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01-06-2022, 07:13 PM
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#341
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Kent, Ohio
Trailer: 2017 21c Sold, 2023 Bigfoot 25RQ
Posts: 1,380
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Upon first serious wheel bearing service of our 2017 21c the shop found a broken brake wire, no electric no work. Inspect upon delivery.
I am requesting the dealer pull the wheels and inspect the bearings upon delivery on our upcoming purchase.
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01-07-2022, 07:08 AM
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#342
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Ocean Park, Maine
Trailer: 21NE picked up in May 2022
Posts: 203
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I think I will just pick up a set of 4 seals/bearings and will just keep them in my little "box of tricks" so I will just have them when needed. Might be handy down the road someday.
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01-07-2022, 07:33 AM
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#343
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Trailer: 2017 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 15,528
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Randy in Maine
I think I will just pick up a set of 4 seals/bearings and will just keep them in my little "box of tricks" so I will just have them when needed. Might be handy down the road someday.
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I know a couple folks that do this, but in my opinion it is just not needed. I have always had two or three trailers and have only occasionally checked the bearings for but tightness and appearance, and grease when the distance in the trailer warrants it. I've never had a failure or issue.
Besides, bearings are really available most anywhere.
Just one guys opinion. [emoji6]
__________________
2017 Escape 5.0 TA
2015 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5L EcoBoost
2009 Escape 19 (previous)
“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” — Abraham Lincoln
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03-10-2022, 07:16 PM
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#344
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Surrey, British Columbia
Trailer: 2015 Escape 21
Posts: 699
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Brakes & Bearings - gouged drum; hanging up magnet arm We got our 2015 Escape 21. A
Quote:
Originally Posted by oldwave
Upon first serious wheel bearing service of our 2017 21c the shop found a broken brake wire, no electric no work. Inspect upon delivery.
I am requesting the dealer pull the wheels and inspect the bearings upon delivery on our upcoming purchase.
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Hey, I had the same thing happen with my 2012 Nash trailer from BC RV Sales. It had a broken wire on delivery and no one noticed. 2 years later Traveland RV did a brake/bearing service without noticing the issue (lack of wear should have been obvious). I found the issue myself when I did it on my own the following time. The break in the wire wasn't noticeable, with no wear marks or cut in the wire coating. I rewired it and immediately my braking improved. I now prefer to do this work myself. Not only do I save a ton of money, but I know exactly the status of my brakes and bearings.
Bob K
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03-10-2022, 07:22 PM
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#345
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Surrey, British Columbia
Trailer: 2015 Escape 21
Posts: 699
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Brakes & Bearings - gouged drum; hanging up magnet arm
Here are two issues I encountered with my Escape trailer, plus and awesome video for newcomers to DIY brakes and bearings:
Magnet gouging brake drum surface:
We got our 2015 Escape 21. After 3 years I inspected the brakes and bearings, finding that the brake shoes/drum surfaces and wheel bearings were in new shape but the magnets had gouged the magnet surfaces on each drum so badly they needed turning, plus new magnets. I opted for new drums (came with bearings) and new brake plates. I was told (Tedco RV) that I hadn’t adjusted the brakes each year, so the magnets were being applied with more force to compensate and therefore the magnets gouged the drums.
So since then I have regularly adjusted my brakes . (DUH!) Since 2018 I didn’t use the trailer much due to Covid restrictions keeping us close to home, so I didn’t do my brakes or bearings again until this past week. This time the brake shoes, magnets, drums and bearings were all in great shape, so I just cleaned everything up, lubricated the appropriate brake surfaces (star wheel, plate friction points) and repacked the bearings. I share this because I may not be the only person stupid enough to not adjust brakes regularly.
Brake magnet arm hangs up, locking wheel:
Also, I had a problem as I exited the freeway close to home on a return trip last fall. The rear driver-side wheel locked up as I applied the brakes on a curve on the freeway exit and came to a stop. I dragged it across the intersection and to the side of the main road, SMOKING AND SQUEALING (the tire, not me). Backing it up freed the locked wheel and I was able to drive home. The YouTube video is an excellent guide on doing wheel bearing maintenance on a Dexter Easy-Lube axle/brake setup and addresses the lockup that I experienced. Unlike the fellow in this video, I did not replace the bushing on my magnet arm for any of the wheels, because they are only 3 years old. If it happens again I will try replacing the bushing like this fellow does.
There are a lot of good tips in this video. I saved it to my hard drive for next time I do this job.
YouTube video:
Bob K
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03-10-2022, 07:43 PM
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#346
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: SLO County, California
Trailer: 2014 Escape 21C 2019 Expedition
Posts: 5,207
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Awesome post Bob; thanks
__________________
"We gotta get as far away as we can!"
