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sheinzer · 12-21-2017, 11:48 AM

I see the 2018 Globetrotter has no grease bearings. Seems too good to be true. Is it? If I buy this trailer I would probable replace the bearings every two years if I continue to be a full timer.

Comments please

**Hans627** · 12-21-2017, 11:49 AM

I am curious also!

55AS · 12-21-2017, 11:56 AM

I have them on my boat trailer. 5 years and counting:-)

sheinzer · 12-21-2017, 12:07 PM

Only 5 years? Terrific

dznf0g · 12-21-2017, 12:36 PM

I assume you're talking about Nevr-lube Dexter axles. I have them on my 2007 Classic. 10 years and about 37k miles.

Aerowood · 12-21-2017, 01:14 PM

How often have you greased the wheel bearing on your new car? Sealed bearing are the new normal now.

vintagemotor · 12-21-2017, 03:51 PM

Nev-R-Lube Dexter axles, no need to replace the bearings as they are 100k mile sealed cartridge units, 30k on mine and endplay is perfect.

overlander63 · 12-21-2017, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheinzer

I see the 2018 Globetrotter has no grease bearings. Seems too good to be true. Is it? If I buy this trailer I would probable replace the bearings every two years if I continue to be a full timer.

Comments please

The Nev R Lube bearings have been standard equipment for quite a while now on all new Airstreams with 12" brakes.

A W Warn · 12-21-2017, 05:00 PM

Terry,
Have there been any failures of that type bearing come through your shop?
Thanks!

polarlyse · 12-21-2017, 05:48 PM

I can only think of 2 negatives to these bearings. #1- in the case of failure it is NOT a roadside job. #2- not having the opportunity to pull the wheels to inspect the brakes at the same time you re-pack the old style bearings. As far as serviceability, however, I think they are great.

PS: I don't have them on my Airstream

sheriff1 · 12-21-2017, 06:37 PM

I carry a complete hub with bearings and a replacement set of bearings. I could be back on the road in less than half an hour and find someone down the road to press out and replace the bad bearing.

dznf0g · 12-21-2017, 08:42 PM

I just carry a spare bearing. There's a press in every small town in America...ok, almost all.

dznf0g · 12-21-2017, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by polarlyse

I can only think of 2 negatives to these bearings. #1- in the case of failure it is NOT a roadside job. #2- not having the opportunity to pull the wheels to inspect the brakes at the same time you re-pack the old style bearings. As far as serviceability, however, I think they are great.

PS: I don't have them on my Airstream

Not sure I understand your #2. The bearing/drum assembly just slips off the spindle, like any hub, only without the mess. Since i have nevr-lube bearings and disc brakes, I don't remove anything to inspect brakes.

OttawaValleyGuy · 12-22-2017, 09:11 AM

I do not believe there are any “greaseless “bearings
If you remove the tiny cover you will find a zerk fitting
Apply 2 or 3 pumps of good quality grease and you are good till next season
If for some reason you need to replace the bearings it is the same procedure as always

vintagemotor · 12-22-2017, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OttawaValleyGuy

I do not believe there are any “greaseless “bearings
If you remove the tiny cover you will find a zerk fitting
Apply 2 or 3 pumps of good quality grease and you are good till next season
If for some reason you need to replace the bearings it is the same procedure as always

You are referring to the EZ-Lube Dexter axles where the zerk fitting is under the rubber axle stub cap, the Nev-R-Lube Dexter axles are completely sealed and there is no way to add grease to them.

overlander63 · 12-22-2017, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OttawaValleyGuy

I do not believe there are any “greaseless “bearings
If you remove the tiny cover you will find a zerk fitting
Apply 2 or 3 pumps of good quality grease and you are good till next season
If for some reason you need to replace the bearings it is the same procedure as always

That is completely untrue. Bearings on OEM Airstream axles are either the type that require periodic cleaning and repacking, or sealed, requiring no additional lube and unable to be lubed.

tjdonahoe · 12-22-2017, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OttawaValleyGuy

I do not believe there are any “greaseless “bearings
If you remove the tiny cover you will find a zerk fitting
Apply 2 or 3 pumps of good quality grease and you are good till next season
If for some reason you need to replace the bearings it is the same procedure as always

No sir. No zero, sealed bearings...the new deal...Same as most 4X4’s

dznf0g · 12-22-2017, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by overlander63

That is completely untrue. Bearings on OEM Airstream axles are either the type that require periodic cleaning and repacking, or sealed, requiring no additional lube and unable to be lubed.

Incorrect. 1) regular old fashioned repackable 2) ez-lube 3) nevr-lube

Bill M. · 12-22-2017, 10:18 AM

The only person I have seen who was worried about the sealed bearings was a gentleman who had his disc brake lock up (twice, I think) and then was worried about whether the sealed bearing was still good or got overheated. No way to check. Dexter told him they are pretty tough against heat and it should still be okay.

dznf0g · 12-22-2017, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill M.

The only person I have seen who was worried about the sealed bearings was a gentleman who had his disc brake lock up (twice, I think) and then was worried about whether the sealed bearing was still good or got overheated. No way to check. Dexter told him they are pretty tough against heat and it should still be okay.

Unless they get hot enough for seal degradation, in which case the grease leaks out, they are fine.