How Often to Add Grease to 3500 lb Capacity Trailer Axle
Question:
On a Dexter 3500 brake axel how often to add grease and what happens if too much grease is pumped into the hub? Does the grease get on the brake shoes?
asked by: Tom K
Expert Reply:
It's recommended that trailer hubs be pulled and the bearings and races cleaned and inspected and the bearings repacked every 12 months or 12,000 miles.
Assuming you're speaking of an EZ Lube spindle, I'd recommend checking the grease fill monthly. Attach your grease gun such as # L30-310 to the zerk fitting and gently apply pressure until you see the outer bearing move or see grease oozing through the outer bearing. Being too forceful and adding too much grease too quickly can blow out the grease seal, which will get grease all over the inside of the brake assembly. This works best when the bearings are warm, running the trailer for a couple miles at highway speeds will make this process easier.
If you're unfamiliar with the process for inspecting and repacking bearings, you can see a video by clicking the provided link. I've also linked to a recommended maintenance schedule that you might find helpful.
When you pull the inner bearing to inspect/repack it you'll destroy the grease seal while you're removing it. We offer replacement double lip seals as part # RG06-050. We also offer a replacement kit as part # BK2-100 which includes replacement inner and outer bearings, inner and outer races, a replacement grease seal, tang washer and cotter pin. The seal can be removed using a hammer and screwdriver, but a seal puller like # PTW1219 is easier.
Products Referenced in This Question
LubriMatic Standard Pistol Grip Grease Gun with 3-1/2" Pipe and 12" Flexible Hose
- Lubricants Sealants Adhesives
- Greasing Tools
- Grease Gun
- 5000 psi
- 14 oz
- LubriMatic
more information >
Grease Seal - Double Lip - ID 1.719" / OD 2.565" - for 3,500-lb Axles - Qty 2
- Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
- Seals
- Grease Seals - Double Lip
- 1.719 Inch I.D.
- 2.565 Inch O.D.
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hub Bearing Kit for Lippert, Dexter, and AL-KO Axles - 3,500 lb with #84 Spindle
- Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
- Bearings
- Standard Bearings
- Bearing Kits
- Bearing L44649 and L68149
- Race L68111 and L44610
- 3500 lbs Axle
- etrailer
more information >
Continue Researching
- Shop: Seal Puller
- Shop: Hub Bearing Kit for Lippert, Dexter, and AL-KO Axles - 3,500 lb with #84 Spindle
- Shop: RV Roof Membrane
- Q&A: Grease Recommendation for Boat Trailer Hub
- Q&A: Installing 7-Way Wiring Connector to Trailer For Reverse Light Function
- Q&A: Recommended Routine Lubrication for Reese Goose Box
- Q&A: How Much Grease is Needed in an EZ Lube Axle
- Q&A: Which is Better an EZ Lube Spindle or a Bearing Buddy Setup
- Q&A: Grease for Use With Reese Goose Box
- Q&A: Recommended Grease For Lippert Road Armor Equalizer Wet Bolts
- Search Results: ez lube
- Search Results: trailer brakes
- Search Results: locknload
- Search Results: grease gun
- Search Results: brake drum
- Shop: Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3.5K Axles - 10" - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Shop: Reese Goose Box 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Air Ride Coupler Adapter - 20,000 lbs
- Shop: Karrier ST225/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range E
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Hub & Drum Assembly for 3,500-lb Axles - 10" Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Shop: Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 3,500-lb Axles - 10" Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Video: Americana Tires and Wheels AM90077 Review
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: bearing buddy
- Article: Most Popular Wheel Bearings
- Search Results: l44649
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: etrailer Electric Trailer Brake Kit Installation
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing