Forum Discussion

eskins's avatar
eskins
Explorer
Apr 16, 2014

scheduled maintenance(axles)

Hi,
I'm asking for advice on scheduled maintenance, and or if anyone has any schedules that I could use.

I have had my keystone bullet 248rks for about 1.5 years, taken it on four trips that total just over 1200 miles.

I'm wondering when I should have the axles inspected and any other things that might be needed relative to breaking down on the highway.

I'm getting mixed answers: Camping world said every 5K miles, but also said since i've had it sitting more than out, they should be checked(~$300.00) and repaired/repacked as necessary.

Keystone says every 3 months which makes absolutely no sense to me.

Any advice here much appreciated. I'm getting ready to head out on Memorial which round trip ~ 250 miles.
  • MitchF150's avatar
    MitchF150
    Explorer III
    Apr 16, 2014
    I'd do it now, since it's never been done since it came off the lot... I did mine after it's first year and found very little grease in the bearings.. Enough to not cause any damage, but not like how I like to see them packed..

    I do my own and it gives me a chance to check and adjust the brakes too.

    After the first couple of years doing it every year, I've now gone to every other year now because I saw that after MY packing of the bearings, they still have plenty of grease in them, even every other year.. But, the brakes still need adjusting, so that's my schedule.. ;)

    Good luck!

    Mitch
  • fla-gypsy's avatar
    fla-gypsy
    Explorer
    Apr 16, 2014
    I have greased my bearings twice in 8 years and they are cool to the touch every time I take it out. While I do not recommend my method, my point is that bearing maintenance annually is like changing your oil every 3k. If you run through salted roads and snow all the time or death valley all summer (extreme service) it might make sense. If you suspect problems it might make sense. If you run in the sunshine on decent roads (like me) it doesn't. Annual tear down and greasing is old thinking considering the improved synthetic grease available and a more realistic interval is bi-annually or longer. Adjust the brakes annually. Just one man's opinion.
  • Pauljdav's avatar
    Pauljdav
    Explorer
    Apr 16, 2014
    I am considering doing my 2010 cougar for the first time. I doubt they need it but the brakes need adjusting so I will take care of both at the same time.
  • Ron3rd's avatar
    Ron3rd
    Explorer III
    Apr 16, 2014
    fla-gypsy wrote:
    I have greased my bearings twice in 8 years and they are cool to the touch every time I take it out. While I do not recommend my method, my point is that bearing maintenance annually is like changing your oil every 3k. If you run through salted roads and snow all the time or death valley all summer (extreme service) it might make sense. If you suspect problems it might make sense. If you run in the sunshine on decent roads (like me) it doesn't. Annual tear down and greasing is old thinking considering the improved synthetic grease available and a more realistic interval is bi-annually or longer. Adjust the brakes annually. Just one man's opinion.


    X2.
  • lbrjet's avatar
    lbrjet
    Explorer
    Apr 16, 2014
    Pauljdav wrote:
    I am considering doing my 2010 cougar for the first time. I doubt they need it but the brakes need adjusting so I will take care of both at the same time.


    Just had it done on my 2011 which was purchased in 2010. Needed brakes adjusted and had bearings repacked also.
  • goducks10's avatar
    goducks10
    Explorer
    Apr 16, 2014
    12 months or 12,000 miles is the norm. I'll do mine for the 1st time this spring as it will be 12 months. After that, at the most every other year.
  • jfkmk's avatar
    jfkmk
    Explorer
    Apr 16, 2014
    I do mine every year. If you're mechanically inclined and can do them yourself, they're quite easy and cheap to do. Like the other poster, the first time I did them, they didn't have much grease in them. I do a brake check and adjustment and make absolutely everything is completely operational before camping season. The last thing I want is a failure on the road or even to have to make repairs during the season. Bearing seals run you at most 10-15 dollars per axle and a tub of good synthetic grease lasts for years.
  • eskins's avatar
    eskins
    Explorer
    Apr 17, 2014
    Thank you all for the feedback. I'll get them checked and see what they look like next year.
  • Ron3rd's avatar
    Ron3rd
    Explorer III
    Apr 17, 2014
    goducks10 wrote:
    12 months or 12,000 miles is the norm. I'll do mine for the 1st time this spring as it will be 12 months. After that, at the most every other year.


    That's what I do.

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