Forum Discussion

5thwheeleroldma's avatar
5thwheeleroldma
Explorer
Mar 18, 2014

Dexter EasyLube Axle --- Remove/Reinstall Hubs

How difficult is it to remove the hubs from a Dexter EasyLube axle? I'm the guy who galled the lug bolts and am contemplating whether to attempt replacing the lug bolts myself.

People have pretty well convinced me the replacement of the bolts is not a big deal. But I'm worried about getting the hubs off the Dexter EasyLube axle and putting them back on without screwing it up. I have the disc brakes too. Anyone with actual experience? I'm not an accomplished mechanic, by the way.
  • Charlie_D_'s avatar
    Charlie_D_
    Explorer
    Mar 18, 2014
    Don't know how old your rig I but if it is more than 3-4 years old I wpould buy new hubs. At the least, inspect carefully after removal.
  • Charlie_D_'s avatar
    Charlie_D_
    Explorer
    Mar 18, 2014
    waltbennett wrote:
    DavisK wrote:
    Why would you remove the hub to replace the studs? Can't you knock them out with the hubs in place?


    Whatever you do, figure out how to use a puller/pusher to force them out and not a hammer. Be nice to your bearings!


    Can't remove the studs without removing the hubs. The studs are installed from the back side. Removing old studs has no effect on bearings when the hubs a removed. Make sure the studs are seated fully when reinstalling.
  • waltbennett's avatar
    waltbennett
    Explorer
    Mar 18, 2014
    DavisK wrote:
    Why would you remove the hub to replace the studs? Can't you knock them out with the hubs in place?


    Whatever you do, figure out how to use a puller/pusher to force them out and not a hammer. Be nice to your bearings!
  • pyoung47's avatar
    pyoung47
    Explorer
    Mar 18, 2014
    Removing/replacing the hub is simple, but you can cause yourself a lot of stranded by the side of the road grief if you foul it up.
  • broark01's avatar
    broark01
    Explorer
    Mar 18, 2014
    I have Dexter EZ Lube, not a big deal pulling, one lock ring, one nut and should slide right off. I replaced all brakes from backing plate out and all bearings and races. If you do pull the hubs, might want to have at least new seals to put back in. You might or might not discover grease on your drum brake pads which then means new brake pads and cleaning hub and other stuff.

    If you galled the lugs might want to think about some help :-)
  • 5thwheeleroldma's avatar
    5thwheeleroldma
    Explorer
    Mar 18, 2014
    Maybe so; I'll get under there and look closer tomorrow. Would all that pounding damage my bearings? Or maybe the outside axle housing takes all the force? Have to see if the hub itself butts up against the axle housing.
  • DavisK's avatar
    DavisK
    Explorer
    Mar 18, 2014
    Why would you remove the hub to replace the studs? Can't you knock them out with the hubs in place?

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