Wheel Bearing Maintenance

[gbaglo]

From Tammy at ETI:

Every parts store has a different number for the brakes and bearings. The information required really is Dexter #10 Torflex Axle. The parts store will then look up their parts number.

Inner L 68149
Outer L 44649

This axle is one of the most common axle sizes.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

That's weird, because I have posted PDFs here before.

Maybe back off on the quality a wee bit?

I was thinking of that . Pat

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

You can not send attachments via p/m, so ask Donna for an alternate email address.

Jim she gave me a e- mail address . I was also trying to send to her in mail . I am sure it is simple later will try again . Pat

[Jim Bennett]

It could be something to do with how file is being saved? I regularly save files as PDFs, scan documents as PDFs, and email. Something is weird, hope you get it figured out.

[Patandlinda]

Trying again . changing the resolution . Pat

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by Patandlinda

Trying again . changing the resolution . Pat

GOT IT. I'll get it uploaded to the document center right away! And post back in THIS post exactly where to find it (for future or search use )


DONE! Find it here: Files > Miscellaneous Documents > Dexter Axle Bearings

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

GOT IT. I'll get it uploaded to the document center right away! And post back in THIS post exactly where to find it (for future or search use )

Yay !Pat

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

GOT IT. I'll get it uploaded to the document center right away! And post back in THIS post exactly where to find it (for future or search use )


DONE! Find it here: Files > Miscellaneous Documents > Dexter Axle Bearings

Also forgot to tell . If you have your serial number to get this information . ask for Dexter warranty and ask them to kindly send you your axle info in e-mail . Pat

[2KC Seattle]

We're fishing for some advice about servicing wheel bearings on relatively new Escape Trailer (1-yr old).

Our one-year old 15A Escape and has logged just 1023 miles, mostly on 5 road trips around western Washington on paved roads. I've read differing opinions about "must service annually" to "every few years" (a little vague, and not recognizing potential hard use if in dirty/dusty roads).

Any thoughts about whether to take trailer into RV servicing place to this spring to get the wheel bearings serviced before starting out on more trips, or is it reasonable (with 1,000 miles on trailer) to wait till next year?

As always, thanks to this nice forum for any input/suggestions.
- King Cushman

[Jim Bennett]

If it was me, and with that low of mileage annually, I would go at least 3 years before servicing. Others would do it differently though. If the time and money are of no concern, there is definitely no harm in doing them now.

[Rossue]

Probably appropriate to double the recommended interval in your case. After two years you probably want to inspect everything though, which would include the brakes. For now you should adjust brakes, especially if they've never been done and torque the wheel lugs.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Rossue

For now you should adjust brakes, especially if they've never been done and torque the wheel lugs.

I was just going to edit to add this, but you beat me to it.

[Bobbito]

I'm with Jim on this. You have very low mileage. I put on about 2000 miles on my 2015 Escape 21 and will leave bearings until next year or the following unless we opt for a big trip.

Bob K

Bob K

[gbaglo]

Last time I took the trailer to my mechanic for a repack, I got the distinct impression that he didn't want to do it, that it wasn't necessary. After all, he had repacked them the year before, and the original bearings were still in perfect shape. Had him do it anyway, or at least he charged me for doing them.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Rossue

Probably appropriate to double the recommended interval in your case. After two years you probably want to inspect everything though, which would include the brakes. For now you should adjust brakes, especially if they've never been done and torque the wheel lugs.

Just now going to repack bearings after 8000 mi trailer Nov 14 2013 . I did adjust brakes after about 4000-5000. I check wheel lugs before every trip from home . Also before I leave from camp site . I had one lug I have to watch . Pat

[Brian B-P]

I wouldn't call it advice, but I'll share what I would do:
I would wait at least a year, since the bearings have neither significant time nor significant distance on them... but it would be good to jack up the trailer (one side at a time) and grab each wheel for a basic check for excessive play (lateral tilting motion), in case they were never properly seated or are wearing extraordinarily quickly. You could check wheel nut torque and brake adjustment at the same time. There is no need to remove the wheels for any of this... and there is a benefit to not messing with them if they are already properly centred and secured.

There is some possible harm in having bearings serviced much earlier than required, if the person doing the work leaves them inadequately packed or improperly adjusted. Of course, no competent professional would do that...

[MyronL]

Ya, my guy detected a .2mm wiggle in one of my tires, or said he did, so I insisted he repack all the bearings before my next trip. Was first time ever, trailer had 19,000+ miles. Why take a chance?

[Rossue]

Better safe than sorry. Wrecked spindle =new axle.

[thoer]

Originally Posted by MyronL

Ya, my guy detected a .2mm wiggle in one of my tires, or said he did, so I insisted he repack all the bearings before my next trip. Was first time ever, trailer had 19,000+ miles. Why take a chance?

0.2mm of tire movement? I don't know how you could get less than that with these type bearings where you have to back the castle nut off so that the cotter pin can be inserted.

[CADreamin]

We picked up our trailer in April 2014 and had it inspected April 2015. The mechanic heard about our jaunt over the mountains near Yellowstone (10% grades ...) and did a thorough inspection. He found the brakes were wearing unevenly (there was a misalignment somewhere, but I can't remember where) so we opted to have them replaced. He also repacked the bearings at the same time. This year, when we asked about the bearings, he quizzed us about distance traveled, hills, etc., etc., and said we would be fine for another year.