Replacing Electric Brakes and Grease Seals on Dexter 4400-lb Axle

Question:

I need to purchase brakes for one axle of my 5th wheel. It has tandem Dexter 4400 lbs axles. I used the EZ Lube feature on the hubs and apparently blew out the seal, which flooded the brake drum with grease. So, I know I need to do both brakes on that axle, but what else do I need to repair the blown seal? I assume I need to repack the bearings when I pull that brake drum, but are there parts needed to do that job? Ill probably need to do that for all four hubs. Thanks!

asked by: Matt

Expert Reply:

Trailer axles with EZ-Lube spindles like # TRU74FR or Bearing Buddy grease caps like # BB1980A-SS do certainly make it a lot easier ensure your hubs are adequately greased, but like many before you (and many that will inevitably follow) you have found out that this feature also makes it easy to accidentally over-fill your hubs with too much grease which can result in blown out grease seals and also contaminated brakes. We can help you with both new seals for your hubs and new electric brakes for your 4400-lb axle.

The Dexter self-adjusting brake set # K23-478-479 that you referenced is what I recommend. The brake magnet wires are non-polarized so it does not matter which one is ground or hot. You may want to order some butt connectors too, part # DW05745-5.

You'll want to be sure to thoroughly clean out the inside of your drums to remove all grease. To get every bit of the grease out I recommend you finish your clean out effort with a brake cleaner solvent. Once grease gets onto the brake shoes it cannot be cleaned off so it's worth some extra effort to ensure the armature surface inside the drums is absolutely clean before you re-install the hubs over your new brakes.

I suggest you take the time to also inspect your bearings while you have the hubs off. Dexter 4400-lb axles use inner bearing # L68149, outer bearing # LM67048 and double-lip grease seal # 58846. If you want to re-pack the bearing before reinstalling them in the hubs you might want to use a packing tool like # L70025 which will reduce the amount of grease you need to pump in after everything is back together. Two helpful articles are included.