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Old 04-21-2012, 12:51 PM   #101
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It's finally time to go camping this year, so I just serviced my hubs for the first time. Thank you Herk, for starting this thread. I was glad to be forewarned on the amount of grease it would take to fill the hubs.

My Mini-Lite is only a year old, but 2 of the rubber axle plugs were cracked through. I ran over to the local RV store & bought 4 new ones. Anyways, hope to hit the road next week.
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Old 04-21-2012, 02:26 PM   #102
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My Mini-Lite is only a year old, but 2 of the rubber axle plugs were cracked through. I ran over to the local RV store & bought 4 new ones. Anyways, hope to hit the road next week.
The big chunk of rubber came out of 1 of my plugs this spring , as well as cracks in the other 3. Replaced them all at a couple of dollars each from a local horse and cargo trailer dealer.
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Old 03-03-2013, 10:45 AM   #103
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As a recent member and being very interested in this subject, I've read all the contributions and comments in this thread, which has been very informative. One thing I'd like to point out is the AL-KO spindle lube design is NOT called Ultralube. The correct name is Ultrulube with a "u" after the r.

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Old 04-10-2013, 10:46 AM   #104
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With the Ultra-Lube hubs on the Al-Ko axles, the problem is not bearings being packed. The bearings are pre-loaded with grease when installed at the plant. So there is plenty of grease IN the bearing.



The problem comes in that all they are doing after assembly is screwing the Zerk fitting into the end of the axle (in some cases only a thread or two and hand tight) and NOT pumping the axle hub full like they are supposed to.

When you lube from the Zerk for the first time, you need to fill the reservoir between the inner and outer bearings, the space between the trailer side bearing and rear lip seal, push the old grease out of the trailer side bearing, push THAT grease along the outer spindle, and through the tire side bearing and then clean all that mess up.

Since mine had never been done before, it took an entire "large" tube of grease and almost a roll of paper towels.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: With the easy lube type system, you do NOT need to remove the bearings to repack them. You just put the hand pump on once a month and give a few squirts. When you do your brakes, you should pull the bearings and inspect them for burn marks, wear, and damage. You will need to replace your seals when the bearings come out so make sure you order those too.
I truly appreciated this timely information. I am going to repack my bearings this weekend for the first time; I also have AL-KO Ultrulube that came with my Rookwood HW277. I noticed the pdf, attachments. I will use them as a reference for procedure, truly appreciated, thank you for that.

Do you have any suggestions as to doing my own break inspections as well?

I sure hope this is not a thread hijacking; the thread is about two years old, sorry if it is.
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Old 04-10-2013, 06:16 PM   #105
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Do you have any suggestions as to doing my own break inspections as well?
Without knowing your level of skill, I hesitate to say.
Since in PA the camper must be inspected annually, I let them do it.
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Old 04-11-2013, 06:38 PM   #106
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Without knowing your level of skill, I hesitate to say.
Since in PA the camper must be inspected annually, I let them do it.
As far as I know, there is no such law in Montréal for a tent trailer, I will investigate and let you know. As for my skills, I am not an auto or RV mechanic, so if it goes against your principles, I respect that.
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Old 04-12-2013, 10:41 AM   #107
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As far as I know, there is no such law in Montréal for a tent trailer, I will investigate and let you know. As for my skills, I am not an auto or RV mechanic, so if it goes against your principles, I respect that.

I contacted Transport Québec, and they said an inspection is only required on RVs or any trailers over 4500 Kilograms or 9921 pounds. My Rookwood HW277 is GVWR 3859 pounds.
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Old 04-24-2013, 08:30 AM   #108
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bearing repair and lube

