Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: Wheel Bearings for newer pod

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Wheel Bearings for newer pod

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Topic: Wheel Bearings for newer pod

Posted By: vbdomenico
Subject: Wheel Bearings for newer pod
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2020 at 7:57am

I've read some of the other post regarding wheel bearings, but I could not find the answer I am looking for.

I recently bought a 2020 - 190, and I already have 3,500 miles as I am traversing the country for work. In July I will be going on a 4-5 week trip and will rack up another 5,000 miles. My question is how soon do I need to replace the factory installed wheel bearing grease? I assume I should do this before my next trip? Should I have already done it? I have seen some mention doing it yearly or twice a year, but my mileage is not the same as most.

Also, what would be the best grease to use, and is it ok to place it just using the zerk?

Thanks!

Replies:

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2020 at 8:23am

Lippert says bearling repack interval is 12 months/36K miles so you should be fine. Here is the manual. The approved wheel bearing greases are around pg 10.

https://lci-support-doc.s3.amazonaws.com/manuals/axles-and-suspension/ccd-0001412.pdf - https://lci-support-doc.s3.amazonaws.com/manuals/axles-and-suspension/ccd-0001412.pdf

I don't personally like the EZ lube system so I don't use it. Too easy to put in too much grease and blow the seal, after which you have grease on your brake shoes. Not good. I just repack annually and put in new grease seals when I do.

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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold

Posted By: vbdomenico
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2020 at 8:30am

Thanks for the link offgrid. Sounds like time is more of a factor than miles.

I was just not sure if I should trust the factory grease based on how many corners I am realizing have been cut on the build.

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2020 at 8:46am

That is a good point, but I think the axles show up at FR from Lippert with the drums on so FR isn't packing them. If they didn't grease them properly it will be Lippert's fault.

Lots of folks do use the EZ lube, I'm sure someone will chime in on that.

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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold

Posted By: riotkayak284
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2020 at 9:08am

The EZ-Lube systems work great.

Posted By: vbdomenico
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2020 at 9:10am

Yeah you are probably right on the axles.

I monitor the temp of the hubs during use, if there was an issue I probably would have seen it by now. I will just wait until later this year.

I assume the EZ lubes are designed for boat trailers (being submerged often) where you would want extra grease.

Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2020 at 10:42am

We replaced the bearings on our 2011 177 after 8 years of ownership and 28,000 miles. I cheat every other year, using the EZ Lube one year, hand pack the next. When using the EZ Lube make sure you have your wheel jacked up so that when grease is put in the zerk the wheel is rotating at the same time. When the original bearings were replaced they looked and felt like new, some wear on the races but that would be expected with the miles. However, since I had already spent the $ 25 for new bearings, races, and seals they were changed out anyway.

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God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."