Applying Grease to the Dexter EZ Lube Bearings

[kampingkoge]

When you look at the owners manual for adding grease to the Dexter E-Z Lube bearings it states the following comment ...."When grease is pumped into the fitting, it is channeled to the inner bearing and then flows back to the outer bearing and eventually back out the grease cap hole."  My dealer told me to be careful when applying grease so you don't over apply too much and blow out the rear seal, which will harm your brakes.  Anybody have any real life recommendations on how much grease to apply ... by design it sounds as if the greae will not blow the rear seal but will simple come back out the front grease cap.

-Confused

[mike4947]

You and the Dexter manual are correct, BUT, the E-Z lube axle was developed like Bearing Buddies for boat trailer axles that get submerged in water. They have no advantage when used on a "dry" trailer.

I talked to the folks at Dexter and they are amazed at the number of trailer builders specing out the E-Z lube axles for tailer that will never see a boat launch ramp. Their guess and I agree is the engineers and marketing people for the trailer manufacturers never read the actual specifications and usage for the E-Z lube axles and "think" the fitting means you don't have to clean, inspect, and regrease even though the Dexter spec's state you have to. Just like many folks think Bearing Buddies means you don't have to do any maintenance.

[pfaust]

Here is my opinion on greasing Dexter EZ-Lube Axels. I use a lot of grease every day at work. I am an amusement park mechanic. All you have to do is pump grease until you se it start to move. Then stop !. Over greasing just makes a mess and can be detrimental to the application. What I have been taught it that you should fill the bearing/cavity to 30% of it's capacity. That allows for heating and gives the grease room to flow. As far as single vs. double liped seal, i can't see a problem.
Grease will follow the path of least resistance and flow to the outside of the axel.
Just pay attention to what you are doing and you shoud not have any problems.

[AlaTex]

kampingkoge -

I have the Dexter E-Z Lube bearings on my boat trailer - the KEY is to rotate the hub (wheel and tire) while pumping the new lube in - I usually pump enough lube to see the new lube start to exit (could take a full tube per bearing) - then wipe excess and replace the rubber outer seal (cap).  It helps if you can get someone to rotate the wheel while another pumps the lube.  Make sure the melting point of the lube meets Dexter specs. below

Recommended Wheel Bearing Lubrication Specifications
         
         Grease:
             Thickener Type --                     Lithium Complex
             Dropping Point --        215 ̊C (419 ̊F) Minimum
             Consistency --                              NLGI No. 2
             Additives   --                  EP, Corrosion & Oxidation Inhibitors
             Viscosity Index  --                        80 Minimum

         Approved Sources:
             Mobil Oil  --                                   Mobilgrease HF, Mobilith AW2
             Exxon/Standard  --                         Ronex MP
             Kendall Refining Co --                      Kendall L-427
             Ashland Oil Co  --                           Valvoline Multipurpose GM
             76 Lubricants  --                            76 Multiplex ER
             Citgo Petroleum  --                         Lithoplex MP#2
             Mystik --                                      Mystik JT-6 Hi Temp Grease
             Pennzoil Product Co.  --            Premium Wheel Bearing Grease 707L

See Dexter pub at
http://i.b5z.net/i/u/1080235/f/6-8K%20Service%20Manual/Hubs__Drums____Bearings_3-04.pdf

Good Luck