Re-packing hubs, e-z lube axles

[jas451]

We have a 2014 Salem Hemisphere. Haven't had the hubs repacked yet so I know I should be looking into it....they say do it once a year, but we didn't
have it out last year. This year we did do about a 3,000 mile trip. I can't find anything in the instruction manual that refers to the "e-z lube axles" and not sure what that means. I haven't found any zerks that I can see.....

[timfromma]

Originally Posted by jas451

We have a 2014 Salem Hemisphere. Haven't had the hubs repacked yet so I know I should be looking into it....they say do it once a year, but we didn't
have it out last year. This year we did do about a 3,000 mile trip. I can't find anything in the instruction manual that refers to the "e-z lube axles" and not sure what that means. I haven't found any zerks that I can see.....

I used the EZ-lube fitting to grease my axels and ended up with grease filled brakes. I had to pull all 4 wheels apart, clean them up and replace 2 of my 4 brake assemblies. I HIGHLY recommend pulling your brakes apart and packing the bearing by hand the old fashioned way.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by jas451

We have a 2014 Salem Hemisphere. Haven't had the hubs repacked yet so I know I should be looking into it....they say do it once a year, but we didn't
have it out last year. This year we did do about a 3,000 mile trip. I can't find anything in the instruction manual that refers to the "e-z lube axles" and not sure what that means. I haven't found any zerks that I can see.....

You won't 'see' any grease zerks unless you remove the rubber plug on the wheel center cover and hub center cap. And maybe not even then unless you dig around in the grease.

I suggest you visit Dexter's web site or the many YouTube videos on how to utilize the EZ-Lube feature.

[RSchleder]

I also have had bad luck with EZ lub hubs. After filling up the brakes with grease, I stopped using them.
IF--you insist on using the EZ lub system, GOOGLE and watch the on-line video(s) a couple of times as there is a specific process to be followed!

[Stlcaly]

I recommend you have a qualified dealer do it before next trip. If they are good, they will check entire undercarriage and suspension and tires/brakes. Also if you don’t do it each year, you normally void any warranty you may have. Check your paperwork.

[sfsgm]

It's a very easy process to do yourself. If you want to spend several hundreds of dollars, take it to somebody that "does" brakes.

[Strigflag]

I followed the instructions in the Dexter manual that came with my trailer and have never had a problem repacking my z lube bearings. You need to use a hand grease gun not a powered one and use the proper Grease when repacking them. The tires need to be spun while you are pumping the grease in otherwise you will get leakage behind the rear seal. I trust myself doing these things more than I would trust a dealer

[GaryK.]

We had a Rockwood Mini Lite. I used the EZ lube system every fall before we parked it for the winter. Had no problems. You must pump the grease in very slowly and spin the tire. We now have a Forest River Vibe. It has the same hubs. Makes me happy because of the ease.

[JohnD10]

Originally Posted by sfsgm

It's a very easy process to do yourself. If you want to spend several hundreds of dollars, take it to somebody that "does" brakes.

You know...not everyone is a mechanic or even mechanically inclined.

Doesn't matter how "easy" it might be...

[Paulie1138]

.....But JohnD10, some skills are easily learned to save hundreds of dollars. However, everybody is different, and willingness levels vary.

[bzac1954]

Originally Posted by timfromma

I used the EZ-lube fitting to grease my axels and ended up with grease filled brakes. I had to pull all 4 wheels apart, clean them up and replace 2 of my 4 brake assemblies. I HIGHLY recommend pulling your brakes apart and packing the bearing by hand the old fashioned way.

Look at his. There should be a pop off plastic cover at the end of each axle. Under the cover you will find a grease fitting. CAUTION, do not pump too much grease as you run the risk of blowing out the rear seal. Just do 1 or 2 pumps or just enough to feel a slight resistance.

[txredfish]

I have EZ Lube fittings on my boat trailer for 12 years and camping trailer for 4 years. I pump in grease until the old grease comes to front. I have never had grease go out the rear seal.

[Tiggerdad]

I repack every year. Have found an occasional spalled roller. I have also found damaged brakes and broken wires on the magnet which meant that brake was NOT working.

[Johntgif]

Do it yourself or
"Pay-To-Play"

[Comanchecreek]

I pull my hubs, inspect the bearings and repack, replace the rear seal, and pump till the grease just starts squirting through the front bearing. One or two pumps will only squirt a little grease behind the rear bearing and really does nothing as far as greasing the wheel bearings. While your doing all this, (after inspecting the brakes), adjust your brakes for proper operation. That is what I would consider a proper hub, bearing and brake service. How often depends on how much you haul it. First thing to do is watch the You Tube video on how to use the Easy Lube axles. Depending on your experience you could also watch on how to adjust the brakes.

[ekfinch]

Originally Posted by timfromma

I used the EZ-lube fitting to grease my axels and ended up with grease filled brakes. I had to pull all 4 wheels apart, clean them up and replace 2 of my 4 brake assemblies. I HIGHLY recommend pulling your brakes apart and packing the bearing by hand the old fashioned way.

I agree, but I think the seal leaked on my ezlube axle. Not a fan at all. I had not used the ezlube method. The seals are also made in china. Says so on the seals. They also now state in the video instructions to add a layer of the red formagasket. So, it sounds like they found their seals had a problem. Used brakleen to clean all the brake parts. Only had one that was real bad. Hope the brakleen works. Looked very clean when I finished.

[Beachbourbon]

How do you do-it-yourselfers jack up your rig when performing this service?

[Rdeejr]

^^^^ Jack up with Floor jack and put jack stands under axle.

[NMWildcat]

LevelUp jacks, one side at a time. Before LevelUp, a five ton floor jack.

[5picker]

^^ and if you don't have an auto leveling system... floor jack, bottle jack or Trailer Aid/Trailer Helper.