Digging up an old thread....
I wanted to do a bearing and brake check on our 2021 27' GT, so I looked up the Dexter Service Manual to get the data. Their manual is not completely clear as it says there should be axial play in the bearing set, but does not give a minimum, just a maximum axial end play and the resultant "tilt" (rocking of the tire).
I figured that trying to measure the "tilt" on the tire would be a bit difficult, so I built a quick check fixture. I made a couple of 2-1/2" long spacers to thread onto the wheel studs, then drilled a few holes in a piece of 1-1/2" square tube to use as my "tire". I also made an additional spacer to use as an indicator surface and also to bring the measuring point back to the hub face. The tube is long allowing the force to be applied opposite of the indicator side so as to reduce influence of the reading.
When initially rocking the tube, I was expecting to feel a little movement, but none was felt. When pushing and pulling on the tube with quite a bit of force, I was able to get between 0.024" and 0.028" of "tilt". This fixture uses a 15.0" distance from the hub centerline to the indicator measuring location. Dexter notes in the manual for 42mm bearings, the maximum "tilt" value is 0.005"/inch, so maximum would be 0.075" based on my check fixture.
Long winded here and a bit OCD on the fixture and checking method, but quite a bit of peace of mind knowing the bearings are well under the Dexter specification. The trailer has able 15,000 miles on it, so I would expect quite a bit more life, but I don't think I would push them for 100k, I don't think the grease retention is adequate for that kind of life - I found a bit more grease that has ooozed out than I would like to see.
Steve
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