R-pod Owners Forum : Wheel Bearing Maintenance http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks : Wheel Bearing Maintenance Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 03 Apr 2026 17:05:38 +0000 Wed, 25 Apr 2018 14:05:16 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=11386 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Wheel Bearing Maintenance : I should probably edit the above... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108158#108158 Author: Guests
Subject: 11386
Posted: 25 Apr 2018 at 2:05pm



I should probably edit the above to read as this:

My interpretation of the situation is that only RE-LUBING via the zerk should work just fine.

I don't think it would be good to start with new and/or dry bearings and expect them to "self pack".

]]> Wed, 25 Apr 2018 14:05:16 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108158#108158 Wheel Bearing Maintenance : #1 My 2010 RP173 had the zerk... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108156#108156 Author: Guests
Subject: 11386
Posted: 25 Apr 2018 at 1:26pm


#1 My 2010 RP173 had the zerk fittings also. Since Pods have been on the market since 2009, I'll go out on a limb and say they ALL have had this feature.

#2 I just finished bearing service on 2 of my 4 wheels. Traditionally, I have always done a tear down, clean, inspect & repack. However, for the last 2 years, I only lubed via the zerk fittings (I call it an experiment - others may call it being lazy).

You may find it interesting that upon tear down, I found the bearings (inner & outer) "swimming" in grease. There was a small amount that seeped into the hub but, nothing on the brake shoes.

My interpretation of the situation is that only lubing via the zerk should work just fine. BOTH bearings are getting plenty of grease. As someone mentioned (furpod) it is very important to spin the wheel when pumping grease, to evenly distribute it in the spindle/hub. As mentioned above, also make certain the grease you pump is compatible with what is already in the bearings.

That said, I think it important to do a complete tear down periodically. This way "I know what I got". I know everything is clean/well lubed and there is no excessive wear on the bearings/races and brake components.

FYI - I have Lippert axles.

All of the above - for what it is worth.

]]> Wed, 25 Apr 2018 13:26:32 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108156#108156 Wheel Bearing Maintenance : Originally posted by malkbean2Some... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108152#108152 Author: TheBum
Subject: 11386
Posted: 25 Apr 2018 at 11:43am

Originally posted by malkbean2

Some greases are incompatible. Does anybody know what the manufacturer uses?


Lippert says to use a grease with a red lithium base with their axles.]]> Wed, 25 Apr 2018 11:43:35 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108152#108152 Wheel Bearing Maintenance : I sent my dealers service department... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108150#108150 Author: rawest50
Subject: 11386
Posted: 25 Apr 2018 at 10:38am

I sent my dealers service department an email. They do not carry but could order for me. He said they need the axle number. Where the heck is that on a 179?]]> Wed, 25 Apr 2018 10:38:10 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108150#108150 Wheel Bearing Maintenance : If in doubt you might try searching... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108147#108147 Author: Craneman
Subject: 11386
Posted: 25 Apr 2018 at 9:58am

If in doubt you might try searching YouTube ,there are a lot of instruction  videos]]> Wed, 25 Apr 2018 09:58:46 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108147#108147 Wheel Bearing Maintenance : Awesome thread! This is exactly... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108135#108135 Author: Ghosthawk
Subject: 11386
Posted: 25 Apr 2018 at 7:46am

Awesome thread!

This is exactly why I joined here. You guys rock!
]]> Wed, 25 Apr 2018 07:46:57 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108135#108135 Wheel Bearing Maintenance : Ours had a build date of 10/10,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108133#108133 Author: furpod
Subject: 11386
Posted: 25 Apr 2018 at 7:33am

Ours had a build date of 10/10, and it had the ez lube.]]> Wed, 25 Apr 2018 07:33:06 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108133#108133 Wheel Bearing Maintenance : Some greases are incompatible.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108131#108131 Author: malkbean2
Subject: 11386
Posted: 25 Apr 2018 at 6:58am

Some greases are incompatible. Does anybody know what the manufacturer uses?]]> Wed, 25 Apr 2018 06:58:59 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108131#108131 Wheel Bearing Maintenance : Ours was manufactured January... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108120#108120 Author: jato
Subject: 11386
Posted: 24 Apr 2018 at 7:06pm

Ours was manufactured January 2011 and came with the zerk on the axle.  I have done it both ways, first couple times manually by hand and for the past 4 years using the zerk.  We use a grease with graphite in it.  The salesman compared it to the Amsoil grease, which we used to use.  Amsoil is an excellent grease, this IMHO is even a bit better (produced by Chemsearch) however, if you are going to be on a regular schedule greasing (which you should be) this is a mute point.]]> Tue, 24 Apr 2018 19:06:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108120#108120 Wheel Bearing Maintenance : Good question, I think fact is... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108086#108086 Author: mcarter
Subject: 11386
Posted: 24 Apr 2018 at 3:40pm

Good question, I think fact is some members choose to hand pack rather than use Zerk. Personally I use the zerk.]]> Tue, 24 Apr 2018 15:40:54 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108086#108086 Wheel Bearing Maintenance : Is it the older axles that you... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108084#108084 Author: DavMar
Subject: 11386
Posted: 24 Apr 2018 at 3:33pm

Is it the older axles that you manually have to pack the grease in the bearings because I thought the new axles has a zerk fitting to re-grease them with a grease gun? ]]> Tue, 24 Apr 2018 15:33:55 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108084#108084 Wheel Bearing Maintenance : If you're using the zerk... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108072#108072 Author: TheBum
Subject: 11386
Posted: 24 Apr 2018 at 11:17am

If you're using the zerk fitting to regrease, make sure you use a grease with a red lithium base so that you don't end up mixing different types. The grease I use is the Lucas "Red-n-Tacky".]]> Tue, 24 Apr 2018 11:17:05 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108072#108072 Wheel Bearing Maintenance : The hub pops off. The axle nut... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108051#108051 Author: lostagain
Subject: 11386
Posted: 23 Apr 2018 at 10:36pm

The hub pops off.  The axle nut is held in place by a bent washer, at least on ours, rather than a cotter key.  

]]> Mon, 23 Apr 2018 22:36:06 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108051#108051 Wheel Bearing Maintenance : How do you install on the hub.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108050#108050 Author: rawest50
Subject: 11386
Posted: 23 Apr 2018 at 10:22pm

How do you install on the hub. I looked and I have a chrome dome cover on the end of the axle. Does ithe cover pop or screw off? Then what? Snap on or screw? I had a boat long ago and they just snapped on and we’re spring loaded. These look a 100 times better. ]]> Mon, 23 Apr 2018 22:22:14 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108050#108050 Wheel Bearing Maintenance : The Wheel Bearing and Chassis... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108040#108040 Author: seafans
Subject: 11386
Posted: 23 Apr 2018 at 9:09pm

The Wheel Bearing and Chassis Grease Part #75-601 is made by Valvoline and it is a paraffin base grease.  I did not find any particular grease spec such as NLGI#2, so it could be "cool whip"  If you can find someone local that sales AMSOIL products the Synthetic Multi-Purpose Grease is the way to go.  This grease will not separate or liquefy and seep through the wheel seal seals.  If you have the Leppart 10" hubs on your R-pod the seals might be 10-19 NAPA part number.  They have the same numbers on them as the manufacture.  Net price is about  $2.29.
]]> Mon, 23 Apr 2018 21:09:45 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108040#108040 Wheel Bearing Maintenance : Originally posted by David I... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108022#108022 Author: Guests
Subject: 11386
Posted: 23 Apr 2018 at 5:04pm

Originally posted by David


I use a product called "Wheel Bearing Grease" from NAPA auto parts. It comes in a plastic tub - kind of like "Country Crock" or "Cool Whip".

I'm all set to service mine....I just need the weather to cooperate.