- Russell Casse, Independence Day
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03-10-2022, 07:46 PM
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#347
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: SLO County, California
Trailer: 2014 Escape 21C 2019 Expedition
Posts: 5,207
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Bennett
I know a couple folks that do this, but in my opinion it is just not needed. I have always had two or three trailers and have only occasionally checked the bearings for but tightness and appearance, and grease when the distance in the trailer warrants it. I've never had a failure or issue.
Besides, bearings are really available most anywhere.
Just one guys opinion. [emoji6]
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Missed this post: I disagree wholeheartedly! Takes such little space that at least it belongs in the "if I have it won't need it" category.
And with a Torflex axle without a removable spindle it is a different animal vs. a construction trailer. If you let your bearings cook the spindle the whole axle has to be replaced.
__________________
"We gotta get as far away as we can!"
- Russell Casse, Independence Day
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03-10-2022, 08:25 PM
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#348
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Benton County, Iowa
Trailer: 2013 Escape 21 Classic Number 6, pulled by 2018 Toyota Highlander
Posts: 8,217
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I have a spare pair of bearings, a spare seal, some Brake Kleen and grease that would get me by on one wheel. In addition I have some good Emery cloth, shop towels and some Lucas Red and Tacky grease for where there are sliding surfaces and pivot points. Spare wire, tape, butt connectors, are in the “electrical bag” in the components box. On turning the drums to get grooves out, I think I remember seeing .010 stamped on the drum as the allowable reduction. That ain’t much on a deep groove.
Just added this to the post for those less experienced. Even if you can’t do the work, you might luck out and have an old geezer camped next to you who says, “I could get you going if you had the parts.”
I’ve been at rallies where bike racks were fixed, a weight distribution hitch was installed and sewer valves were changed out. All for a couple bottles of beer.
Last time I was at the Niagara rally a big foot fell off the support because the wheels weren’t chocked. Took 4 guys whose combined age was 280 and a small floor jack but we got her stood up again. There is room for wood in a modern machine shop, believe it or don’t
Iowa Dave
__________________
Ain’t no trouble jacking a double Burma Shave
Dave
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03-11-2022, 12:00 PM
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#349
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: North Van., British Columbia
Trailer: 2014 Escape 19, sold; 2019 Escape 21, Sept. 2019
Posts: 8,728
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Good video in that it shows the basics quite well and might encourage some hesitant person to maybe take a look and try doing it themselves.
A couple of things I don't like. Using side cutters to grab the spring. Yes, it's hard material but depending on the length of the handle and sharpness of the sidecutter it's possible to nick the spring and that's not a good thing. Vicegrips are a better option. And using a hammer to tap in the grease seal can lead to it going in crooked. A small wood block to seat it squarely is a better option. Not a biggie but a misdirected blow can damage the seal.
Not a fan of pumping grease in unless the wheel is on a boat trailer. All that extra grease in the center does nothing otherwise and it's just more grease to remove when packing the bearings.
Yup, a pair of extra bearings and grease etc. are cheap insurance on the road that you won't be stuck in the middle of nowhere. Unlikely for folks who keep up with their maintenance but it can happen.
Ron
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03-11-2022, 12:09 PM
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#350
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Central, Pennsylvania
Trailer: Escape#5 2022 E19
Posts: 26,268
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I remember the first time I replaced my brakes myself. I was in the military, using their facilities, and upon completion looked back and was quite proud of myself. So I climbed up the lift and got in the car and pumped the brakes.......without first reinstalling the drums. I had to start from scratch to the sounds of laughter in the garage.....but first cleaned all the brake fluid all over the place.....
__________________
Jim
Sometime life gets in the way of living.......
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03-11-2022, 03:35 PM
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#351
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: North Van., British Columbia
Trailer: 2014 Escape 19, sold; 2019 Escape 21, Sept. 2019
Posts: 8,728
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cpaharley2008
So I climbed up the lift and got in the car and pumped the brakes.......without first reinstalling the drums. I had to start from scratch to the sounds of laughter in the garage.....but first cleaned all the brake fluid all over the place.....
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Been there, done that. There was that horrible micro second of realization that the pedal was going down so easy. And by then it was too late.
At least you provided some entertainment for others. Nothings funnier than watching someone else make a boo-boo.
Ron
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04-05-2023, 07:42 AM
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#352
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Trailer: E 21 2019 Tow Vehicle: 2019 4Runner Limited
Posts: 732
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AtomLube Ultra Heavy Duty Red Grease
I have the E-Z lube grease fittings. I just ordered Atom Lube in the red tubes.
Will this grease be okay to use?
