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Old 11-11-2010, 07:35 AM   #1
jaybird
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how frequently should Bearings be packed?

I was told by a service shop that they should be re-packed every 6mths. They quoted me $260. I have never done this to my '06 Monty. I've felt the casing after a couple hour drive and its never been hot. Sounds like I better get this done ASAP. Any thoughts
 
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Old 11-11-2010, 08:04 AM   #2
bncinwv
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Your axle manual should have maintenance tasks and timing detailed in it. I believe I would go with what the manufacturer recommends, not a service shop. Regardless, for a five or six year old rig, I would definitely be inspecting them asap. I would think your inspection would lead you in the proper direction..........
Bingo

On edit: If you would add your rig details and year to your signature it will definitely help with some questions!!
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Old 11-11-2010, 08:14 AM   #3
drknapp
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Every six months is a bit too often. Dexter recommends 12 months or 12,000 miles I believe. If you have an '06 and haven't performed this procedure yet, you probably should relatively soon.

Here is a link to their manual:

http://dexteraxle.com/i/u/1080235/f/...anual_2-08.pdf
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Old 11-11-2010, 09:04 AM   #4
SlickWillie
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I'm not gonna weigh in on the bearing packing intervals. I would recommend however, purchasing a infrared thermometer to check the hubs and tires with. You can pick them up on Ebay or even at Radio Shack relatively cheap. I wouldn't even worry about getting one with the laser aiming device on it.
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Old 11-11-2010, 09:05 AM   #5
Illini Trekker
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X2 OP Plus replace the seals all are easy job to do.
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Old 11-11-2010, 09:55 AM   #6
Capt Kidd
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To avoid confusin (happens as you get older) I have the bearing on all my trailers, (boat, box, car, 5er) done in January of every year. Maybe they don't need it but what the hey it's cheap insurance.
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Old 11-11-2010, 10:02 AM   #7
Tom S.
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Not only are they wrong on the 6 month interval, they are wrong on the 'repack' in general. Today's grease, especially if you replace the factory stuff with synthetic grease, doesn't wear out or separate like grease used to. The biggest issue you can encounter is a grease seal going bad and having the grease get contaminated or leak out. Our trailers have two seals, an inner one that requires removing the drum to get to, and an outer one. The out one is a piece of crap, but very easy to remove. If you look in the center of your hub, you will see a little rubber cap that's about the size of a half dollar. Believe it or not, it's actually a seal, and one that doesn't seem to hold up well, as I have replaced all of the one on my 2006 at least once. Once the grease becomes contaminated, it is best to clean everything out - bearings, hubs and races, replace the seals, and repack the bearings.

Please note, I am not advocating ignoring them! You should check them once a year. I do a complete 'wheel maintenance' each fall where I check the bearings and brakes for wear, adjust the brakes, inspect the wheels (for cracks) and check the torque on the U-bolts. It takes a couple hours, give or take. So far, I've not had to repack the bearings but doing so would probably add 20 or 30 minutes per wheel.
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Old 11-11-2010, 10:17 AM   #8
SlickWillie
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I didn't want to get into this, but....being we have the electric brakes that need checking, I think Tom S. presented a very good game plan.
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Old 11-11-2010, 11:16 AM   #9
ols1932
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Experience talks. Dexter recommends every 10,000 miles or annually. I have mine checked annually, clean the bearings and repack them. Even with regular checking things can go wrong as I experienced in October when I lost my brakes in the hills of PA and WV. When the wheels were pulled, the rear shoe on each wheel had no brake lining left, and I mean none! In addition, all four inner seals were pushed out. And, it was time to repack the bearings.

I'm not an advocate of pushing my luck. Dexter, who makes no money on my having the bearings repacked each year, tells us what to do. We should do it. For those who don't want to do what is recommended, that's their own business and we should not tell them what to do. I must add however, that we are on the road full time and that may confirm the need for annual inspections and repacking of the bearings.

Orv
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Old 11-11-2010, 12:05 PM   #10
8e3k0
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Specs for bearing lubrication is in the Dexter Maint. Service Manual on pages 49,50,51,52,& 53. Their recommendation is annually or 12,000 miles for a repack using a grease of a lithium complex and a consistency of NLGI No.2.
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Old 11-12-2010, 02:02 AM   #11
tjuhl
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Just had the bearings re-pacted 3 days ago on my 2008 with about 20,000 miles on it. I was concerned about having the brakes check as much as the bearings. Mechanic reported everything fine, even the seals, brakes needed a good bit of adjusting. I'm not suggesting anyone go 3 years without checking, I just let it slip by.
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Old 11-12-2010, 08:43 AM   #12
sreigle
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Jaybird, we have ours repacked every other year, which is about 20,000 miles. Never had a problem and only once had a bearing with a little roughness.

We just had ours done last month by our Montana dealer. It had been 27 months. Also had him check the brakes (they're still above 50% lining remaining) and do quite a bit of other work for us, not related to anything with the axles. Our total bill for ALL of that work was $247.90. I think that dealer who quoted you $260 and every six months is looking to line his pockets with every dime he can pry out of you.
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