Do Hubs have to be Removed to Add Grease to Bearings on an EZ Lube Trailer Axle

Question:

Do I still need to take apart hubs to pack bearings even though i have ez lube spindles?

asked by: Jarrod

Expert Reply:

No, you do not have to remove the hubs on an EZ Lube axle and hubs to pack the bearings with grease. You would use the grease zerk fittings at the ends of each spindle to add grease using a grease gun such as # L30200.

The trick is to use new grease that is compatible with the old grease. Some greases are not compatible and will cause each other to break down which can lead to over heating and damage to the bearings, spindle, and hubs.

A bearing grease such as # L11465 is formulated with polyurea and is not compatible with very many grease types. Bearing grease # L11390 is formulated with a calcium sulfonate complex and is compatible with a few more grease types. I have linked a help article on grease that does contain a compatibility chart.

If you do not know what grease is in the bearings and hubs now then I recommend removing the hub and cleaning out all of the old grease, Use some brake cleaner spray to get in the bearings and hard to reach areas. Once its free of grease and cleaner then I recommend hand-packing the bearings, at least a little, putting it all back together, and then adding grease with the grease gun.

We have a tool you can use for hand packing the bearings, # L70025, which will reduce the mess!