Here we go, another EZ lube debate!

Thanks for the feedback guys. Red Lion’s point about seal damage during installation reminded me of another point I think is worth sharing about the EZ Lube style spindles. My 5,200 lb axles have a generous shoulder with a large chamfer to seat the inner race against so wear there has not been an issue. However, the cross-hole to supply grease between the inner bearing and the seal is centered on the shoulder. In my experience, this is a deburring nightmare! While the seal surface is obviously ground after the cross-holes are drilled, the edges of the holes on mine were still VERY sharp. I honed and sanded them all to get rid of any potential seal damage during installation.

The “better idea” of EZ Lube created a new potential failure mode of seal damage. I would imagine the deburring of the cross-holes is totally operator dependent and the operator drilling mine wasn’t having a very good day… If you have this kind of spindles, it would be a good idea to check for sharp edges at the cross-holes next time you inspect bearings.