strange axle nut on 5th wheel hub

Nev-R-Lube bearings here. 10 years & what must be over 100,000 miles on them.

Every year each wheel is lifted for one reason or another plus given an attempted shake, a spin & a listen for bearing wear. At every highway potti break each wheel is given the touch test for abnormal heat looking for a first sign of bearing problems or brake drag. A good habit to get into.

So far, so good.

BB_TX wrote:
Nev-R-Lube™ Drums/Bearings

Notice how the two bearings are right next to each other, unlike the usual design with bearings being some distance apart. Now picture picking up barbells with your hands next to each other and then again with your hands spread apart. I call it a very poor design.

If Newer lube by Dexter it is not a plastic nut and it has to be torked to 150 lb, Dexter gives specs for hove much play are allowed in them and there are different sizes so find out what you got and go to ther website or contact them for specs.
Frank

I have Nev-r-lube bearings on my 5th wheel. It is 16 years old and I replaced the bearings at 10 years. They felt okay but the seals were leaking a little. The new bearings were pricy- over $100 each and I had to have a machine shop press the bearings out & in. I check for end play and noise each spring and about every third year I pull the hub and examine the brakes. I reuse the lock nut which has to be torqued to specs. Personally I like them, less messing around with grease, IMO.

Yes, it is a probably a Never Lube by Dexter. When they let go, "Katie bar the doors". Just another sales piece of BS. Like you, just give me the standard bearing. Usually when the Never Lube goes bonkers, just plan on buying a whole new unit. I haven't "been there" but helped a friend that was "there".

Thank you all for the help. It would sure be a lot easier if they where standard hubs. When I pull the hubs off to inspect the brakes, can you reuse the locknut? Maybe someone has some tips. Thanks

drsteve wrote:
In a car or truck, when a bearing begins to fail you can hear it and often feel it. So how does one tell if a never lube trailer bearing goes bad?

You see smoke and flying parts in the mirror.

In a car or truck, when a bearing begins to fail you can hear it and often feel it. So how does one tell if a never lube trailer bearing goes bad?

A photo would help