New to brake and axle maintenance

[PeggyB]

Hello Escape Forum! This is my first time posting, but I have learned so much from simply reading the forum. We picked up our new 21NE in April this year and in July did a round trip cross country, putting on about 7000 miles. About 3/4ths of the way home, I noticed this black discharge on one of the wheel hubs (see pic). It hasn't gotten any worse since then. Should I be concerned about it? Our trailer has the "Never adjust" brakes and the "EZ lube" axles. I plan to lube the axles myself either as part of winterizing or in the spring. But if this is a sign of a bigger problem, I'll take it in to be serviced. Also, is there a difference between greasing the axle and greasing the bearings? How often should it be done? And is repacking the bearings something altogether different? Sorry for the beginner questions, but I certainly appreciate any advice.

[cpaharley2008]

Looks like road grime to me, just wipe it off and see if it reappears.......

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by PeggyB

I noticed this black discharge on one of the wheel hubs (see pic). It hasn't gotten any worse since then. Should I be concerned about it?

Also, is there a difference between greasing the axle and greasing the bearings? How often should it be done? And is repacking the bearings something altogether .

Sometimes a little grease can cause a stain like that if a bit seeps out. Wash it and see if it goes away. Doesn't mean that there's a problem.

Yep, pretty much all the same thing. Some folks seem to repack the bearings much more than I do, about every 3 years. Depends on mileage.

Ron

[TTMartin]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Looks like road grime to me, just wipe it off and see if it reappears.......

Or brake dust. Very normal for new brakes as the pads wear in.

[TTMartin]

Originally Posted by PeggyB

Also, is there a difference between greasing the axle and greasing the bearings? How often should it be done? And is repacking the bearings something altogether different?

According to Dexter the EZ-Lube feature does a complete bearing repack. According the manufacturer of the axle there is no difference between the two.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT0RKDGgDm8

Some people don't believe the manufacturer. However, they can be causing more problems than they prevent. From Dexter: E-Z Lube Pro-tip: If hubs are removed from an axle with the E-Z Lube feature, it is imperative that the seals be replaced BEFORE bearing lubrication. Otherwise, the chance of grease getting on brake linings is greatly increased.

[PeggyB]

Thank you for the replies -super helpful!

[Ron in BC]

I should add that sometimes my bearings get repacked not because they need it but because of pulling off the brake drum to check the brake linings. Many times the bearings didn't actually need repacking.

Ron