Wheel bearings / brakes 17B

[cpaharley2008]

OK, I understand, repack, not replace them unless needed, so maybe 2 sets bearings/seals for my tandem set up. Good point, what type grease is suggested? REgular wheel bearing grease sold at auto stores.

[Jubal]

http://dexteraxle.com/i/u/6149609/f/...rt_4-27-11.pdf

[barry]

The bearings should be repacked properly. To me this doesn't mean wiping off some grease and then adding some more new grease; that's like changing your oil and not the oil filter. All the grease should be wiped off and the bearings cleaned in solvent, thoroughly dried and inspected. If the bearings look good then new grease should be packed into the bearing and new seals installed. If you do this then you should not have any problems with your bearings failing. You can't properly inspect the bearings if their is grease on them.

Oil and grease doesn't loose it's ability to lubricate but it gets dirty in the process of doing its job and dirty grease is not as efficient at doing it's job.

Barry

[gbaglo]

The original bearings on my 2008 17B are in "very good" condition.

[gbaglo]

And, I gather, less is more.
As in more grease than required is not a good idea.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by barry

I wonder if you are getting over paranoid.

Quite frankly, the thing that's going to kill bearings is dirt. If you repack them properly every couple of years with good grease and make sure the seal is good, to keep out dirt, then they should last for a long time.

I had a 72 Boler for 22 years and ran it on the same bearings with no problem ........ and I used to load it to the hilt when I went out camping.

Barry

Too many threads on bearing here. I just replied almost the same on the other one.

[barry]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Too many threads on bearing here. I just replied almost the same on the other one.

The other one is on the Easy Lube axle ..........

This one is on the good old fashioned owner lubed axle.

Barry

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Too many threads on bearing here. I just replied almost the same on the other one.

This has no bearing on what we are discussing.

baglo

[Jim Bennett]

Groan......lol

[dave macrae]

The grease in the hub will break down over time. Certainly dirt is the biggest problem but so is moisture/ condensation. They should be cleaned out completely to inspect properly and packed and adjusted properly and then they will lastAlong time . I just want to have a spare set with me just in case of a failure when out in the middle of know where.

[Sandra L]

I am trusting that the part numbers will also pertain to my 2009 17B. The owners manual that I have indicates the wheel bearings should be packed annually under the General Maintenance Chart. The Attachment "B" Running Gear Maintenance Schedule indicates 12 months or 12000 miles for cleaning and repacking. So if one doesn't put on that many miles is it OK to go for a longer period for the packing?

[gbaglo]

Who could advise you to go longer between repacks?

I've had mine done about every two years.
The bearings have been just fine and repacked, brakes adjusted.

However, if the trailer just sits for two years, it's likely to cause problems, so it's not strictly mileage to consider.

[Jim Bennett]

Yeah, there is no one single guideline to tell when to replace bearings. I have never travelled far enough to do mine every year. With my 19, it was at 3 years that I did them, and they were in great shape. I probably had under 15,000 km on them though.

Like baglo said, sitting for extended periods is bad, and doing something to rotate them once in a while is recommended. Maybe even taking weight off of them too.

[Sandra L]

Thanks guys. I had not used mine but a couple of times a year, but since I've quit working, I plan to get out a lot more!
Now I need to find a good place to get it done at a reasonable price.

[gbaglo]

If you are at all concerned about your bearings and brakes, have them looked at. It doesn't cost that much and will remove that nagging feeling that something might go wrong. And, that is invaluable.

[Sandra L]

Glenn, you are absolutely correct, and that is on my short list for this next week before she goes back into storage.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Sandra L

I am trusting that the part numbers will also pertain to my 2009 17B.

Yes, it appears that all Escape models use the same series of Dexter Torflex axles, and thus use the same bearings, whether they are standard or EZ-Lube.

[ChuckS]

Look at the prices of bearings and seals. Escape 19 and Bigfoot 21 use the same bearings and seals. Fiberglass Travel Trailers RV.
Chuck