Hi! This is my first time posting a question to the forums. You guys have given me so much great information over the very, very (very) long winter here in Alberta. We bought our first trailer last summer (Solaire 307 qb and some letters that I can't remember). So we did our winterizing last fall and plan to dewinterize this weekend or next so we're ready for May long. My question is this: I've heard the term "repacking the wheel bearings". What is it, how is it done, and how often? We only pulled the trailer for about 3500 kms last summer-what can we expect to do for maintenance before our "big" trip? Thanks!
Repacking the wheel bearings is the process of removing the hubs, cleaning all the old grease out of the hubs, out of the bearings themselves, then putting a coating of fresh grease inside the hub to prevent rust, packing grease between the rollers inside the cage, replacing the grease seals, then putting the hubs back on and adjusting the preload on the bearings.
Think of it the same way as changing the engine oil.
How often varies. Some make it part of their Spring tune up, others do it every couple of years, some do it every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Me personally, two years or 15,000 miles, I'll end up doing it two years since I don't get to tow that much.
I'd have them checked, make sure the tension is good and all is smooth, but they shouldn't need to be repacked yet.
Hi! This is my first time posting a question to the forums. You guys have given me so much great information over the very, very (very) long winter here in Alberta. We bought our first trailer last summer (Solaire 307 qb and some letters that I can't remember). So we did our winterizing last fall and plan to dewinterize this weekend or next so we're ready for May long. My question is this: I've heard the term "repacking the wheel bearings". What is it, how is it done, and how often? We only pulled the trailer for about 3500 kms last summer-what can we expect to do for maintenance before our "big" trip? Thanks!
I you go to the Library at the top in the green bar, then running gear, you can download your axle manual and it will answer all your questions.
Many do, though I'm not a fan. I feel it's too easy to end up with the hub completely full and pushing grease past the seal into the brake area, plus it's a good idea to remove and inspect the bearings which hand cleaning allows you to do.
Anybody know what comes stock on a Dexter axle(V-Lite26WFKSS). Regular caps? Something more like Herk's Ultra Lubes?? Maybe??
Lack of magic dust has limited the production speed, to where it can't keep up with my anticipation Inquiring minds want to know.
Looks like EZ-Lubes maybe,.... from h20ski's link above. We'll see.
Many do, though I'm not a fan. I feel it's too easy to end up with the hub completely full and pushing grease past the seal into the brake area, plus it's a good idea to remove and inspect the bearings which hand cleaning allows you to do.
I like to do mine every year. It's cheap maintenance and you can check your bearings and your brakes. I found a bad bearing, and a busted brake spring when I did mine a few weeks ago.
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2012 F150 4x4 5.0
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Bearing Buddy's DO NOT BELONG on trailers with brakes. They will push grease past the seals onto the brakes. Ez Lube axles do not do this, the excess grease comes out the front.
I bought my 2006 Shamrock 23SS used and it came with no paperwork. Which do I have or how can I tell? I want to do maintenance before heading out later in June.
I bought my 2006 Shamrock 23SS used and it came with no paperwork. Which do I have or how can I tell? I want to do maintenance before heading out later in June.
Is there a metal data plate or sticker with manufacture and part number on your axle?
I bought my 2006 Shamrock 23SS used and it came with no paperwork. Which do I have or how can I tell? I want to do maintenance before heading out later in June.
Pull the hubcaps and look. If you see a rubber cap, pull it and you will see a zerk. If you see a full metal cap, you will have to pull it, and take the hub off to grease.
I bought my 2006 Shamrock 23SS used and it came with no paperwork. Which do I have or how can I tell? I want to do maintenance before heading out later in June.
I would think that you had al-ko axles. Do you have a black rubber plug over them? If so they are. You will have zerk fitting behind that if you do, Pump some 400 degree grease from napa in them until it comes out, then just wipe the excess off and you are done. Buy Red Lukas. it meets the specs.
Thanks for the assist. I am new at this so I really appreciate the help. Concerning the other reply....informative and obnoxious all at the same time. Impressive!
Okay, that came out a little over the top but I couldn't resist.
Just having fun.
I just got a quote from my local RV retailer for repacking my bearings. The cost would be $240 plus tax or $60/wheel. Seems that's reasonable. I'll likely have the brake pads/calipers checked out while they're in there.
I just got a quote from my local RV retailer for repacking my bearings. The cost would be $240 plus tax or $60/wheel. Seems that's reasonable. I'll likely have the brake pads/calipers checked out while they're in there.
That's a very important task, and if not performed well can ruin your day. Why not get a quote from a local shop that specializes in brakes and bearings? There's a couple of chains. Would give me piece of mind, I'm sure you also.
I just got a quote from my local RV retailer for repacking my bearings. The cost would be $240 plus tax or $60/wheel. Seems that's reasonable. I'll likely have the brake pads/calipers checked out while they're in there.
That really is not a bad price to do. I don't think you will get it cheaper anywhere. That's only $60.00 bucks an hour my dealer will charge $90.00 per hour. Should take about an hour a wheel or so to do it right. And you are correct have them check everything while they are off and also have them adjust them if they are not the self adjusting type......I would go for it.......
Inquiring minds want to know.
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