Please allow me to amend this:

"Wheel Bearing and Chassis Grease" Part #75-601

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NO_75601

]]> Mon, 23 Apr 2018 17:04:33 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108022#108022 Wheel Bearing Maintenance : I use a product called "Wheel... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108019#108019 Author: Guests
Subject: 11386
Posted: 23 Apr 2018 at 4:33pm


I use a product called "Wheel Bearing Grease" from NAPA auto parts. It comes in a plastic tub - kind of like "Country Crock" or "Cool Whip".

I'm all set to service mine....I just need the weather to cooperate.


]]> Mon, 23 Apr 2018 16:33:04 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108019#108019 Wheel Bearing Maintenance : What kind of grease should e used... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108018#108018 Author: malkbean2
Subject: 11386
Posted: 23 Apr 2018 at 4:21pm

What kind of grease should e used on the rpod wheel bearings?
]]> Mon, 23 Apr 2018 16:21:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=108018#108018 Wheel Bearing Maintenance : When we had a local auto/tire... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=107262#107262 Author: Wood River Pod
Subject: 11386
Posted: 14 Apr 2018 at 10:20am

When we had a local auto/tire shop put on the risers on our axle, I also had them take a look at the bearings before our 2,500 mile Sedona trip.  They said that it was ok, but soon would be due for service.  Grease was just starting to break down.  Went ahead and had it done.  One less thing to worry about on the trip.  We got the pod in September 2016 and had made a few longer road trips of 1,000ish miles.    Made it just over a year before service.  I'll now add that to the annual spring dewinterize list.  Cost like $85.  Cheap piece of mind. 
Thanks
]]> Sat, 14 Apr 2018 10:20:30 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=107262#107262 Wheel Bearing Maintenance : Originally posted by coopercdrkeyI... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=107246#107246 Author: Guests
Subject: 11386
Posted: 14 Apr 2018 at 6:55am

Originally posted by coopercdrkey

I appreciate all the responses.  You folks are helpful, considerate, quite well meaning, and have left me totally confused!




   As with so many things in life and camping.......there's more than one way to skin the proverbial cat.

Truth be told, I have used both methods and if we were to pull the hubs on my camper, right now, we would find the spindles pumped full of grease.

That said, I do believe the 2015 Trailer Life article/ Dexter's advise. This season, I plan to (soon) pull everything apart and clean/inspect/repack. Next year......????????

Yes/OK, your mechanic should have no problem in servicing the EZ Lube axles.

Here is what I SUSPECT in regards to the EZ Lubes:

The manufacturers developed them for marine applications. However, there is really no issue in using them for campers - they should work just fine. Why make 2 different styles of axles when one is fine?

]]> Sat, 14 Apr 2018 06:55:04 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=107246#107246 Wheel Bearing Maintenance : I appreciate all the responses.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=107244#107244 Author: coopercdrkey
Subject: 11386
Posted: 14 Apr 2018 at 4:59am

I appreciate all the responses.  You folks are helpful, considerate, quite well meaning, and have left me totally confused!

I guess I will go back to plan A and have my local mechanic repack the bearings.  Will he be able to deal with the EZ- whatever's ?
]]> Sat, 14 Apr 2018 04:59:37 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=107244#107244 Wheel Bearing Maintenance : Seals are routinely replaced.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=107224#107224 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 11386
Posted: 13 Apr 2018 at 1:52pm

Seals are routinely replaced.  They are cheap and often destroyed when removed.
]]> Fri, 13 Apr 2018 13:52:31 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=107224#107224 Wheel Bearing Maintenance : During the first week of March... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=107219#107219 Author: PodWa
Subject: 11386
Posted: 13 Apr 2018 at 11:12am

