Grease guns & bearings
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
Forum Discription: Perplexed/need help with a problem - ask here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15664
Printed Date: 09 Jun 2025 at 12:01am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Grease guns & bearings
Posted By: molly_mirbane
Subject: Grease guns & bearings
Date Posted: 17 Apr 2023 at 12:40pm
|
Hi there! I haven't been on the forums in a long time. Nice to be back. I've been told that I need a grease gun and should regularly ? lubricate? grease? do something to? the bearings on our little RPod wheels. Well, despite being raised by a heavy equipment parts man who did his best to teach daughters along with sons, I don't remember a darn thing about how to do something like this. I don't think we're talking about repacking bearings, which I would probably leave to a professional. Not that there are any in my immediate vicinity. What grease gun should I buy? Any advice? Many thanks. ------------- RPod 172 / 2013 |
Replies:
Posted By: hank*pod
Date Posted: 17 Apr 2023 at 2:54pm
|
Assuming your axle looks like mine (zerk fitting hiding behind a rubber plug in the middle of the hub) here's the procedure. My Lippert suspension manual suggests every 12 months/36,000 miles. You'll need to jack up the side and remove the wheel to get to the hub. http://youtu.be/s34pBejcQn0 - https://youtu.be/s34pBejcQn0 I've just determined that this is my hub and I'm evaluating the grease gun & grease. I think which grease to buy is more of the issue. The manual basically says "Add more of the kind that's there, don't mix types without cleaning out the old grease" but also has specific grease recommendations.  |
Posted By: molly_mirbane
Date Posted: 17 Apr 2023 at 4:47pm
|
interesting. thank you! we had a bad failure last summer -- bearings, axle, the whole shebang. it cost thousands to fix. i want to maintain it properly this time. ------------- RPod 172 / 2013 |
Posted By: hank*pod
Date Posted: 18 Apr 2023 at 9:50pm
Now you're scaring me.  I'm heading out to South Dakota in June and will definitely need to deal with greasing before then. Until then it's more local trips.
|
Posted By: molly_mirbane
Date Posted: 19 Apr 2023 at 12:19am
|
Hope my experience can help you avoid a similar fate!! ------------- RPod 172 / 2013 |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 19 Apr 2023 at 3:42am
|
I don't understand the reason for removeing the wheel. I jacked up our camper and put grease in using the quick lube fitting and would spin the wheel as I was inserting the grease. Does the weight of the wheel on the hub make a difference? ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 19 Apr 2023 at 6:57am
No. The way you are currently doing this is the correct procedure; turning the wheel as you insert grease so that it gets to all parts of the hub. Every other year I do remove the wheel and inspect bearings and clean the old out if necessary. The critical thing which has been addressed above is to not mix different grease. ------------- 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." |
Posted By: hank*pod
Date Posted: 19 Apr 2023 at 8:56am
| I have a "hub cap" (in quotes because it only covers the hole in the center of the rim) that precludes access to the grease fitting with the tire on the trailer. |
Posted By: seafans
Date Posted: 21 Apr 2023 at 10:09am
|
Be careful on the amount of grease you pump into the hub. Both of the R-Pods I have owned, from the factory had to much grease pumped into the hub. The factory grease seals are not very good at keeping the grease in the hub therefore the brakes and magnet was soaked with grease. I do not use the zerk fitting the lube the bearings. The hubs are removed and the bearing are hand packed. |
Posted By: molly_mirbane
Date Posted: 21 Apr 2023 at 10:58am
|
How would I know what kind of grease is in the bearings currently? It was done at a shop. Is there a way to tell? ------------- RPod 172 / 2013 |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 21 Apr 2023 at 12:11pm
|
IF you know the shop that greased your bearings, ask, and they will let you know. If not, your best bet is to take the hubs off, clean out the old grease, and hand pack them yourself. If you aren't into DIY, then have your trustworthy shop do it, make sure you let them know you want the old grease removed. ------------- 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." |