Wheel Bearing Service Questions

Thanks for the info  

Originally posted by MDPaddlersPod David, thanks. I appreciate the idea with the brake cleaner. I am going to do that. What and where is the zerk grease fitting I hear folks talking about and what is it's purpose. Again, many thanks.

The zerk fitting is on the tip of the spindle. If you are doing a repack, this can be avoided.

There has been much written about "EZ Lube" type axles - both here on the forum and elsewhere. Below is a link or two that I have written. Personally, I would go ahead and do the clean/inspect/repack this time. That way "you know what you got". The factories don't lube bearings like I do.....enough said. Next year/going forward, you can decide what you want to do.

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PN=4&title=wheel-bearing-maintenance

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PN=1&title=wheel-bearing-maintenance


http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6823&KW=Dexter&PID=64869&title=ez-lube-axles#64869

You don't really even need to take the wheels off to grease the wheel bearings. The cap on the end of the hub cover will pry off (look for the notch along the edge). Then under that is a rubber plug that covers the Zerk fitting. You will need to have the wheel up off the ground so you can spin the wheel while pumping grease. It helps to have a second person, but you can spin, pump, spin, pump, etc. until the old grease is forced out and new grease shows. The Lippert and Dexter axles are made to be serviced this way.

One thing you might need to do is pry off the two caps on the back side and adjust the brakes to allow the wheel to spin. On our 2016 RP179, the door side wheel seems to get tight and I have to back it off. The slide side does not do this. It is a matter of using one flat screwdriver (or brake tool) to lift the locking spring/lever and the other to adjust the star wheel. If you turn it one way, it will get even tighter. Then you will know to go the other way to back it off. Be sure to replace the caps when done.

Of course, one of these days, I will need to pull the drums off to check the brake linings. Then I will need to replace seals and hand-pack the bearings. However, I have used the SuperLube fittings a few times now since we bought our R-Pod. I did so a couple of weeks ago to get it ready for this summer's travels.

I think you'll do just fine. The job is not a "brain buster". It's just messy and takes a little time.

Yes, just clean and repack the bearings - as long as they look OK (with few miles, they should).

Yes, you need new seals, as the old ones get destroyed when removing (to get the inner bearing out).

I get a can or two of spray brake cleaner and clean the shoes, drums, etc. while I am at it.

Remember to "preload" the bearings when putting things back together.

Thanks everyone. I have never done the bearings before. I have had the POD 2 years and only have about 1500 miles on it. I only have time with work for regional trips at the time. I am mechanically inclined and the work is no big deal. I am glad to hear that I don't need to replace everything. My intent is to just pack the bearings. On all the videos they mention replacing the seals, other than repacking the bearings, I guess repacking and replacing the seals is all I need to do. Please let me know if that assumption is correct. THANKS EVERYBODY.