Quick Dexter Axle Question

[dh]

Do I need to repack the bearings in my new Dexter axle or is the factory grease ok?

[Juneaudave]

I did, they were fine but I think it is a good idea. Just my opinion...Dave

[asianflava]

I was wondering the same thing when I got mine. Everybody said to check it at the very least.

I ended up packing more grease into the bearings since I had them out. I didn't remove the old grease because it was still new, I just added some until it oozed out of the races.

[bobhenry]

Maybe Dexter does actually use grease in theirs but the rust preventive gel that is in a Harbor Freight trailer frame IS NOT GREASE ! It is simply a rust preventive gel. Remove it completely and clean ALL parts with solvent and use brake clean spray to remove all solvent residue. Dry with a soft rag and repack the bearings completely. This is the reason everyone berates the bearings in the HF trailers. There is nothing wrong with them but the short cuts folks take by not properly cleaning and repacking the bearings out of the box. You just spent good money for whatever axle set why take the chance. Also there are 6 major familys of grease two of which are totally incompatable an when combined they actually un-gel and run out. Generally adding a good hi temp lithium based grease is a safe bet but what if ??? Take the time to do it right and you will know !

[Kurt (Indiana)]

BEARINGS - How often should I grease the bearings?
Along with bearing adjustment, proper lubrication is essential to the current function and reliability of your trailer axle. Bearings should be lubricated every 12 months or 12,000 miles.


BEARINGS - What is the proper bearing adjustment procedure and recommended grease?
Please review the Dexter Service Manual for instructions and specifications relating to bearing adjustment and lubrication. WARNING: It is important NOT to mix different types of grease thickeners. The grease that Dexter Axle uses has a Lithium Complex thickener. Mixing our grease with a Barium, Calcium, Clay, or Polyurea soap based thickener agent will cause adverse affects. This may include causing the two greases to harden, separate, become acidic, or pose other hazards and damage to the bearings.

Dexter recommendations:
from this site
and this one

[bobhenry]

Smarter than I look HUH ?


Thank GOD !

[Corwin C]

I would absolutely disassemble and check ANY bearing assembly before use. These days with automated assembly and the work ethics of some people, even the best manufacturer will miss something once in a while. It is far better to take the few minutes and check it. Even the untrained eye will catch things that a professional may miss because you're only looking at 2 instead of hundreds or even thousands. If there's any question with the assembly I would clean and re-pack.

This is good advice for any critical item (bearings, brakes, wiring, heating, plumbing, hitch, etc.). Take a few minutes and make sure for yourself ...

[Kurt (Indiana)]

Smarter than I look HUH ?


Thank GOD !

Bob, I re-greased my Dexter bearings last year and looked on their web site for specs. I didn't know the answers so I went to the source.

You already knew all that stuff from proir experience. It's good to have practical input to go with the mfg specs.

It appears that what you said agrees with Dexter's specs.

[Jst83]

So the fact that I've never touched my bearing or anything since I pulled it out of the weeds by the ladies house about 10 years ago isn't good is it? Guess I can be the example of how not to do it.
But all is not lost after reading on here enough I plan to do that when I get it out of storage.
Where would one take it to have the wheel bearing re packed? Cause there's not a snow balls chance I'm doing it I'm so mechanically illiterate.

[bobhenry]

:oops: So the fact that I've never touched my bearing or anything since I pulled it out of the weeds by the ladies house about 10 years ago isn't good is it? Guess I can be the example of how not to do it.
But all is not lost after reading on here enough I plan to do that when I get it out of storage.
Where would one take it to have the wheel bearing re packed? Cause there's not a snow balls chance I'm doing it I'm so mechanically illiterate.

Call me but I warn ya it will cost ya several cold beers for a house call.

Catch a man a fish you can feed him for a day teach a man to fish and he can pack his own damn bearings Or something like that!

[bobhenry]

Smarter than I look HUH ?


Thank GOD !

Bob, I re-greased my Dexter bearings last year and looked on their web site for specs. I didn't know the answers so I went to the source.

You already knew all that stuff from proir experience. It's good to have practical input to go with the mfg specs.

It appears that what you said agrees with Dexter's specs.

3 years in a lubricants lab and I retained a couple crumbs of info

Hell they even let me formulate and then test my concoctions.

I WERE A TRIBOLOGIST !

http://education.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/entry/tribology

[bobhenry]

:oops: So the fact that I've never touched my bearing or anything since I pulled it out of the weeds by the ladies house about 10 years ago isn't good is it? Guess I can be the example of how not to do it.
But all is not lost after reading on here enough I plan to do that when I get it out of storage.
Where would one take it to have the wheel bearing re packed? Cause there's not a snow balls chance I'm doing it I'm so mechanically illiterate.

Ya really know this is a good example of the fact you do not have to be anal about bearing maintainance. If it is done correctly with good grease and proper technique it will last for many years. Front wheel bearings on the older rear wheel drive cars were not touched for decades at a time with few failures.

[Jst83]

Might add I didn't do anything after I did pull it out of the weeds so I don't know how long it sat there.

Plan to this spring cause now I'm paranoid and I might be pulling it to a gathering in NY in May. If I can get the Tiny Grumman done I'll take it

Two gatherings in 2 weekends I'm so ready

[Shadow Catcher]

I am a big believer in packing bearings using synthetic grease and there are differing greases for different purposes.
When I was working for North Star Steel 20+ years ago one of the industry journals had tests of conventional vs synthetic lubes, I have been using syn ever since including grease when possible. Grease fills in the asperities of steel in bearing service and provides lubrication. What I am looking for in this application is.

* High dropping point of 500°F+
* Resists thermal and oxidation degradation
* Excellent water-washout resistance
* Good low temperature pumpability and torque values
* Adhesive and shear stable to prevent squeeze out

This is an Amsoil grease and gives an idea of what characteristics are possible.

Scott, packing bearings is messy but easy to do and you can find a video on Youtube to show you how to do it right search, trailer wheel bearing replacement and considering the maintenance you have not done plan on replacing the bearings seals and if they are present, races.

You need to remove ALL the old grease!!! different types of grease can be incomparable.

[Jst83]

Scott, packing bearings is messy but easy to do and you can find a video on Youtube to show you how to do it right search, trailer wheel bearing replacement and considering the maintenance you have not done plan on replacing the bearings seals and if they are present, races.

I did look up some videos on it, I'm pretty positive I can do it just really despise mechanic work, don't even change my own oil.

But I am gonna do it myself, can you answer a dumb question what kind of grease do you use is there a better brand or something?