Thanks to everyone for the great information.I t was very helpfull.
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Old 04-24-2013, 10:10 PM   #109
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That little rubber end cap has cracks that run completely around the dimple in the center. Some of the cracks go all the way through and grease seeps out when the wheel is turning and makes my wheels dirty. It is on the outside so there is no functional problem; it just looks bad.
Been reading this and lot of interesting info here. Thanks to all who have posted. Have my 831 RLBSS, 2011, for some repairs( swung around to tight the back end of tt caught a solid object) so asked dealer to look at dark stains running down the outside, not the backside of the wheel on 2 of the 4 wheels. Its leakage from bearing grease, I believe. Anyway got the estimate at @$220.00, so I emailed them back asking for clarification as to what exactly would be done for $220.00. Dealer replied today saying "Repack bearings, replace seal, clean brakes." Unclear IF they intend to replace all the seals? Will ask for clarification. They also stated seals were not a warranty repair item even tho we bought extended warranty.(Thats another story for another forum I have the AL_KO Ultralube type bearings/hubs.
Anyway thought that to be rather high cost! TT has approx 15K miles.
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Old 04-24-2013, 10:14 PM   #110
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As a recent member and being very interested in this subject, I've read all the contributions and comments in this thread, which has been very informative. One thing I'd like to point out is the AL-KO spindle lube design is NOT called Ultralube. The correct name is Ultrulube with a "u" after the r.

Wayne

Wayne you are exactly correct. Thanks for the post.
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Old 04-25-2013, 07:36 AM   #111
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Wander,

My bearing cap seals also cracked and let the grease fling out.
I called AlKo and their customer service sent me 4 new ones free.
AL-KO Kober - Brakes, Hubs & Drums

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Old 04-27-2013, 09:44 PM   #112
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Can someone tell me the correct zerk size for the Ultru Lube. 3 of my 4 wont take grease and I want to replace them. I went to the local auto supply store and they had several sizes, but I did not know which ones I needed.

Thanks,

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Old 04-27-2013, 10:38 PM   #113
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Can someone tell me the correct zerk size for the Ultru Lube. 3 of my 4 wont take grease and I want to replace them. I went to the local auto supply store and they had several sizes, but I did not know which ones I needed.

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SPPD
I believe them to be 1/4"


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Old 04-27-2013, 10:48 PM   #114
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Thanks Turbs!
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Old 04-27-2013, 10:49 PM   #115
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Thanks Turbs!
Not a problem.
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Old 04-28-2013, 06:42 AM   #116
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Can someone tell me the correct zerk size for the Ultru Lube. 3 of my 4 wont take grease and I want to replace them. I went to the local auto supply store and they had several sizes, but I did not know which ones I needed.

Thanks,

SPPD
yes, 1/4", Lowes has them in there hardware area. Funny, i have a 2013 Solaire 267 BHSK and i had two grease fittings that wouldnt take grease either! i bought four new ones and will replace the other two the next time i check for grease.
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Old 04-30-2013, 10:46 PM   #117
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Buy grease that is GC-LB certified. I use Conoco/Phillips Multiplex RED No. 2
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Old 05-12-2013, 02:03 AM   #118
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Wander,

My bearing cap seals also cracked and let the grease fling out.
I called AlKo and their customer service sent me 4 new ones free.
AL-KO Kober - Brakes, Hubs & Drums

sales2@al-kousa.com
Had two leaking down the wheel. Had TT at dealer for body repairs..long story lol, and asked them to ck the leakage and suggest remedy. They replied that bearings should be repacked ever 6 months and it would cost $220.00!!!
Questioned them as to replacement of seals etc. They replied: "All of the wheels" Ok so to replace four seals and relube $220.00?? Told them no thanks. Maybe I'm wrong but just felt that was excessive cost!
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Old 05-12-2013, 06:30 AM   #119
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Had two leaking down the wheel. Had TT at dealer for body repairs..long story lol, and asked them to ck the leakage and suggest remedy. They replied that bearings should be repacked ever 6 months and it would cost $220.00!!!
Questioned them as to replacement of seals etc. They replied: "All of the wheels" Ok so to replace four seals and relube $220.00?? Told them no thanks. Maybe I'm wrong but just felt that was excessive cost!
Sounds like 50 dollars a wheel labor plus parts...
Only excessive if you think it is; relative to whether there is an alternative...
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Old 05-12-2013, 06:36 AM   #120
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Had two leaking down the wheel. Had TT at dealer for body repairs..long story lol, and asked them to ck the leakage and suggest remedy. They replied that bearings should be repacked ever 6 months and it would cost $220.00!!!
Questioned them as to replacement of seals etc. They replied: "All of the wheels" Ok so to replace four seals and relube $220.00?? Told them no thanks. Maybe I'm wrong but just felt that was excessive cost!
Not if you consider the equipment required and labor involved. Do it yourself once and I think you will agree that it is not a "Walk in the park". Dirty, somewhat dangerous & time consuming.
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