Dexter bearing adjustment procedure
I totally get NOT using the EZlube fitting (ruined some brakes), Timken parts, and annual service. What I don't get is the conflicting methods being used to set the zero backlash on the bearing, i.e....
Forum Discussion
As to the procedure: these Dexter's have no castellated nut, just a spring clip. Tightening to 50 lbs with torque wrench was pretty scary. I then loosened the nut and hand tightened, and had to back off something like a 12th of a rotation to get the clip back on (one spot back on a castellated nut is 1/6th rotation, so tighter). Per the Dexter procedure, I could still wiggle the nut and clip back and forth a bit. I think that Dexter's procedure is shooting for something close to a pre-load like used on semi trailers (google it). The wheel turned freely, so I guess I did it right.
As to the absent plugs: There was an AWFUL amount of "brake dust" in there. More than I have ever seen previously. One brake looked like it might have been jammed up from all the "dust(?)", but when cleaned with brake cleaner, it moved freely as expected. There was also evidence of rust spots on all the drums, some more than others, but doing the spin test, the brakes worked fine. My conclusion: not having plugs in there let water and road debris into the brake where it was ground up and caused rust. I bought rubber plugs from Amazon (everywhere else only had hard plastic plugs).
This brand new trailer was dragged from Ohio back to Florida, over to Sarasota to dodge the 2016 hurricane, then back to AL and MS to run away from 2017 hurricane, then back to NC, TN, VA trying to get away from Florence and Michael. So much for climate change denial (been in FL since 1961). So some miles, but not as much as going to OR and WA from FL, and there wasn't anywhere near the amount of brake "dust" after that. Plus no rust.
As to the absent plugs: There was an AWFUL amount of "brake dust" in there. More than I have ever seen previously. One brake looked like it might have been jammed up from all the "dust(?)", but when cleaned with brake cleaner, it moved freely as expected. There was also evidence of rust spots on all the drums, some more than others, but doing the spin test, the brakes worked fine. My conclusion: not having plugs in there let water and road debris into the brake where it was ground up and caused rust. I bought rubber plugs from Amazon (everywhere else only had hard plastic plugs).
This brand new trailer was dragged from Ohio back to Florida, over to Sarasota to dodge the 2016 hurricane, then back to AL and MS to run away from 2017 hurricane, then back to NC, TN, VA trying to get away from Florence and Michael. So much for climate change denial (been in FL since 1961). So some miles, but not as much as going to OR and WA from FL, and there wasn't anywhere near the amount of brake "dust" after that. Plus no rust.
