Dexter 8k axles, nev-r-lube bearings

[MSGTRETIREDCSP]

I went out today to check brakes and bearings. After removing dust cap to nev-r-lube bearings, I thought I would ask the guys that have performed this maintenance before.

Would I be better off just replacing the bearings and hub with bearings that I can visually inspect and service myself? What kind of life can a person expect to get out of the nev-r-lube bearings?

After looking at e-trailer, I notice they also have oil-bath. Is there any advantages to those?

What kind of job am I looking into by tearing into the nev-r-lube, just so I can inspect the brakes. I've done plenty of plain ol' bearings, but I've not ever done these.

I've probably towed this trailer 7k miles and the previous owner even less.:h

[bobsallyh]

Here you go http://www.rvnetwork.com/index.php?showtopic=125237

[blofgren]

My trailer has them on 8k axles as well along with disc brakes. We also had them on our 2005 Citation which we bought new and never had any issues at all with them. They seemed just as good as new the day we sold the trailer after 10 years of ownership.

Saying that, I am thinking about buying a new hub with a NeverLube bearing assembly pressed into it and keeping it in the storage compartment just in case. They are quite easy to change and one could do it on the side of the road with general hand tools. Just need to make sure that you have a socket to fit the large retainer nut.

[corvettekent]

I have 50,000 miles on mine with no problems.

[ScottG]

They have been a disaster for many so I would watch them closely and when you discover any roughness or heat, it's time to replace the axles. Hopefully they will give you some warning.

[RustyJC]

I had the Nev-R-Lube bearings for 10 years under our 2004 DRV Mobile Suites 36RE3 with never a problem.

I have the oil bath bearings on our current Mobile Suites (see signature). While the oil bath bearings provide superior lubrication compared to grease-packed bearings, they can be a little messy. Every now and then I'll have to wipe a few streaks of oil vapor and brake dust off of one or two wheels after all day on the road. I've never had to add oil to any of the hubs, so it really isn't a leakage situation. I don't mind the cosmetic maintenance to get the other benefits of the oil bath bearings, but other owners may have different priorities. If spending a minute or two wiping a wheel down bothers you, go with the grease packed bearings.

Rusty

[Old-Biscuit]

Per Dexter:

5 year or 100,000 mile warranty against defects in material and workmanship.

My 5th wheel is an 2007.
Have 10 yrs and over 100,000 miles on them --- no issues

Nev-R-Lube removal/inspection guide

[agesilaus]

I have them on my 5ver. They are a pain in the rear. But I was told you have to replace the axles in order to use a different style bearing. I don't know if that's true. A lot of people with Nev-R lubes carry a spare wheel drum with bearings already pressed into the drum. It takes a hydraulic press to remove or replace them.