During the first week of March we took our RP-179, purchased in September 2016, to have the wheel bearings repacked.  Our R-Pod has travelled just over three thousand miles since new.  Though the service was due in September, I waited until spring to have the service done because the trailer was not used during the winter and I wanted to be ready for some lengthy trips this summer.  Service personnel found the bearing seals leaking and had to replace the seals and one of the backing plates.  The service manager told me that the axle manufacturer uses low quality grease that separates into the thicker and lighter components and leaks through the seals.  I was quite surprised that the grease and seals would deteriorate in only 3,000 miles of travel.  We will see how things look when we have the wheel bearings repacked next spring.]]> Fri, 13 Apr 2018 11:12:35 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=107219#107219 Wheel Bearing Maintenance : We have a local car repair shop... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=107215#107215 Author: lostagain
Subject: 11386
Posted: 13 Apr 2018 at 9:18am

We have a local car repair shop that works from time to time on our car and truck take care of the bearings once a year.  They use a good quality grease and it's no more expensive than going to an RV service place and a whole lot faster.  Last repack, I was in and out in less than an hour, the price was fair, and the work was of high quality.  I could do it myself, I guess, but sometimes I get lazy.]]> Fri, 13 Apr 2018 09:18:52 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=107215#107215 Wheel Bearing Maintenance : I have mine packed amd the brakes... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=107209#107209 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 11386
Posted: 13 Apr 2018 at 2:58am

I have mine packed amd the brakes inspected and adjusted eacj spring.  I have seen far to many trailers on the side of the road to trust the EZ lubers.
]]> Fri, 13 Apr 2018 02:58:07 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=107209#107209 Wheel Bearing Maintenance : We purchased our first Rpod... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=107208#107208 Author: seafans
Subject: 11386
Posted: 12 Apr 2018 at 10:23pm

We purchased our first Rpod 180 at the first of theyear.  First thing about the only issue was the right-hand brake did notwork.  Soon after arriving home I removed the hub and found the brakeshoes and magnet saturated with grease.  Removed the other side and foundsome on the shoes.  The grease pathway from the zerk fitting travelsthrough the spindle and then discharges just inside of the seal.  Too muchand the grease is purged through the seal onto the brakes.  This in myopinion is not a good way or option of lubing the bearings.  Themanufacture says to fill the spindle with grease.  When the hub get hot from,mostly the application of the breaks the grease expands and puff, there goesyour brakes and magnet.  Manually packingthe wheel bearing is the best way to go.

]]> Thu, 12 Apr 2018 22:23:13 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=107208#107208 Wheel Bearing Maintenance : This sounds too much like an... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=107141#107141 Author: Guests
Subject: 11386
Posted: 11 Apr 2018 at 3:34pm


This sounds too much like an EZ Lube love fest!   

I'll be "Mr. Contrary" and point out something I found a few years back:

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

Take THAT...you bearing non-packers!   

(Yes, it is about Dexter but, I think Lippert is a similar design)



]]> Wed, 11 Apr 2018 15:34:02 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=107141#107141 Wheel Bearing Maintenance : Boy, am I glad I asked this question!... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=107140#107140 Author: coopercdrkey
Subject: 11386
Posted: 11 Apr 2018 at 3:23pm

Boy, am I glad I asked this question!  Thanks for saving me a bunch of grief and un-needed effort.]]> Wed, 11 Apr 2018 15:23:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=107140#107140 Wheel Bearing Maintenance : I think the term "E-Z lube"... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=107136#107136 Author: TheBum
Subject: 11386
Posted: 11 Apr 2018 at 12:19pm

I think the term "E-Z lube" is being used generically here to describe a method that doesn't require disassembly. The Lippert Zerk fitting would fall into that category and that's what I was referring to.]]> Wed, 11 Apr 2018 12:19:37 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=107136#107136 Wheel Bearing Maintenance : http://www.dexteraxle.com/reso... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=107135#107135 Author: texman
Subject: 11386
Posted: 11 Apr 2018 at 11:45am

http://www.dexteraxle.com/resources/videos/e-z-lube-system

this explains it.
]]> Wed, 11 Apr 2018 11:45:42 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11386&PID=107135#107135