Never lube bearings

I kept a log on our trailer until Dec. 2009 and it had 61,000 miles. The computer crashed in Dec 2010 so I said heck with the log. We have not had a bearing failure.(YET)

Our trailer has 42mm nev-r-lube bearing. I replaced them myself, one two years ago and the others this year. I would not try to replace the bearings with out a press. I think it could be done but a lot easier with a press.

MNRon wrote:
We bought a 2005 5er with never-lubes last spring. Don't know how many miles on it. Planning an Alaska trip in a couple years and definitely want to replace prior to that just to be sure. Any info on options would be appreciated. As I understand:
1- could have new never-lubes pressed in, if have shop do everything maybe $600?
2- could buy new drums with never-lubes in place and self adjusting brakes, install myself, maybe $1800?
3- could swap out never-lubes for conventional bearings. This would involve new axels too? No idea the cost.

I'm leaning towards #2 above, any thoughts, comments, or advice?
Thanks

It seems like the bearings on Amazon were about $40 each, they were Timkin brand which is a high quality bearing. Getting them pressed in should not be much more than $100-150. You'll need to find the part number for the bearings and get the crossover number for other brands.

I've heard people say that buying a new axle is not much more than the price of two hubs but I have not checked that.

I think the OP meant using a brass drift to 'remove' old races. You really can't use a drift to install new ones. That's when an oversize socket and piece of wood comes in handy.

We bought a 2005 5er with never-lubes last spring. Don't know how many miles on it. Planning an Alaska trip in a couple years and definitely want to replace prior to that just to be sure. Any info on options would be appreciated. As I understand:
1- could have new never-lubes pressed in, if have shop do everything maybe $600?
2- could buy new drums with never-lubes in place and self adjusting brakes, install myself, maybe $1800?
3- could swap out never-lubes for conventional bearings. This would involve new axels too? No idea the cost.

I'm leaning towards #2 above, any thoughts, comments, or advice?
Thanks

neal10a wrote:
I feel "never lube" and "easy lube" bearings provide a false sense of security. The old tried and true hand packed bearings are the best way to go for me. One has to remove the hubs once a year to inspect the brakes, so it is nothing to inspect the bearing and hand pack them at the same time. BTY I use the brass drift punch to replace the races. However it would be easier with a seal/race removal set if one can find one that fits the races for a 6/7000 lb axle. I have not found a source for that tool and if anyone knows where to get one I would be most interested. Seems like Harbor Freight, Sears and NAPA don't carry ones the work for 6/7000 lb axles.

FWIW a brass drift is not the best tool to use for installing bearings. Brass can flake/chip off and get into the bearings. A soft steel drift is a better choice. I've seen quite a few open bearings ruined because someone used a brass drift.

We had MOR/ryde add the never lube put on 2 1/2 years ago and we've put around 25,000 on the trailer, not had a problem. I think having a spare is a good idea, but so far we like them and would do it again.

My 5er is in the shop having the never lube bearings replaced with new ones. The 5er has over 20,000 miles and it's time. I don't like them at all. Used to do the bearings on the toy hauler, I had, myself. I agree with neal10a.

I feel "never lube" and "easy lube" bearings provide a false sense of security. The old tried and true hand packed bearings are the best way to go for me. One has to remove the hubs once a year to inspect the brakes, so it is nothing to inspect the bearing and hand pack them at the same time. BTY I use the brass drift punch to replace the races. However it would be easier with a seal/race removal set if one can find one that fits the races for a 6/7000 lb axle. I have not found a source for that tool and if anyone knows where to get one I would be most interested. Seems like Harbor Freight, Sears and NAPA don't carry ones the work for 6/7000 lb axles.

I have replaced all the bearings on my trailer and never needed to have the races pressed in or out. A brass drift and a hammer is all that is needed. I changed mine only because the trailer had a lot of miles on it. The bearings on one wheel only was showing wear but to avoid problems I replaced all bearings, brakes and magnets. Keeping them well lubed, not over lubed is the best way to make the last. Trailer is ten years old and has at least 75,000 miles on it now.

bkick

I changed ours out a few years back, I bought the bearings from Dexter and had a shop with a 50 ton press install them. I removed the snap ring that retains the bearing and it was a PITA. When we get to our homebase in the spring I'm going to convert to disk brakes so they will be changed again. Remember they are Never Lube not never replace or check.

Denny