Bearing Grease

[Grumpy]

I don't have Bearing Buddies but I do have the type of axle where you can add grease to the bearings through a nib on the end of the axle and it comes through a hole by the inner seal and then fills the bearings with new grease. I pump grease in until I see new stuff coming out. My question is, with this kind of system, is it necessary to take the wheel off, take the seals off and repack the bearings periodicly? And, if so, after how many miles of travel so you repack your bearing? After how many miles to you change your bearings and races?

Thanks,

Grumpy

[creeker]

Do you have Dexter EZ Lube axles? That's what I've got and they're very similar to what you describe. I was wondering the same thing as you asked.

[bob46]

I have dexter ez lube axles on my camper and the directions say you should check your bearings, but a camper you do not back into the water, at least not on purpose. I have buddy bearings on my boat and they are not fool proof, I had one that would not take grease so i asumed it was full. I had to replace the hub and the bearings on that side. I use water proof grease.

[kydog]

I think the Dexter type are better than the bearing buddies, The buddies trap the grease and there's no where for it go beside blowing out your rear seal. The dexter's (i guess that's what there called) actually come's in between the seal and rear bearing and force's all the old grease to the front, where can keep whipping it off until you see fresh grease. Just check your hub's for any slop, if it's move's any you can adjust it out with the retaining nut. Snug it up and back off a 1/8 turn or so. Listen for any roaring noise while your spinning the wheel, replace bearing's if hear anything out of the ordinary.
Kydog

[Grumpy]

Kydog, I don't know what they are called but I have what you described. Since the new grease pushes the old grease out (when you do it) that is why I am wondering if it is really necessary to repack the bearing every year. Help?

Grumpy

[kydog]

As long as there no play or roaring noise when you turn the wheel refresh the grease and go on with it. The bearing's you buy now for them are made in china anyway(junk) unless you can find a cross reference for a Timken's, SKF or any other industrial grade bearing.
goodluck Kydog

[badbrad]

I think it's a good practice to pack them once a year regardless of whether your use a bearing buddy system or not. I always break them down, replace the seals, check for any sign of water damage then repack them by hand. Takes a couple hours to do it, but worth the peace of mind knowing they'll be good to go for the season. I ususally do mine in January each year and then shoot a little grease to them throughout the year.