Nev-R-Lube axle phaseout?

[geraldsmith]

Needed to replace a wheel hub on my 2018 Classic Nev-R-lube axle. MY A/S
dealers says Dexter will not make the Nev-R-lube anymore, switch the EZ lube design only. Meanwhile, I can't find a Nev-R-hub anywhere. Looks like I may
have to change out axles to the EZ design. Will be calling JC tomorrow to see
if Classic customers are out of luck when Nev-R hubs are needed.

Anyone else hear of this problem?
Gerald

[dznf0g]

Nope, but concerning..let us know what you find.

[smithcreek]

I've called Dexter directly several times with questions and a warranty issue. They always answered the phone. Try calling them.

[obytheway]

I don't think the nev-r-lube is all that. Once that bearing cartridge is pressed into the hub it is a one way trip, it ain't coming out. If you have a catastrophic failure that damages the hub/drum like I did it requires all new hubs and bearings, etc at $2000 each axle. I dodged the bullet with warranty, but will be looking to convert to a more traditional bearing set up in the future.



A word of advice to those about to have warranty expire is pay to have brakes serviced and inspected before that happens.

[GCinSC2]

Originally Posted by obytheway

I don't think the nev-r-lube is all that. Once that bearing cartridge is pressed into the hub it is a one way trip, it ain't coming out.

I disagree.

Here is the Dexter pdf showing procedure.

http://www.dexterpartsonline.com/fil...20Bearings.pdf

It can be pressed out and replaced. It can be replaced w/o a press with correct bearing pusher-puller tool set. I've done it. This type bearing is used in a very large range of applications. Front wheel drive.

Harbor Freight tool, same as I used.

https://www.harborfreight.com/Front-...-Pc-63728.html


Gerald,

Is the hub casting damaged? Can you post pic please?

Don't give up yet.

Gary

[ROBERT CROSS]

Watching with interest...17yrs it's time.

Bob
🇺🇸

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by GCinSC2

I disagree.

Here is the Dexter pdf showing procedure.

http://www.dexterpartsonline.com/fil...20Bearings.pdf

It can be pressed out and replaced. It can be replaced w/o a press with correct bearing pusher-puller tool set. I've done it. This type bearing is used in a very large range of applications. Front wheel drive.

Harbor Freight tool, same as I used.

https://www.harborfreight.com/Front-...-Pc-63728.html


Gerald,

Is the hub casting damaged? Can you post pic please?

Don't give up yet.

Gary

I agree. Not an issue if you have a press. If you don't, its about $80-$120 for a new bearing (depending where you shop) and maybe $20 to carry in your hub and new bearing to a shop with a press.
Automotive 101.

[thewarden]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

I agree. Not an issue if you have a press. If you don't, its about $80-$120 for a new bearing (depending where you shop) and maybe $20 to carry in your hub and new bearing to a shop with a press.
Automotive 101.

Phew!! The panic was starting to set in. This sounds pretty straight forward.

[obytheway]

Ouch, I was on a trip and a long way from home on a long holiday weekend when my issue developed. AS dealer said bearings couldn't be reused.
Guess I'll change my name to Ben Dover.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by obytheway

Ouch, I was on a trip and a long way from home on a long holiday weekend when my issue developed. AS dealer said bearings couldn't be reused.
Guess I'll change my name to Ben Dover.

They're correct. They cannot be re-used. They CAN be replaced easily.

[ROBERT CROSS]

...Without a 'catastrophic failure' photo it's hard to determine anything.
Are we talking,"easy" or "never"
If you are servicing, without such a failure, I'm hoping whatever bearings come on the new 4200#axles can be R&R, re-greased if needed .
New axles this Spring...inquiring mind trying to get it right.

Bob
🇺🇸

[Rob Cope]

My 2016 Flying Cloud 25 footer has not moved since purchased in October 2016. I live in it. Now it is to be towed about 125 miles to a new location. Do I need to re-grease the wheel bearings? Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

[azflycaster]

Originally Posted by Rob Cope

My 2016 Flying Cloud 25 footer has not moved since purchased in October 2016. I live in it. Now it is to be towed about 125 miles to a new location. Do I need to re-grease the wheel bearings? Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

Your trailer should have the never lube bearings which is a sealed unit. If that is the case, you should be fine.

[guskmg]

Am I to understand that Dexter no longer sells Never-lube axles and/or cartridges?
guskmg

[featherbedder]

Originally Posted by Rob Cope

My 2016 Flying Cloud 25 footer has not moved since purchased in October 2016. I live in it. Now it is to be towed about 125 miles to a new location. Do I need to re-grease the wheel bearings? Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

IMO no rear whl drive autos go 50,00 miles or plus yrs. w/out repacking. This idea of repacking every 3 yrs bunch of hooey.

[69SoulShine]

Interested to hear the answer.

[obytheway]

To clarify, my failure was not bearings. They were fine. My failure was both right hand brake assemblies basically coming apart inside the drum during a hard braking incident on the freeway. I didn't realize I had a failure and continued on my way with a bunch of brake parts rattling around in the drum. Mechanic said adjuster was blown apart, actuator arms and magnets broke. Said drums were severely damaged and should/could not be reused.


Problem is bearing cartridge can be removed but not reused. At least that is what I was told. So new drums, new bearings. I was just happy Airstream Seattle took care of me over 4th July weekend and Dexter covered me.

[AirMiles]

Originally Posted by obytheway

To clarify, my failure was not bearings. They were fine. My failure was both right hand brake assemblies basically coming apart inside the drum during a hard braking incident on the freeway. I didn't realize I had a failure and continued on my way with a bunch of brake parts rattling around in the drum. Mechanic said adjuster was blown apart, actuator arms and magnets broke. Said drums were severely damaged and should/could not be reused.


Problem is bearing cartridge can be removed but not reused. At least that is what I was told. So new drums, new bearings. I was just happy Airstream Seattle took care of me over 4th July weekend and Dexter covered me.

I had the same thing happen on my last trip. The brake completely fell apart inside the drum and I drove about 100 miles before I realized the problem. The drum is ruined. I removed the drum, took off the brake assembly, reinstalled the drum and will have JC fix it in late may at my scheduled appointment.

I also had a similar incident on my 2017 FC25FB where the adjuster spring broke then the spring and adjuster were dragging on the brake drum. I just replaced the brake assembly that time without filing a warranty claim.

I wonder if these brake failures have anything to do with the nev-r-lube being discontinued.

[GCinSC2]

Originally Posted by AirMiles

I had the same thing happen on my last trip. The brake completely fell apart inside the drum and I drove about 100 miles before I realized the problem. The drum is ruined. I removed the drum, took off the brake assembly, reinstalled the drum and will have JC fix it in late may at my scheduled appointment.

I also had a similar incident on my 2017 FC25FB where the adjuster spring broke then the spring and adjuster were dragging on the brake drum. I just replaced the brake assembly that time without filing a warranty claim.

I wonder if these brake failures have anything to do with the nev-r-lube being discontinued.

A brake spring and adjuster based failure, IMHO is not related to the Nev-R-Lube bearing.

And we have no posted confirmation AFAIK of Nev-R-Lube parts being discontinued. Anyone have specific details by part number of discontinued status?

I just checked, the OP has not been back with any further details to report on his opening post.

Gary

[ROBERT CROSS]

I did the google....https://www.google.com/search?ei=1BR...Y4LBQIQ4dUDCAo


Bob
🇺🇸