Dexter bearing adjustment procedure

That 50 ft. lb. specification really just pertains to newly installed bearings and races so that they are fully seated. The instructions are written to insure that it was indeed done and was not neglected by a previous installation. It takes almost no torque to squeeze out excessive grease before final adjustment. If you are torquing to 50, be sure the wheel is spinning while tightening the nut. Also, be sure that the wheel does not move as you loosen and then do the final adjustment, so that grease isn't rolled back in. While there is a variety of retaining methods for the nut, all you are trying to do is get the least amount of play, but still have some.

I have had bearing failures and all were the result of defect Chinese manufacturing or water intrusion. The water intrusion was on snowmobile trailers where the axles are bathed in salt brine plus being operated in extremely cold temperatures.