Bearing & Suspension maintenance

[Skilletface]

I have not read much about the maintenance of a TT suspension and since there are a lot of new to the RV world folks, I thought this would be a good preventative maintenance subject.
If your TT has a Dexter EZ lube bearing system or similar greasing system follow the link for the proper method of lubricating wheel bearings. Trust me they don’t come from the factory as illustrated in the Dexter video. You’ll need two to three tubes of a High Temp grease in order to complete this maintenance step.

https://youtu.be/XT0RKDGgDm8

While your greasing those bearings, hit the wet bolts (if equipped) on the leaf springs. I found two grease fittings which were non functional.
Please do not assume because your TT is new or you where told the unit was well maintained that your rig is ready to roll.

[jrollf]

Originally Posted by Skilletface

...

Please do not assume because your TT is new or you where told the unit was well maintained that your rig is ready to roll.

Unfortunately this is a true statement. There have been a few that have posted that shortly after they picked up their TT they had a bearing/hub failure and find out there was no grease in the bearings.

[DavenFla]

I'm not a fan of easy lube axles, but I do like them for my boat trailer to keep the water out of the hubs. Most people over grease once they find out they can pump the stuffing out of the hubs.

I get lots of people thinking if some is good more is better and I don't want to argue the point. Take it for what's it's worth.

Too much grease volume (overgreasing) in a bearing cavity will cause the rotating bearing elements to begin churning the grease, pushing it out of the way, resulting in energy loss and rising temperatures. This leads to rapid oxidation (chemical degradation) of the grease as well as an accelerated rate of oil bleed, which is a separation of the oil from the thickener.

The heat that has been generated over time along with the oil bleed eventually will cook the grease thickener into a hard, crusty build-up that can impair proper lubrication and even block new grease from reaching the core of the bearing. This can result in accelerated wear of the rolling elements and then component failure.

[Skilletface]

Originally Posted by DavenFla

I'm not a fan of easy lube axles, but I do like them for my boat trailer to keep the water out of the hubs. Most people over grease once they find out they can pump the stuffing out of the hubs.

I get lots of people thinking if some is good more is better and I don't want to argue the point. Take it for what's it's worth.

Too much grease volume (overgreasing) in a bearing cavity will cause the rotating bearing elements to begin churning the grease, pushing it out of the way, resulting in energy loss and rising temperatures. This leads to rapid oxidation (chemical degradation) of the grease as well as an accelerated rate of oil bleed, which is a separation of the oil from the thickener.

The heat that has been generated over time along with the oil bleed eventually will cook the grease thickener into a hard, crusty build-up that can impair proper lubrication and even block new grease from reaching the core of the bearing. This can result in accelerated wear of the rolling elements and then component failure.

I tend to agree with you about to much grease being left in the grease cap, and do wish that the manufacturers video suggested removing more of the excess grease.

[CharlesinGA]

EZ Lube fills the entire hub between the inner and outer bearings with grease. An enormous mess when you finally do tear it apart. That is why it takes so much grease. Also, it is super easy to pump too fast and push grease past the seal and into the brake area.

The very best thing you can do is learn how to do the job properly (a proper repack of the bearings) and do it yourself, every year or two.

Charles