1963 Overlander Why bearings can NOT be repacked?

[Zstream]

I am taking my 63 into a trailer dealer to have the bearings repacked. They have warned me that they may NOT be able to repack them. They sell new axels....I think you all can see my perdicament... Just to insure I do not buy new axels when the orignal ones were fine... can someone tell me when and why bearings can NOT be repacked and thus new axels are the only option?
Thank you! Z.

[HiHoAgRV]

See if you can take some time to read most of the threads in the Axle folder. If you haven't figured out where it is, go to the top of this page and click on "forums" right next to "portal" and "photos". Scroll down to find the axle folder

There is a wealth of info from folks that have gone through the same things you face. Keep in mind you will see quite a bit of opinions and you will need to absorb and make up your own mind. Being in Indiana could be a big advantage if you do need axles, the shipping should be very reasonable!

Good luck and let us know how we can help.

[uwe]

Originally Posted by Zstream

I am taking my 63 into a trailer dealer to have the bearings repacked. They have warned me that they may NOT be able to repack them. They sell new axels....I think you all can see my perdicament... Just to insure I do not buy new axels when the orignal ones were fine... can someone tell me when and why bearings can NOT be repacked and thus new axels are the only option?
Thank you! Z.

The shop might have your best interest in mind. If the axles are indeed original on your 1963, then a replacement is definitely a good idea. I have not yet ran across a 40 year old torsion axle set that still has sufficient suspension qualities. The rubber sets and hardens, and the axles lose their ability to softly suspend the trailer's fragile shell.

[Overlander & Sea]

I agree with Uwe. The first repair/improvement I did on my '61 Overlander was replace the axles, they were original. If you post pictures of the axles, tires, wheel wells, etc. there are several qualified forums members that can give you a good opinion.

[53flyingcloud]

If you do need to have the axle replaced (a set of two), why not call the factory in Jackson Center, Ohio?? If I lived as close as you do, I'd haul that thing over there for the work. (axle replacement) The price ?? has got to be no worse, done right the first time at the factory~ Just my take..and, a peace of mind~
ciao
53FC

[overlander63]

Two things:
1- there should be no reason the bearings can't be repacked, I've repacked the bearings in our '63, and put new grease seals in the drums when I did it.
2- you probably will need the axles replaced, but not because of the bearings.

Did your trailer suffer a bearing failure? If so, the effected spindle may be ruined, in which case all the bearings in the world won't help.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Zstream

I am taking my 63 into a trailer dealer to have the bearings repacked. They have warned me that they may NOT be able to repack them. They sell new axels....I think you all can see my perdicament... Just to insure I do not buy new axels when the orignal ones were fine... can someone tell me when and why bearings can NOT be repacked and thus new axels are the only option?
Thank you! Z.

The bearings can be repacked.

The grease seals "MUST" be replaced in the process.

You can check the axles out yourself, by reading the following article.

Dura Torque Axle

And