MNFox
Medina, MN
New Member
Joined: 05/10/2007
View Profile
 Offline
|
How often should I repack the wheel bearings on my TT? I have the EZ lube attachements on Dexter axels and I add grease a couple of times a season. Also, is it better to repack before winter storage or when dewinterizing?
|
John H
Kansas City Mo.
Senior Member
Joined: 04/11/2002
View Profile
Offline
|
Just in my opinion, the quality of the wheel bearing play a large role in this chore. Then second, quality and condition of the rear seals. Are both the cheaper kind put out to hold down the over all cost. Do not quible on price here. Tractor and trailers don't repack & re-lube once a year. My 3/4 truck says to check when ever the breaks need replacing. Start out with a set of Timkins & new races, a true spindle, adequate clean & a good grease, pay attention to the temp (average overall) of the hubs, check on brakes dragging, true alignment. But...kept in mind even the best can fail, not as often though as the cheaper brand (you know who) does.
John H
|
Rob_NC
Walnut Cove, NC
Senior Member
Joined: 04/17/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
You'll probably receive more different answers to this question than any other. Most repacks are done for piece of mind rather than necessity. How many times have the bearings been repacked on your car/truck? If I start with new cups, cones, and seals, I don't touch them again until I pull the hubs off for a brake inspection. I inspect brakes every 3 years. I had a trailer shop tell me to use the rule-of-thumb, repack your bearings ever time your replace your tires.
|
risingsun
Prescott, AZ
Senior Member
Joined: 07/23/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
I do mine myself every couple of years. Since it's only a few bucks more, I run Mobil 1 synthetic grease (the red stuff) through a spare grease gun that I only use for bearing repacks. I replace the seals each time I do the repack. Then, to top it all off, I have one of those infrared laser-aimed thermometer guns that I use to check the hub temperatures on occasion when stopped at a rest area during a road trip.
If the bearings are properly greased and functioning right, the hub temps stay pretty stable and there are no worries. If something is not right, you'll notice one hub is running a lot hotter than the other(s), and you will be able to deal with the problem before a major failure somewhere in the middle of nowhere.
Oh, one other thing. I have read that it is imperative to get the bearing as clean as you possibly can before repacking. You don't want ANY old grease in there, especially if it is different stuff than what you will be putting back in...
2006 Rockwood Roo 23SS
2001 GMC Yukon SLT
|
mecreature
Indianapolis, IN
Senior Member
Joined: 09/27/2004
View Profile
Offline
|
When you guys are checking the heat of your hub are you removing the cap/hub cover?
Do you think you are getting a good enough idea of the heat through the hub cover?
Just asking... I figure the hub cover will be plenty hot if there is a problem.. but JMO
oh yeah BTW I packed my bearings 2 years ago aug. will do again before winterization.. probably...
98 Skyline Nomad 1950 Compact
2004 Silverado 1500 EXT. 5.3 3.42 Axle 2wd
|
|
|
Chuck&Gail
In the Colorado Mountains
Senior Member
Joined: 06/16/2004
View Profile
|
When I had a single axle EZ-Lube I did each wheel every other year, alternating sides. That way I could keep an eye on the brakes.
I did mine in spring before first trip, as it was COLD out by the time we put TT away, at least too cold to sit on concrete.
Chuck
Wonderful Wife
Lovely German Shepherd.
1999 Mercedes ML320 TV
2003 Wanderer 187TB Toybox (3620# UVW, 4800# loaded)
Not yet camped in Hawaii, 2 Canada Provinces, & 2 Territories.
I can't be lost because I don't care where this lovely road is going
|
JudoJeff
Southwick, MA
Full Member
Joined: 08/06/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
I do mine in the Spring, because I've had mice build a nest inside my brake drums.
K1BE Jeff
|
risingsun
Prescott, AZ
Senior Member
Joined: 07/23/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
mecreature wrote:When you guys are checking the heat of your hub are you removing the cap/hub cover?
Do you think you are getting a good enough idea of the heat through the hub cover?
I have the covers removed from my trailer so I am checking the temp of the hub directly.
|
Mr. C
Virginia, USA
Full Member
Joined: 03/14/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
What is the proper temp range for the hubs? I re-packed the bearings last week--after only a few thousand miles but I figured no harm. I went for a 10 mile drive 50 mph or less, with I guess normal braking for in town driving. The hubs were quite warm to the touch, but all seemed the same. But they seemed hotter than when checked at a rest area when traveling. Maybe because of the difference in braking? I need to get a laser thermometer.
The bearing re-pack sticky in the Beginning Forum is great.
Dave........
2006 Coachmen Captiva 271RKS "Pressure Relief 2"
2005 Silverado 1/2 ton extcab 4x4
factory tow pkg 5.3 / 3.42
reese dual cam
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Knowledge is good.
|
tncruiser
collierville,tn
Full Member
Joined: 07/20/2005
View Profile
Offline
|
Where is the best place to buy seals?
Keith & Patty / TN.
2004 27rl Crossroads Cruiser
2006 Ford F-250 Lariat
The older I get. The better I used to be!
|
|
|
