Community Forums

chaps2018 · 06-24-2017, 07:57 AM

Regarding the Repack vs re-lube via EZ Lube discussion: My experience has shown that your bearings need to be inspected or replaced periodically (regardless of how you re-lube them).

After about 5 yrs (~30k miles) on my trailer I was doing a repack and noticed pitting on one outer bearing. It looked like a surface issue so I just repacked it and reassembled it. Within a couple thousand miles I had a bearing failure. (wheel nearly fell off as i was leaving the campground one sunday afternoon)

My point: You can't see these type issues if you don't inspect them.

Considering it costs around $15/wheel for a new set of bearings/seal/race at Etrailer it may be worth replacing the bearings every 5 yrs or so anyway.

Just wanted to share my experience.

Bob_C · 06-24-2017, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bjlakatos

RE: using ezlube spindles to grease bearings, I did an experiment once to see if they really work.

1)disassembled and repacked the bearings old school way with blue grease. 2)Put 100 mi on the hubs.
3)While spinning the wheel, I pumped red grease into the ezlube spindle until only Red grease came out.
4)disassembled and inspected the hubs/bearings.
Result: there was no blue grease anywhere inside the hub (except perhaps traces of it in the corners,etc).

The key to not blowing the back seal (and lubing your brakes) is to rotate the wheel while pumping. Don't ask how I know...

Totally agree on the 5mil latex gloves ($5/100 at harbor freight on sale)

This is the bearing packer I use. It works great and is very quick. I would like to hear from you guys that have used both types to get your opinion on why one is better over the other. https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-65250-B...bearing+packer

I've used that Lisle for years when I was in business, and like you, it's quick and works great.....when I switched over to disc style, had to remove sert to install their dust cover.....covers are different size, but easy enough to remove and reinstall zert to lube

mylighthouse · 06-25-2017, 07:05 PM

i have the same truck 2014 ram 370 hp 800lb and same color

Airmech · 06-26-2017, 07:01 PM

Speaking of bearings, I have a question. Last time I towed my 5ver, was still early in the morning and moved it about 15 min through the city and about 30 min on the interstate. Once at the dealership I felt the hubs and the drivers 2 were cool and the 2 passenger side (exposed to the sun) were warm. Would this difference be caused by the sun only? Or would I actually have an issue with 2 hubs on the same side?

chertz · 06-26-2017, 09:05 PM

Might the warm side be heavier? Kitchen on that side?

Airmech · 06-26-2017, 09:49 PM

It's a rear kitchen. Fridge is in back wall. All tanks empty. And the cooler side has the 2 slideouts. So thus I'm asking if the sun could be the culprit.

Nick1234 · 06-26-2017, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airmech

Speaking of bearings, I have a question. Last time I towed my 5ver, was still early in the morning and moved it about 15 min through the city and about 30 min on the interstate. Once at the dealership I felt the hubs and the drivers 2 were cool and the 2 passenger side (exposed to the sun) were warm. Would this difference be caused by the sun only? Or would I actually have an issue with 2 hubs on the same side?

Is your truck exhaust on that side? May be the heat from the exhaust.

Airmech · 06-27-2017, 07:00 AM

Never thought of exhaust. It is on that side. Though on the interstate, I was running just under 2k rpm at 65 mph. And on pretty level ground. It's in SE Wisconsin. Not to many mountains here. So the truck was running as if nothing was on it's back.

Bob_C · 06-27-2017, 01:08 PM

My EZZ tire monitor system also monitors temp.......and yes, the sun does make a difference.....

Airmech · 06-27-2017, 03:24 PM

When I take it back home I'll do the experiment in reverse. If I get opposite results I'll know it's environmental.

chaps2018 · 06-27-2017, 08:59 PM

Sun is definitely a factor. Also consider brake drag may be a contributor

Airmech · 06-27-2017, 09:01 PM

If it is the same wheels I'll consider brake drag. But right now, exhaust combined with the sun is the likely winner right now.

MtnTrek · 06-28-2017, 12:40 AM

I use one of the infrared thermometers on my hubs regularly checking for anomalies etc.
I have noticed the sunny side phenomenon before. Solar heat gain is a real thing.

monkey · 06-28-2017, 07:47 AM

Airmech, our hubs/wheels can run 10-15 degrees hotter on the sun side (measured with a IR gun) . To the OP, I just repacked/inspected our bearings on our one year old 5vr.. Yes with EZ Lube things. I like to know whats going on behind the scenes so to speak...
Monkey