Wheel Bearing Maintenance

cpaharley2008 said:
Then he asked when was my inspection due, I said " what inspection, it's a new trailer". Well supposedly every trailer, including rv' s need a yearly inspection,
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Wow, that got me thinking, Jim. I wondered if there was the same requirement for an annual trailer inspection in Texas. There is, but only for trailers with a registered weight of more than 4500 lbs. We're not required.
 
cpaharley2008 said:
1I just called a local rv garage and asked about repacking both sets of wheel bearings, $200/ouch. I then asked if they jack up the trailer which was answered affirmatively. I stated that my frame is foam covered, he said no issue they can raise with one wheel on blocks. Then he asked when was my inspection due, I said " what inspection, it's a new trailer". Well supposedly every trailer, including rv' s need a yearly inspection, cost is $40. But he says by getting the yearly inspection they inspect one wheel and can tell the condition of the bearings and most times they are okay for another year. So I'll spend $40 and hope the 5 year in use is in effect.
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That is a common price. Ours has been done every year but apparently not necessary that often. We have one of those ramps for dual axle tire changing. Suppose that would work.
 
In spite of all the varying opinions stated here, the bottom line is that the E-Z Lube system does not and will never eliminate the need to periodically inspect the bearings visually. And sorry for saying something that may be "controversial," but anyone who is concerned with immersion in water and resulting contamination of the grease within the hub fails to take into account that any such contamination would be forced into the bearing by pumping grease through the E-Z Lube System. Yes you can wax your vehicles by using car wash that includes/contains wax, or you can wash it and then give it a real wax job. One way is easy and questionably effective, perhaps even the product of good marketing; the other Is much more labor intensive but the results......
 
Floating Cloud said:
Did anyone ask to leave off the EZ lube set-up? if so, why?
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Although I'm obviously not a fan of E-Z Lube, I wouldn't request that this standard feature be left out, because it is harmless (especially if not used, but even if used properly). Really, it's just a couple of holes, a grease fitting, and a better rear seal. If the trailer had to be sold, it would likely be a minor selling feature.

I would certainly not accept Bearing Buddies, but I think we put that idea to rest about a year ago.
 
The way I see it is if you're only going to repack the bearings every couple of years or so this would be a good thing to have, just give it a shot of grease at the beginning of the season and your good to go. This is what I will be doing, then every second or third spring I will take the unit apart, clean check the bearings, replace the seal and repack.

Cheers
Doug
 
PGDriver said:
The way I see it is if you're only going to repack the bearings every couple of years or so this would be a good thing to have, just give it a shot of grease at the beginning of the season and your good to go. This is what I will be doing, then every second or third spring I will take the unit apart, clean check the bearings, replace the seal and repack.

Cheers
Doug
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Sounds like what I do Doug, except no shot of grease for my older hubs. It is 6 years of owning my trailer now, and I do plan to do the bearings for the second time. After 3 years, when I did mine before, there was no sign at all of wear, and lots of good grease packed in the bearing yet. I could have gone longer, but it is just nice to be sure.
 
So what is the consensus here, check every 3 years with a lube squirt in between if you have the e-z-lube axle?
 
cpaharley2008 said:
So what is the consensus here, check every 3 years with a lube squirt in between if you have the e-z-lube axle?
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Jim Paul is right No Consensus. ;D

I think you do what your comfortable with, I built and hauled a utility trailer around all the time in the old days and if I did the bearings once every 4 or 5 years that was it. With my Escape 19 I did the bearings every spring, not because they needed it but rather it gave me something to do, part of "getting the trailer ready" along with putting the batteries back in and flushing the water system etc. Loved every minute of it and bearings are easy to repack.


Cheers
Doug
 
At noon, I read through the Dexter website: they recommend annual/12,000 miles. Does that make me disagreeable? Or maybe I'll just agree that 'that is what I read'!:facepalm:
 
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