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04-05-2023, 08:22 AM
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#353
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Burlington Twp., New Jersey
Trailer: 2010 Escape 19
Posts: 7,111
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Telescopist
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Not sure about that particular grease offhand but here are the Dexter specifications and grease recommendations. It's not to say you can't use something that is not on the list it just needs to meet the specifications.
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04-05-2023, 08:29 AM
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#354
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: Grand Junction, Colorado
Trailer: 2022 Escape 17A, 2021 F-150 3.5L Ecoboost
Posts: 247
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Telescopist
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As noted in rubicon327's post a lithium complex grease is recommended. lots of people use Lucas Red N Tacky which is a lithium complex grease and is available at most auto parts stores.
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04-05-2023, 08:31 AM
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#355
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Burlington Twp., New Jersey
Trailer: 2010 Escape 19
Posts: 7,111
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Tried and true
Quote:
Originally Posted by SRS
As noted in rubicon327's post a lithium complex grease is recommended. lots of people use Lucas Red N Tacky which is a lithium complex grease and is available at most auto parts stores.
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That's what I recently used on a dual axle boat trailer that I rebuilt. Great stuff.
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04-05-2023, 09:16 AM
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#356
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Benton County, Iowa
Trailer: 2013 Escape 21 Classic Number 6, pulled by 2018 Toyota Highlander
Posts: 8,217
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Looks like that grease has “wheel bearing certification” I’ve not seen that product before but wouldn’t be afraid of it. Once you get it buckled back together, I’d advise tightening the axle nut down pretty tight to seat everything, then loosen the nut and snug it back down so there’s no play, spins easily and you can’t hear any “rumble” when the drum is turned. Then put the spring clip that holds the nut back on carefully so it seats the way it’s designed.
As my dad said many years ago, only do one wheel at a time so you have one to compare to your work. ( Followed by a couple additional admonishments that today’s psychologists are pretty sure “Scarred me for life”) And I thank him every time I pick up a wrench. I can still hear his bell clear baritone, vocalizing this old Ink Spots tune as I tackled new mechanical territory many years ago.
https://www.google.com/search?q=ink+...ile-gws-wiz-hp
Take your time and don’t get frustrated.
Iowa Dave
__________________
Ain’t no trouble jacking a double Burma Shave
Dave
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04-05-2023, 02:09 PM
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#357
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Trailer: E 21 2019 Tow Vehicle: 2019 4Runner Limited
Posts: 732
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rubicon327
Not sure about that particular grease offhand but here are the Dexter specifications and grease recommendations. It's not to say you can't use something that is not on the list it just needs to meet the specifications.
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I called the manufacturer. They sent me this PDF printout. It appears this particular grease is used for heavy duty trucks, Class 8 type stuff, earth moving equipment, and so on. I'm hesitant to use it. Hate to have shelled out $23 for two tubes... But, I'm thinking it might be prudent to go with something on the list you provided.
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04-05-2023, 02:10 PM
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#358
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Trailer: E 21 2019 Tow Vehicle: 2019 4Runner Limited
Posts: 732
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Iowa Dave
Looks like that grease has “wheel bearing certification” I’ve not seen that product before but wouldn’t be afraid of it. Once you get it buckled back together, I’d advise tightening the axle nut down pretty tight to seat everything, then loosen the nut and snug it back down so there’s no play, spins easily and you can’t hear any “rumble” when the drum is turned. Then put the spring clip that holds the nut back on carefully so it seats the way it’s designed.
As my dad said many years ago, only do one wheel at a time so you have one to compare to your work. ( Followed by a couple additional admonishments that today’s psychologists are pretty sure “Scarred me for life”) And I thank him every time I pick up a wrench. I can still hear his bell clear baritone, vocalizing this old Ink Spots tune as I tackled new mechanical territory many years ago.
https://www.google.com/search?q=ink+...ile-gws-wiz-hp
Take your time and don’t get frustrated.
Iowa Dave
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Loved the Ink Spots. Appreciated the feedback. Mulling over whether I should go with a lighter grade product.
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04-05-2023, 02:17 PM
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#359
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Trailer: E 21 2019 Tow Vehicle: 2019 4Runner Limited
Posts: 732
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rubicon327
That's what I recently used on a dual axle boat trailer that I rebuilt. Great stuff.
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The Red Tube stuff? Did you manually repack the bearings or use the EZ-Lube system?
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04-05-2023, 08:28 PM
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#360
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Burlington Twp., New Jersey
Trailer: 2010 Escape 19
Posts: 7,111
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Telescopist
The Red Tube stuff? Did you manually repack the bearings or use the EZ-Lube system?
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My apologies. I just checked my grease gun and I used an STP premium marine grease. This makes sense since the boat trailer is regularly submerged. I think they were out of Lucas Marine grease when I was at the parts store. Manual repack. You would be well served by the Lucas Red n’Tacky for travel trailer bearings.
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