No time to repack bearings before inspection...

[AmyH]

Okay, I have a question to run by all the bearing experts here. My inspection with the State Patrol is next week Wednesday, and between now and then I won't have any time to repack or inspect the bearings. Particularly since I don't have a clue how to do this, and I have ten million other things I have to get done before the inspection. I have a dexter axle with the ez-lube fitting if that helps figure this all out.

The trailer has been sitting in the garage for quite some time, and I am a bit concerned that the bearings really need to be repacked because of this. Of course I really don't know this, since I know next to nothing about bearings and how they hold up when not used for extended periods of time. I am just concerned that I will run into issues when pulling it to the scale and then taking it to the inspection. All in all, the whole trip will probably amount to about 40 miles (at the most).

Do any of you know if I should be worried, or if this little bit of driving should be fine? I plan to take the trailer to a place to have the bearings repacked after I get the inspection taken care of.

Thanks everyone.

[madjack]

Amy, according the Dexter website on the proper use of the EZ-Lube system...jack the wheel off the ground...using a hand pumped grease gun...while rotating the wheel, pump grease SLOWLY into the fitting...continue to rotate the wheel and pump grease...when fresh grease appears at the outside of the hub, your done...the purpose of the EZ-Lube system(as opposed to Buddy Bearing caps) is to allow you to re-pack the bearings without having to dis-assemble them...
http://dexteraxle.com/e_z_lube_system
madjack

p.s. you should be OK to goto inspection station...if you decide to goto a shop to have the bearings re-packed, do not allow them to dis-assemble the hub to doso but to use the EZ-Lube system as I outlined...DO NOT ALLOW THEM TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR GENDER!!!!!!!!!!

[caseydog]

You should be okay. Just sitting there won't hurt the grease or the bearings. I don't know how many miles you have on your TD, but the bearings are probably fine.

I've owned several boats with trailers, and that's where a lot of bearing horror stories come from. But, boat trailer axles go under water all the time.

On something as lightweight as a TD, bearing wear should be minimal. And, with the quick-lube set up, your local automotive garage can add grease when you need it. Repacking the bearings should be pretty rare, since a TD isn't going to put a lot of stress on the bearings, and you aren't putting them under water like you do on a boat trailer.

CD

[AmyH]

Thanks so much guys!! That is great information. I wasn't sure if I still needed to repack the bearings by hand even though I have the ez-lube attachments. I'll do what you are suggesting Madjack, since that sounds like it will give me some peace of mind.

[Gerdo]

Madjack has it. Atleast hit them with a little grease then when when you have the time do as Madjack said. Use a good quality grease and stick with it. Try to use the same grease forever.

[AmyH]

Any suggestions on the type of grease I should get? Also, for the hand pumped grease gun, do I need a specific zerk fitting to attach it to the e-z lube fitting? I know nothing about grease guns and zerk fittings. I am guessing I can pick up a grease gun at Harbor Freight, but do you all know where else I can find a hand pump one?

I have read about folks blowing the seal on these bearings, probably from pumping in the grease under too much pressure I am guessing. That is partly why I have been concerned thinking I need to get them hand packed.

[del]

Any suggestions on the type of grease I should get? Also, for the hand pumped grease gun, do I need a specific zerk fitting to attach it to the e-z lube fitting? I know nothing about grease guns and zerk fittings. I am guessing I can pick up a grease gun at Harbor Freight, but do you all know where else I can find a hand pump one?

I have read about folks blowing the seal on these bearings, probably from pumping in the grease under too much pressure I am guessing. That is partly why I have been concerned thinking I need to get them hand packed.

It should be a standard zerk. A grease gun can be picked up at harbor freight, wally world, or shucks, they will have grease too. If your trailer has no brakes pick any kind you like of grease, I tend to shy from the cheapest, and I do not get the most expensive. Now over greasing 3-4 pumps should do it unless it is dry. Just my opinion your mileage may vary.
del

[AmyH]

Do I need to worry if I have brakes? I have the dexter torflex axle with brakes, but I don't plan to wire up the brakes yet. I may not ever hook up the brakes, but I wanted them just in case.

[bobhenry]

ya might wanta grease the brakes a little bit too it keep them from squeekin'


NO NO NO JUST KIDDIN"

[G-force]

No, brakes shouldnt be an issue unless your inners seal is damaged and leaking. Since the ez lube system does not pressurize the hub like a bearing buddy doest, it should not be a problem.

[del]

Do I need to worry if I have brakes? I have the dexter torflex axle with brakes, but I don't plan to wire up the brakes yet. I may not ever hook up the brakes, but I wanted them just in case.

Brakes create heat, so steer clear of the cheap grease (most wheel bearings on a car have brakes, so your trailer axle will be no worries for the grease you pick). My comment earlier was because a lot of people on this forum tend not to run brakes, so I answered accordingly. Yes brakes do create heat, but decreased stopping distance is good.
My trailer has brakes also, and if you hook your brakes up, you will not regret it.

[AmyH]

Thanks guys, this is great information!