EZ lube spindle and bearing repack question

plasticmaster wrote:

Sandia Man wrote:
Although we have the same option on our axles I still do them the old fashion way, I feel better that I had a chance to see the wear and tear for myself. Good news is that if they are properly done, wheel bearing service will last several years before a full cleaning and repacking is required. Nothing wrong with doing it yearly but with top notch, high-temp grease I find it isn't required annually for our heavily used TT. They are rarely exposed to harsh elements where we RV most.

Every Spring after de-winterizing our rig I take all wheels off and inspect brakes and bearings, I'm on our 4th camping season since the last wheel bearing service and all still looks great. Although I never tried, I would believe the Easy lube option works for many but there have been a plethora of reports where seals were blown out allowing grease to reach brakes. It's good that your are checking bearings as sometimes they leave factory improperly greased.

Is it possible to inspect bearings without having to clean and repack them? Wouldn't you have to clean them to inspect them and thus have to repack them anyway?

Without creating another long post, Yes you can tear them down, look at them, and re-install. But, you are only going to be able to do a very cursory inspection. You can see the roller bearing part, the cage, and the bearing race surface, but you cannot see the inner part of the bearing for wear or pits.

Also, with the grease still on the bearing, you will be hit and miss at inspecting all the rollers.

It can be done...But I wouldn't waste the time to tear it all apart to and not do a thorough clean and re-grease. Take your time, do it right (which ever system you use) and hopefully, all will end well.