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Chuck24 · 02-11-2014, 04:07 PM

Hi all-new to the forum and wanted to say I did use the search feature and am still confused.

I have a 2011 TT bought new that just went around the country for approximately 8,000 miles as stated in the title of my post. Before I left I pumped grease 6 times using a small handheld pump and left on our trip. I used Marine grease with the proper melting temperature. I checked the temps of the hubs at almost every stop (using IR gun) and they were unbelievably on the cool side. The brakes were adjusted once on the trip w/o taking off the wheels.

The wife is planning another trip in the Spring for 2,000 miles. It's winter here so the trailer been siting since June.

Would you repack? Or, could I just use my hand pump and a couple of pumps on the gun and be on my way?

Thoughts?

nforus · 02-11-2014, 04:12 PM

If you have a grease zerk on the hub then pumping in more grease is about the same as repacking. That's the whole idea behind the bearing buddies.

TXiceman · 02-11-2014, 04:36 PM

6 pumps on a small grease gun is nothing. Plan on about 1/4 of a standard grease cartridge per wheel to push the grease through.

Ken

chief02 · 02-11-2014, 05:04 PM

Yes and check the bearing end play and brake linings while your in there. This is routine simple PM.

Fast0ne · 02-11-2014, 06:38 PM

Quick question.

My tralier has the zerk fittings. But I have been told that if to much grease is pumped in it can get on the brake shoes.

Or should I be ok just pumping in new grease. And how much is enough.

Sorry to thread jack.

Shadowcatche · 02-11-2014, 06:48 PM

Depends I used synthetic grease new good quality SKF bearings and seals and will not do anything else to it for years other than adjust brakes. Too much grease is harmful see bearing lubrication "Too high a lubrication level and the bearing will consume energy as it plows through the lubricant. This energy will show up as heat added to the lubricant causing it to first lose its viscosity and then the lubricant will begin to form varnish and coke as it gets hotter. Varnish and coke are another name for solids." Mine were hand packed and unless I ford streams I will not touch them.

clyon51 · 02-11-2014, 06:50 PM

I run a util trailer for 5000mi a year. Every trip back home I just pump new grease into the zerks until the old comes out the back. These are 12" tires so they get a lot of RPMs. No problems in 7 years with original bearings.

palehorse89 · 02-11-2014, 06:51 PM

Too much grease can cause heat build up, what if your seals have leaked water in?, bearing end play after 8,000 miles.......rip them apart, clean, inspect, repack bearings, new seals(inner & outter) and reinstall. The next time you travel you will not even have to give this subject one thought........enjoy your travels......when your PM's are done and done correctly. Safe travels.....

jesilvas · 02-11-2014, 07:34 PM

Don't pump in grease. Repack or nothing. The hub doesn't need to be FULL of grease. The brakes sure don't need to be either.
The bearings just need to be packed full of grease.

caissiel · 02-12-2014, 04:08 PM

Wheel needs to be rotated in order fof the grease be pump through the inside bearing. If not the grease may shortcut and blow the seals.

schrederman · 02-12-2014, 04:24 PM

Every year, I pump in grease with the wheel spinning until new grease is coming out the front bearing. If the old stuff comes out looking like metalic paint, I replace all bearings and seals for that wheel. If nothing comes out, the seal is bad and I replace it before getting too wild with pumping grease. Every 2 years, I replace all bearings and seals, packed, of course... unless I have pulled less than 5K miles. Every 3 years for replacement with lighter use. It works, and I haven't contaminated my brakes, yet... and I won't.

Some say I'm a touch too worried about this, since most autos go lots of miles between repacks, but I don't like being stopped on the side of the hiway... and I don't trust the RV manufacturers to use quality bearings.

Some say too much grease builds up heat. I touch my hubs every stop, and haven't felt a warm bearing, yet... Pumping in grease and looking at what comes out is just part of my maintenance schedule, and it works. I have found one bad bearing this way... the easy way... in the driveway... before hitting the road.

rideandslide · 02-13-2014, 12:15 AM

Why not !!!

You can check the play and bearing condition, better safe than sorry.

fastcat · 02-13-2014, 09:44 AM

The EZ lube type spindle makes it a snap to "repack" but the downside is you can't be absolutely certain your seals are keeping the grease in the hub and not leaking any into the backing plate.

If you get grease on the brakes you'll be an unhappy camper.

I owned a trailer mfg. and repair business for 25 years and used the EZ lube spindles exclusively for about 20 of those years. I never saw a problem with overheating due to too much grease. I saw MANY overheating problems due to too little grease.

Customer comes to me with a burned up spindle.

First question: when was the last time you checked the grease and bearings?

Reply: I have to check the bearings?

Maintenance is your friend. High quality seals on a clean, smooth seal surface is your better friend.