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steilkurve · 10-17-2021, 06:29 PM

Hello all.

Just celebrated our 2020 Bambi 22FB’s 2nd anniversary.

Got about 8100 miles on it. Have not repacked my bearings yet. Got about a month left to the season and about 1200 miles of planned outings with it.

I know AS suggests repacking every year or 10K miles. Dexter suggests 12K miles. I’d rather not repack until the end of the season, especially since I’ll be trading it in for a new AS slated for November/December delivery.

What would foiks recommend? Have I waited too long already, or can I push it out a bit more?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

CRH · 10-17-2021, 06:33 PM

I probably wouldn't

tbrowne · 10-17-2021, 07:02 PM

I second CRH - I'd leave them alone. People sometimes make mistakes and introduce problems when repacking. Yours aren't in need yet.

steilkurve · 10-17-2021, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbrowne

People sometimes make mistakes and introduce problems when repacking. Yours aren't in need yet.

Thanks. That’s precisely my worry. Have never done it. Appreciate the advice.

Wazbro · 10-18-2021, 02:24 PM

I thought 2020s had never-lube bearings that you couldn't repack?

Ray Eklund · 10-18-2021, 02:29 PM

I repacked and greased my wheel bearings in 2007 at Jackson Center having warranty work. Did all four. Waiting for our appointment and pacing around to do something.

Never packed them again. Used it a lot. Sold it in 2014.

Maybe the Airstream Bearing Fairy... liked me.

guskmg · 10-18-2021, 03:15 PM

I think the repack interval is based on use and as well as time. It is also to check over the running gear condition. I occasionally let mine go 3-4 years and have never seen a dry one or a worn bearing.
guskmg

steilkurve · 10-18-2021, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wazbro

I thought 2020s had never-lube bearings that you couldn't repack?

Not the Bambi. Caravel and up I believe.

steilkurve · 10-18-2021, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guskmg

I think the repack interval is based on use and as well as time. It is also to check over the running gear condition. I occasionally let mine go 3-4 years and have never seen a dry one or a worn bearing.
guskmg

Ok. Will stop worry then! Thanks.

Wayne&Sam · 10-18-2021, 03:35 PM

Nope.

ROBERT CROSS · 10-18-2021, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRH

I probably wouldn't

Based on the fact that you believe Dexter packed them properly?...Good luck.

Inspect & verify...I did after having our axles replaced at JC in '20.

They didn't require 're-packing' but bearing end-play and brake adjustment...did.

At the GM store it was called the 1500mi check.

Bob
🇺🇸

CRH · 10-18-2021, 04:05 PM

Dexter must have done a pretty good job if the bearings made it a year and 8100 miles.

Airhead59 · 10-18-2021, 11:19 PM

I repack the bearings and replace the seals on my 2005 Safari 25 every spring (roughly every 5K to 8K mi). I also take the opportunity to verify function of brakes and assess wear on shoes.

ROBERT CROSS · 10-19-2021, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRH

Dexter must have done a pretty good job if the bearings made it a year and 8100 miles.

Really..how do you figure that? Inspect & verify....BSTS.

Our new axles have standard bearings, I will replace the cheap grease with synthetic this Spring, inspect at every subsequent get ready and re-pack in 25k, same procedure since '88.

Bob
🇺🇸

CRH · 10-19-2021, 07:40 AM

The absolute best way to prevent bearing failure on the road is the carry a spare set, grease, seal, and a bunch of tools. If you do, you will never have a problem. Been working for me for years.

ROBERT CROSS · 10-19-2021, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRH

The absolute best way to prevent bearing failure on the road is the carry a spare set, grease, seal, and a bunch of tools. If you do, you will never have a problem. Been working for me for years.

Carrying a spare PREVENTS the bearing on the wheel from failing?....

Do the PM and don't worry about an OTR failure.
Why do they fail?

If the maint is done the bearing wont get to the point of failure...that's why they call it preventive maintenance.

All the above does NOT apply with the all new forever and ever bearings, you just wait & pray with those.

Bob
🇺🇸

CRH · 10-19-2021, 08:00 AM

It was a joke...lol....Even though, I do have spare bearing sets in my three trailers

I do a pretty good job of taking care of my trailers. Would you like to see a pic of my last trailer bearing job or the last time I did my AS bearings? I have both. I knew getting my phone greasy to take pics would come in handy...lol

aftermath · 10-19-2021, 08:32 AM

I am all in for preventative maintenance. I am not in for doing things just to be doing things. Wheel bearings are good examples. I took my 2006 in after purchase in 2009. Wanted the dealer to repack bearings and to inspect the brakes. They did and then told me that I should repack them every 10K miles. I do this mainly to have the brakes inspected. I keep a log and have been doing this at 10K +/- 1K ever since.
I read about those who do their own and do it once a year. No problem with that but I question if you really "need" to do it that often. All that said, I would suggest that the OP have them done since this is a new trailer, you are getting close and no one has inspected them yet. Brakes are important too in this discussion.

steilkurve · 10-19-2021, 12:24 PM

Thanks all for the thoughts. OP here... Question is not whether or not to repack but rather when to do it. I'm at 2 years of ownership and 8100 miles. Got about 1200 miles left to do this season and then I trade my trailer in. So, I was really asking the need to do it now as:

-Have not done this before and worry I'd make things worse somehow. Plus, got no evidence there is problem (noise, loose wheel or anything).

-As said, I'm trading it in shortly after the season ends and my new AS arrives. Happy to mention to my dealer that it should be repacked as I hand it in and get my new trailer.

So, my question was really is it ok to go another 1000 miles or so, realizing it's not a precise science and just everyone's POV.

So far, majority seem to say it's ok to wait in my case.

Thanks.

ROBERT CROSS · 10-19-2021, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRH

It was a joke...lol....Even though, I do have spare bearing sets in my three trailers

I do a pretty good job of taking care of my trailers. Would you like to see a pic of my last trailer bearing job or the last time I did my AS bearings? I have both. I knew getting my phone greasy to take pics would come in handy...lol

Bob
🇺🇸

Sure why not....