Does anyone use the grease fittings on their 5er axle?

Main problem is folks don't follow instructions. Go over to youtube and search it there also.

.......and if you follow the Dexter instructions they recommend an annual inspection and re-pack for EZ Lube bearings. What is anybody gaining from using EZ Lube bearings?

It seems that no matter how many times this subject comes up, many people on this forum, still don't understand the difference between bearing buddies, and EZ-lube hubs.

I agree, the OP is talking about attaching bearing buddies, which I would not recommend.

Jerry

Dog Folks wrote:

SpoiledRotten wrote:
I've been tempted to buy some of those hub covers that have the grease fitting in them so you can shoot a dose of grease every once in a while, like the ones you use on boat trailers. Would this work well on a larger rig?

Actually you are talking about "Bearing Buddies," which are designed for boat trailers. They fill the front cavity with grease only. This is for when the hot bearings hit cold water, after towing, and then launching, the vacuum does not pull water unit the bearing area.

Some RV's are equipped with EZ Lube by Dexter. They have a special groove on the spindle that you do not, that moves the grease through to the rear bearing.


See this link for more information: E-Z Lube

There is some controversy about the EZ Lubes system. The problems often arise when people do not follow the directions, and use high pressure grease guns, which blows out the rear seals, or do not rotate tire when greasing.

I have them on our trailer, follow the directions and check the bearing every 10,000 miles. I now have 21,000 miles on the trailer, in full time use and have not had a problem.



Hope this helps.

X2

Main problem is folks don't follow instructions. Go over to youtube and search it there also.

I believe that the reference is to not use "bearing buddies" which I don't believe Dexter sells or recommends.

dbbls wrote:
There may be a few ill-advised individuals using these but most knowledgeable people don't. It is very easy to blow a seal and get grease on the brakes. These things were designed for boat trailers that are often submerged in water. Having a hub full of grease keeps the water out. Dexter employees even advises not to use them

Are you saying the Dexter employees told you not to use the products they sell? Got to wonder how thet stay in business.

I agree with Dog Folks.

"Bearing Buddy" and the Dexter "EZ Lube" are two different animals. A existing hub cannot be retrofitted with the EZ Lube system (I asked Dexter), the spindle itself must be replaced. But Bearing Buddy can.

The Bearing Buddy works well on lighter boat/PWC trailers as Dog Folks mentioned. I have the EZ Lube on my '06 Jayco and Bearing Buddy on my '00 Shorelander PWC trailer. Both systems will serve you well if you follow MANUFACTURER recomendations.

Having said that, nothing beats getting in there once and awhile and seeing what really is going on. I had my hubs pulled for the first time last year on the Jayco by TrailerSource and the bearings were in excellent condition.

SpoiledRotten wrote:
I've been tempted to buy some of those hub covers that have the grease fitting in them so you can shoot a dose of grease every once in a while, like the ones you use on boat trailers. Would this work well on a larger rig?

Actually you are talking about "Bearing Buddies," which are designed for boat trailers. They fill the front cavity with grease only. This is for when the hot bearings hit cold water, after towing, and then launching, the vacuum does not pull water unit the bearing area.

Some RV's are equipped with EZ Lube by Dexter. They have a special groove on the spindle that you do not, that moves the grease through to the rear bearing.


See this link for more information: E-Z Lube

There is some controversy about the EZ Lubes system. The problems often arise when people do not follow the directions, and use high pressure grease guns, which blows out the rear seals, or do not rotate tire when greasing.

I have them on our trailer, follow the directions and check the bearing every 10,000 miles. I now have 21,000 miles on the trailer, in full time use and have not had a problem.



Hope this helps.

Thanks guys! Honest, good judgement opinions are what I wanted to hear.

Dexter has quite a bit of useful information on their webpages. They also manufacturer NeverLube bearings as well as EZ Lube bearings. The NeverLube bearings are pressed in so they are not easily repairable alongside the road, unlike most other bearings. However, many using NeverLube bearings report long mileage intervals prior to service needs, like 50,000+ miles. If you hate repacking and inspecting bearings, NeverLube might be an option.

Also, if you are concerned about bearings and brakes use an infrared temperature probe each time you stop and check temps at each hub. if all are nearly the same you probably are OK, if one starts to get hotter than the others it is time to investigate if that brake is dragging or if the bearing is starting to be problematic. Catching a bearing or brake problem early is always better than later.

Thanks guys! Honest, good judgement opinions are what I wanted to hear.

Just say no to blindly pumping in grease! Chris