

X2!!!!!
That was the article that taught me how to grease the bearings. Make sure you pump the grease gun very slowly while rotating the tire/wheel. If you don't you'll blow out the rear seal and get grease in your brakes.
Also, NEVER JACK A TORSION AXLE BY THE AXEL! Use the camper frame only. You will bend the axel if you try to jack it.

If one is using a HAND grease gun they only deliver a teaspoon or less of grease with each pump. Unless your name is "Steve Austin" (Six Million Dollar Man) you can't pump fast enough to "Blow" the rear seal out.

Turning the wheel helps the grease pass through the bearing and back out through the front bearing. It also helps to have the grease warm so rather than leaving it outside before starting the job, bring it inside to warm up. Or just leave the grease gun sitting in the sun for a while.

ewhite2316 · 09-26-2021, 06:25 PM

Thanks Bama Rambler. I will get it into the dealer before our next trip.

Juanster · 09-26-2021, 07:26 PM

What year is this MicroLite? Would be interesting to hear what the dealer says and what you see when you can get a better look / picture! Might be something for every Micro/Mini Lite owner to check on. I looked at mine and there is a front & rear bolt per axle, but not top/bottom. Can’t figure out what I see under mine vs these pictures! Thanks in advance!!

ewhite2316 · 09-26-2021, 07:32 PM

It is a MY 2021 Flagstaff 25RKS. We took delivery in July 2020.

I am planning on getting better pictures tomorrow.

MR.M · 09-26-2021, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thomas ho

pry out rubber cap on end of axle ,grease zerk is behind cap. pump in 4 strokes, turn wheel 1/4 turn , pump repeat .you can do this by driving forward . no jacking required.

That's not correct in my book . the wheel needs to be spinning the whole time you're slowly pumping in grease and the zerk imo should only be use between full bearing service and re-packing with new rear seals . the seals can give way and allow grease to contaminate the brake linings . so much care needs to be used with the EZ lube and the wheel spinning the whole times is a must .

MR.M · 09-26-2021, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TitanMike

If one is using a HAND grease gun they only deliver a teaspoon or less of grease with each pump. Unless your name is "Steve Austin" (Six Million Dollar Man) you can't pump fast enough to "Blow" the rear seal out..

This is absolutely not true !...

TitanMike · 09-26-2021, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MR.M

This is absolutely not true !...

If you say so.

Contrary to the opinions of several there's nothing wrong with the EZ-Lube system IF YOU FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS.

It's been working fine on my TT for over 4 years now. Over 30K miles, and even with the OE bearings.

FordMastertech · 09-26-2021, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MR.M

This is absolutely not true !...

Ok then Jamie Sommers

ewhite2316 · 09-27-2021, 01:35 PM

Apparently the photo was an illusion from a bottom angle. Here are better photos. When shooting upwards the slot looks like it is not tight.

**Bama Rambler** · 09-27-2021, 02:05 PM

I'm glad that I was wrong.

Now for the greasing and jacking. You've gotten some good advice.
I have the same issue with the center caps making it hard to clean the old grease off the hubs with it in place. I figure that since I have to have it jacked up anyway I just pull the wheel and center cap and then grease the bearings. That makes it easy to clean off the old grease. It also allows a good inspection of the tires and wheels as well as the suspension.

Having said that, if you haven't pulled the hubs and inspected the brakes and hubs, I highly recommend you do it especially on a new rig. Once you pull them the first time you can use the Easy-Lube a few times before you need to pull them again.

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