Suspension Bushings

[dw8ite]

In preparing my Excel for our 2015 trip to Alaska I plan to inspect my suspension components and anticipate finding some wear of the brass spring and shackle bushings and wet bolts as I don't know the frequency of maintenance the previous owner did. Having said that, has anyone heard of or actually used Lippert "Never Fail Bushings"? They claim no maintenance for a lifetime. I'm having a hard time with plastic bushings lasting a lifetime, so if anyone can shed some light on the subject I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,

[rockintom]

Don,

I've never used the never lube bushings, but wonder why you'd want to move away from the standard wet bolt system? rockin'

[Rob17]

I feel the wet-bolts are the best way to go as long as you keep them lubed. If you don't want to bother with lubing then the never-lubes would be the next choice.

[drfife]

I installed Never Fail Bushings on my Excel over a year ago after the front springs broke and also installed the Center Point Air Ride suspension. I still have wet bolts but do not grease. No clue how they are doing after 14K miles.

I also have a Whisper disk made of the same polymer. If the bushings wear like the Whisper disk, they will last a long time.

I don't miss crawling under the trailer with a grease gun.

[rockintom]

Originally Posted by drfife

I still have wet bolts but do not grease. No clue how they are doing after 14K miles

Doc, how in the world do you not know how the bushings are doing? Don't you check your rig out from time to time? I check and lube my suspension and under carriage before any major move. There's always something going on under there. Maybe you're one of the lucky ones. rockin'

[drfife]

Originally Posted by rockintom

Doc, how in the world do you not know how the bushings are doing?...I check and lube my suspension and under carriage before any major move....

I'd need to pull the shackle bolts to check the Never Fail Bushings.

I "move" more often than you.

What are you up to? Four times a year?

That's a slow week for me.....

I changed locations 76 times last year.

[Rob17]

I have to agree with Russel. You want to see something mechanical fail, then let it sit a long time before it's used again.

[rockintom]

We traveled about 6,500 miles this summer (4 months)......I'd say that's a bit. Did 4 lubes and undercarriage inspections in that period. rockin'

[drfife]

Keep telling yourself that.....

[Still Working "NOT"]

Now Now boys.

[dw8ite]

Originally Posted by rockintom

I've never used the never lube bushings, but wonder why you'd want to move away from the standard wet bolt system? rockin'

The standard wet bolt system seems archaic. Auto manufacturers moved away from them a long time ago and just because RV manufacturers are using them doesn't automatically mean they are state-of-the-art. I don't have to crawl under my truck with a grease gun so why would I want to crawl under my RV? So I'm thinking I'll move up to the 21st century and ditch wet bolts, grease gun and creeper. However, with all your experience I'm open to hearing why I would not want to make this move.

Thanks,

[rockintom]

Originally Posted by dw8ite

The standard wet bolt system seems archaic. Auto manufacturers moved away from them a long time ago and just because RV manufacturers are using them doesn't automatically mean they are state-of-the-art. I don't have to crawl under my truck with a grease gun so why would I want to crawl under my RV? So I'm thinking I'll move up to the 21st century and ditch wet bolts, grease gun and creeper. However, with all your experience I'm open to hearing why I would not want to make this move.

Thanks,

Don,
I'm not opposed to using the non lube bushings. Never said that. I'm not installing in mine as I've owned 3 Excels in the last 10 years and never had a problem with the old fashion kind. Why replace good bushings? If mine failed and the new ones had a good track record, I use them as replacement for sure. My comment was more the fact that you still have to get under and inspect your undercarriage anyway, what's the big deal about lubing? I guess I don't mind lubing mine as I have to get underneath to do visual inspection of pad wear, shocks, springs, gas hoses, spare tire mounting and air pressure, general leaks, etc, etc. so why not take 10 more minutes and lube. Peace of mind. Dexter says lube every 3K. I do it more often but you know me, a bit anal! Grease is cheap.

My truck has 13 grease zerks in the front end which I service at the same time I change the oil and filter. Yes, real little girlie trucks still have zerks!!! Old fashion I guess. You still have to get under your truck to change the oil and filter don't you?

Hope that helps you understand this weird little ol' man! rockin'

[drfife]

Originally Posted by rockintom

Don,
I'm not opposed to using the non lube bushings. Never said that. I'm not installing in mine as I've owned 3 Excels in the last 10 years and never had a problem with the old fashion kind. Why replace good bushings?...

But, how do you know your bushings are good?

When I pulled mine after 12 months of service and regular application of grease in the wet bolts, they were pretty well worn.

Unless you pull the bolts and springs you'll never know until catastrophic failure of a suspension bolt.

[copilot]

Rockin-the Boss follows same procedure, greases zerts on truck & coach at truck oil change. So far so good at 150,000 on RV and 200,000 on truck.