Dexter bearing adjustment procedure

[Timeking]

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., 0.001 to 0.005 clearance.

My previous trailer had Alko axles, and I adjusted the bearing per Alko recommendations: rotate and tighten to 20 ft-lbs, loosen nut without motion, tighten to 8 ft lbs, back off one castellation, stick the pin in. Never had a problem in 60,000 miles.

My 2018 Rockwood has Dexter axles. Dexter says to rotate and tighten to 50 ft-lbs, loosen the nut, and then "hand tighten" the nut and back off a bit. What kind of procedure is that? Hand tighten?

If you go on Youtube, people are doing all sorts of crazy stuff, everything from tighten by hand and back off a full quarter rotation.

The Alko method seems scientific, the Dexter method seems weird, and many of the Youtube ideas will cause a failure I'm sure.

So .... from someone who has actually done this several times, and has gone 10's of thousands of miles ... how are you doing it?

PS: Dexter didn't see fit to install brake adjustment hole dust plugs which causes me concern for their commitment to quality.

[MFL]

Dexter has been a fairly reputable company for many years. While one size does not fit all, the description from Dexter, for many RV axles sounds about right. Once the hub/bearings are set, about 50 lbs, the castle nut can be loosened, without moving the hub, finger tight, put pin through. If pin is not aligned at finger tight, it should be backed off slightly, until pin goes through.

You are correct, with so many folks doing things differently, seems like more bearing failures could be caused by incompetence, than lack of grease.

Most I've seen have dust plugs, unless removed and forgotten/left out by a previous owner.

Jerry

[donn0128]

Thats basically the way I was taught back in the 60s. Never had a bearing problem in 40+ years

[azdryheat]

I tighten the castle nut with a wrench then back it off. I then hand tighten the nut and back off to the next slot in the nut. I like an ever so slight bit of play in my bearings to allow room for heat expansion. No bearing failures here.