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Old 01-23-2017, 06:57 AM   #1
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Dexter Never-R-Lube Inspection and Maintenance

Going through my trailer this winter in detail, as it is a 2015 with approx. 20k miles or less, it is in good shape.

One area I’d like to pay attention too are the axles, hubs and brakes. I cannot find much on the internet or from the Mfr on inspection and maintenance. It seems like more of a "wait ‘till they fail" (presumably after many miles) and then replace.

Is there really no maintenance or a way to inspect these things?
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Old 01-23-2017, 07:08 AM   #2
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About the only way to regularly check the Nevr-lubes is to get an infrared thermometer and shoot them at fuel stops. Whenever you have the trailer jacked up, rock the tire and wheel to feel for excessive clearance....that's it.
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Old 01-23-2017, 08:13 AM   #3
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Ted, we route our 2012 FC 25 through Jackson Center Service every two years where they pull and rotate the wheels, check the brakes for condition and wear, and check the Never-Lube Bearings for "runout", which I believe is checking them for excessive wear. I've seen an inspection period for this, either in the Airstream or Dexter Owners Manual, which prompted us to have it done.
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Old 01-23-2017, 09:21 AM   #4
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Our as with the neverlube bearings,has 22000 miles and they are still going, they should run maybe a 100,000 miles..
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Old 01-23-2017, 09:36 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dznf0g View Post
About the only way to regularly check the Nevr-lubes is to get an infrared thermometer and shoot them at fuel stops. Whenever you have the trailer jacked up, rock the tire and wheel to feel for excessive clearance....that's it.
That and if you have Nevr-lube axles, you probably have self-sdjusting brakes. Good to pull the wheels every two years to inspect. I had one wheel that was not braking because the self adjuster was bent. Stops better with all wheels braking!
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Old 01-23-2017, 10:26 AM   #6
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That and if you have Nevr-lube axles, you probably have self-sdjusting brakes. Good to pull the wheels every two years to inspect. I had one wheel that was not braking because the self adjuster was bent. Stops better with all wheels braking!

....Or E over H disc brakes, which should still be inspected every couple years ( or every year, if you're a high miler.
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Old 01-23-2017, 12:10 PM   #7
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I bought my 2010 FC used and I am pretty sure it has the never lube axles. I did not trust that though. I decided to pull mine apart, re-packed them, and put new grease seals on. It takes a huge socket and one of mine had some very minor wear on the axle where it did not have enough grease. I do not regret servicing mine as it probably would have failed at some point. I imagine many people would not agree with me for servicing them though. Also, I highly recommend getting new preloaded brake packs (already have the pads, springs, adjusters, etc. on a mounting plate) and replace them at the same time. They are pretty cheap and very easy to change out once you have the wheels pulled off.
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Old 01-23-2017, 12:17 PM   #8
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I took delivery on our, new to us, trailer March 2015 from Airstream Adventures Northwest in Gladstone, OR . Loved the no maintenance wheel bearings, suspension, self adjusting brakes, etc. At approximately one year, 5K miles, had one wheel lock-up during a hard braking event. It destroyed the tire, with new looking tread, taking the tread completely off the dragged spot . AS Adventures NW said it was not a warranty issue as I should inspect the brakes for correct adjustment. My view is that on delivery all brakes were inspected and should have automatically adjusted correctly going forward but this one over adjusted causing it to lock-up. Either that or the other brakes did not adjust correctly and only the one brake took the load causing it to lock the wheel. Naturally they did a song and dance saying all the wheels showed brake dust so they were working and it was my responsibility. End of story they refused to admit malfunction so going forward I will not trust the auto adjusting feature and inspect for correct brake adjustment on a quarterly basis.
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Old 01-23-2017, 12:20 PM   #9
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I was told that on my 2017 FC the "Never Lube axles" had sealed bearings so the only way to check them is to jack it up and rock the wheel assembly back and forth.
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Old 01-23-2017, 12:30 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Echelon73 View Post
I bought my 2010 FC used and I am pretty sure it has the never lube axles. I did not trust that though. I decided to pull mine apart, re-packed them, and put new grease seals on. It takes a huge socket and one of mine had some very minor wear on the axle where it did not have enough grease. I do not regret servicing mine as it probably would have failed at some point. I imagine many people would not agree with me for servicing them though. Also, I highly recommend getting new preloaded brake packs (already have the pads, springs, adjusters, etc. on a mounting plate) and replace them at the same time. They are pretty cheap and very easy to change out once you have the wheels pulled off.
You probably have EZ-Lube bearings, not Nevr-Lubes. Nevr-lubes cannot be disassembled and re-packed.
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Old 01-23-2017, 12:31 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KWN306 View Post
I was told that on my 2017 FC the "Never Lube axles" had sealed bearings so the only way to check them is to jack it up and rock the wheel assembly back and forth.
Correct
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Old 01-23-2017, 12:44 PM   #12
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Here is a sheet on the Dexter Nev-R-Lube bearings, including warning to use zero offset wheels and inspection intervals and procedures.

http://www.dexteraxle.com/i/u/614960...e_Bearings.pdf
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Old 01-23-2017, 12:58 PM   #13
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Do these never lube axles have outboard brake drums ? Brake drums that can be removed without disturbing bearings , if not how hard is it to remove drum/bearing assembly.
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Old 01-23-2017, 01:00 PM   #14
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Yes the bearing set is pressed into the drum. Removal of the drum is just like any other drum, but the bearing set and drum just slide off the spindle.
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Old 01-23-2017, 03:20 PM   #15
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Ditto to all of the above; follow the instruction in the 'dexter' book!
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Old 01-23-2017, 03:49 PM   #16
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You will need a 1 7/16" socket to remove the spindle nut.

Given the amount of torque needed to break the nut loose and retighten it, I suggest a 6 point socket. Standard depth socket should work.


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Old 04-26-2017, 08:16 PM   #17
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I have a 2009 25FB Classic does any one know if these trailers have never lub bearings??? I have been told as bearing need re packing each 10,000 miles. My car does not, although I do remember old cars and trucks needing re packing
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Old 04-26-2017, 08:31 PM   #18
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I may be wrong, Never Lube was only an option and not standard for Airstream travel trailers.

Trailers in general have not taken the technology of cars and lights trucks with permanently lubricated wheel bearings. Travel trailers tend to follow technology of trailers (not vehicle manufacturers) in general since axles are purchased from trailer axle vendors. Those vendors get most of the orders for least expensive. And orders don't tabulate in the quantity like the car industry.

The RV industry may get there as far as upgraded technology for running gear. However much of that technology has to be embraced by the general trailer industry first. Can you imagine anti-lock/anti-sway on a trailer?

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Old 04-26-2017, 08:52 PM   #19
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I think they were standard with disc brakes and optional with drums, but I'm not sure. Might have been standard on all classics?
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Old 04-27-2017, 07:21 AM   #20
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Dexter Never-R-Lube Inspection and Maintenance

Mine has never lube. 07 Classic ltd with discs.

The dexter tag on the axle should be informative.
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