Replace never lube bearing with traditional bearings

[rugerman1]

Hey guys has anybody replaced Dexter never lube bearings with regular bearings? If so can the same hubs be used? Thanks in advance.

[ford_truck_guy]

RAS43 wrote:
No. They have to be pressed into the hub with a larger capacity press. I had a machine shop do mine. And there is a pretty stout snap ring that comes out first.

Not to mention that they are anywhere from $100.00 ( Eastern Marine ) up to $150.00 ( Etrailer ) a piece depending on where you find them.. The number I listed was for the 50mm.. I am sure it can be had cheaper, but not by much....

[RAS43]

No. They have to be pressed into the hub with a larger capacity press. I had a machine shop do mine. And there is a pretty stout snap ring that comes out first.

[4x4ord]

I would just replace the NL bearings with new NL bearings every time I need new tires. Are they not extremely simple to replace?

[ford_truck_guy]

Veebyes wrote:
Good experience with NLs here. Over 100,000 miles. No problems. That said, I do carry two drums with bearings mounted, ready to to change out at the first hint of problems. Part of the rest stop ritual is to walk around & feel lug nuts on each wheel for excessive heat.

When I had the IS installed on my older KZ, I had MORryde press a sealed bearing into a spare drum and I used to carry that in my storage at all times.. Thankfully I never needed it.

[Veebyes]

Good experience with NLs here. Over 100,000 miles. No problems. That said, I do carry two drums with bearings mounted, ready to to change out at the first hint of problems. Part of the rest stop ritual is to walk around & feel lug nuts on each wheel for excessive heat.

[ford_truck_guy]

ScottG wrote:
I don't think you can replace NL's with standard bearings. I'm pretty sure you have to replace the axle - which is worth doing in my opinion. I'd rather fix it at my convenience than on the side of the road.

I believe you are correct..

Or in some cases for those of us with the IS, I believe it’s a different spindle...

[Likes_to_tow]

Have a cousin with a horrible experience with never lube bearings on his trailer. Ruined a trip for him to Colorado. Spent two days trying to get it repaired. I like pack yourself bearings because I can replace seals and hand pack.........never failed me!!

[ScottG]

I don't think you can replace NL's with standard bearings. I'm pretty sure you have to replace the axle - which is worth doing in my opinion. I'd rather fix it at my convenience than on the side of the road.

[JTrac]

We had 7k Dexter axles with the Nev-R-Lube hubs and disc brakes for 6 seasons and over 45K miles. My comfort level was beginning to be exceeded as I know they are never lube but not never fail. I decided to have the MorRyde IS installed, which was done last fall at the MorRyde factory, and while at it changed to the Kodiak hubs and disc brakes. We tend to take at least one long trip every season and I just felt better having something with more readily available parts. I know the downside is maintenance but I added a Hub-O-Meter to help me keep better track of the mileage. So far we are very happy with the new system.

[rugerman1]

Mandalay Parr wrote:
Just curious why you want to replace a sealed bearing.

Was checking today and found two out of four slinging grease out into hub.

[mholman]

I read so many horror stories that I couldn't take it anymore. I replaced axles with disc brakes and conventional Bearings.
I do have a brand new never used neverlube hub with bearing assembly if someone is interested pm me.

[Durb]

Harley is right, you would need to replace the entire axle assembly. I think the Nev-R-Lubes are the way to go unless you have an outrageously heavy trailer, wrong offset wheels, or the 42mm bearings. Mine are going on their tenth year but I haven't towed anywhere near 50k with them. I only average 2,200# per wheel on bearings rated for 8k axles. I carry a spare drum with bearing pressed in which I can change out roadside in less than a half hour with no chance of dirt contaminating the bearing. With the money saved from regular bearing maintenance over the years I could buy a 20 ton shop press from HF and all new bearings good for another 10 years. I do lift the tires at the beginning of the season and check for axial play and a free spin. No big deal as I am adjusting the brakes anyway.

[jnharley]

We had a Neverlube bearing go recently. 6 years old and less than 50k miles. Thankfully, a motorist warned us so we were off the interstate onto a feeder road when it let go. It broke the rim, ruined the tire, the brakes and calipers. We were stuck in a shopping center for 8 days (occurred on a Friday afternoon) because no one carries the parts-we had to order them on line a wait for delivery at a UPS facility. We were able to make repairs and get to our campground where we promptly ordered replacements for the remaining wheels. Thankfully we had a spare and rim to put on. We have Moryde IS and the assembly the spindle is on was bent and we have an appointment to get that replaced soon. it could have been so much worse. No fire and no damage to the body of the RV because we were going at a low rate of speed. Interstate speed would have had much different results.

[harley_hitchike]

the only way is to replace entire axle and hub , drum assembly .
the spindles and brake drum hub are not even close.
I have a hub odometer on my 2010 which shows over 60,000 mi. on 50mm never lube bearings on a 5th wheel with 16,000 gvw so far no problems ,I carry a spare but so far no need . they are more expensive about 120.00 each but no repacking or service in 8 years. I assume you have had a different experience.