Wheel Bearing Repack

fj12ryder wrote:

cummins2014 wrote:

fj12ryder wrote:

cummins2014 wrote:
My results don't vary, same as yours, using the Dexter seals , now around $9 ea. Last time I bought them they were less then that. Dexter axles are made in the US, I suspect so does the seals, will have to check next time . Also a double lip seal, and have never had any grease get by them, but then again I don't blindly pump grease into those easy lube bearings either . I never use that feature. I suspect thats where some get into trouble with blowing grease past the seals .

FWIW, if the sealing surface of the shaft isn't damaged, you're not going to "blow grease past the seals" if you follow the instructions.

IMO the EZ Lube feature isn't really needed, but it only causes trouble when there are other issues.

Key word , follow .

Yes, that's true. But from my experience, not the most in the world mind you, the bearings will probably fail due to poor assembly where ever they are put together. When I examined mine I was chagrined to discover all the nicks and gouges on the sealing and bearing surfaces of the axle shafts. On a couple of them a half-inch or less closer to the seal lip and it would have been damaged and a potential leak created. I checked them all after that discovery and used a hard stone to deburr and smooth the bearing and sealing surfaces. A poor, poor job was done assembling them.

I’m sure the EZ Lube works for some , I just know for sure when hand packing they are definitely greased properly , and have never had a bearing failure . Fortunately I’ve never gotten a bad bearing or assembly . The only time I blindly towed a fifth wheel not knowing the condition of the axles is when I ordered a new one and picked it up 1600 miles away . No issues , and I didn’t mess with the bearings for a few years , I am definitely not one of those once a year guys .