Are Trailer Spindles with Zerk Fittings EZ Lube Spindles
Question:
Good day Clark. First off I wanted to thank you for your very informative, and I felt honest, reply to my 'dilemma'. You were the first to ever voice a differing opinion on the maintenance of various 'EZ Lube' type of spindles. Upon dismantling my hubs, I could clearly see that grease pumped through the zerk would not necessarily push out all of the old grease; and, that a disassembly, cleaning, and greasing by hand is by far the only and best way to go if you want to ensure proper lubrication. I'm not a mechanic, but having just gone thru the experience of greasing my bearings by hand (first time ever), I now believe that relying solely on the zerk to do the job, is foolhardy. It will not do a thorough and complete job. It will mix new grease with old grease, and that's about it. Thanks again, from a newbie, for being upfront on this topic. I learned a lot. A couple of questions for you on this same subject: 1 - The cavity between the bearings. I thoroughly lubricated it all very generously with gobs of grease. I did not completely fill the cavity. Should I have? 2 - If I'm being very careful, can I remove my hub in order to inspect / clean my brakes, and then replace it, without having to change the grease seal? or, Should the grease seal be replaced every time the hub is removed? That's it. Thanks
asked by: Ron R
Helpful Expert Reply:
You have an EZ lube style spindle based on having the zerk fitting. They aren't all the same but it's the same as the Dexter kits you mentioned. It's actually a common misconception that you are supposed to use the fitting to push out all of the old grease with new grease. While that sounds great in theory it commonly puts too much grease in the hub and the seal fails due to pressure. I'd recommend repacking by hand for best result!
I attached a couple help articles on packing trailer bearings for you to check out as well.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3.5K Axles - 10" - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Trailer Hubs and Drums
- Hub with Integrated Drum
- Easy Grease
- EZ Lube
- Pre-Greased
- L68149
- L44649
- For 3500 lbs Axles
- 1/2 Inch Stud
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- 13 Inch Wheel
- 14 Inch Wheel
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- etrailer
more information >
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on Trailer Hubs and Drums
Ron P.
12/5/2019
Good day Clark. First off I wanted to thank you for your very informative, and I felt honest, reply to my 'dilemma'. You were the first to ever voice a differing opinion on the maintenance of various 'EZ Lube' type of spindles. Upon dismantling my hubs, I could clearly see that grease pumped through the zerk would not necessarily push out all of the old grease; and, that a disassembly, cleaning, and greasing by hand is by far the only and best way to go if you want to ensure proper lubrication. I'm not a mechanic, but having just gone thru the experience of greasing my bearings by hand (first time ever), I now believe that relying solely on the zerk to do the job, is foolhardy. It will not do a thorough and complete job. It will mix new grease with old grease, and that's about it. Thanks again, from a newbie, for being upfront on this topic. I learned a lot. A couple of questions for you on this same subject: 1 - The cavity between the bearings. I thoroughly lubricated it all very generously with gobs of grease. I did not completely fill the cavity. Should I have? 2 - If I'm being very careful, can I remove my hub in order to inspect / clean my brakes, and then replace it, without having to change the grease seal? or, Should the grease seal be replaced every time the hub is removed? That's it. Thanks