Lippert Wheel Bearing Failures on Newer RVs: Causes and Solutions

[RayIN]

I’m not sure this is an RV assembly line mistake. The axles should come from the Axle manufacturer all greased I would think . That way the RV assembly line would not have to disassemble them for greasing.

Axle mfgr assembly line. You're right, just wrong mfgr.

 

[Rene T]

Thank you RayIN. I changed my wording

 

[BillyThib]

I hate to break it to you but yearly bearing inspection and maintenance is often overlooked by owners simply because they are not aware that is a requirement. Extended service agreements do not cover maintenance items.

As far as the amount of lubricant in the bearings, there is no reason to place lubricant anywhere but in the bearing itself and while I agree that the factory “fill” is minimal, it is adequate for the application. If the factory had not put any lubricant as someone stated earlier you would not have made it home when you bought it.

Billy

 

[JucyBrucie]

Apparently, this is a Lippert thing. Maybe other manufacturers as well but we've had two new travel trailers from different manufacturers. The first thing I did when taking delivery was check the wheel bearings. On each trailer with the bearings had "minimal" grease, that is, just enough to keep things from rusting. In the first case (Gulfstream) I paid someone to pack the bearings. In the second case, I had the Jayco dealer pack the bearings on both axles under warranty.

 

[CharlesinGA]

Dexter had this problem for a couple of years. New purchasers of BigfootRV fiberglass trailers were experiencing bearing failure anywhere from 500 to 5000 miles from new, and finding all of their bearings either dry or very lightly lubed. I suspect someone at Dexter (Chinese factory) was simply smearing the outside of the bearings with grease and calling it good. For years I packed bearings by hand (light aircraft and automobile front hubs) but finally bought a bearing packer (now have two) and get a more through/even fill of the bearing between the rollers. The biggest problem I have is I don't do enough bearings and end up throwing away the old, separated grease, and refilling the bearing packer every time I use it. I store it in a ziplock bag to keep it free of dirt and contaminates.

It is incredibly difficult to press the plunger by hand. I use an arbor press, but you can easily throw a clean rag over it and put it on the floor and step on it, or turn it sideways in a vise.

Charles

 

[John From Detroit]

There is a device made for boat trailers.. I used bearing buddies on my trailers.
My trailers were 2000 pounds max so no brakes.
yes if you over fill them they blow out the seals (BB makes seals that are better)

E-Z Lube Bearings vs Buddy Bearings | Trailer Bearings For Sale

Want to understand the differences between E-Z Lube Bearings and Buddy Bearings? Want to know how to properly grease each kind? Learn more here.

www.trailersplus.com

 

[Mr C1]

Well, they extended warranty company want us to wait untill they sent out a inspector....to inspect what the guy they sent out told them.
The mobile tech was amazed we made it as far as we did.
Im on a deadline for this trip
So I took, care of the bill myself.
We now have two new Dexter axle assemlies under the rig and almost to our destination!

 

[Firstime RVer]

It is cheap insurance. I get my bearings re-packed every year and get my brakes checked in the process...
The peace of mind is worth every penny of the cost.

Safe travels and all the best.

 

[woof-n]

Save all of your receipts. Document what happened and who did what. If the factory or dealer ship is not cooperating with a suitable resolution. Go back the dealer one more time with your file folder in hand (don't show or give them the documents) and ask them if there is anything they can to do help make you whole before you go to small claims court. The dealer and factory will make a deal to avoid court. You do not need a lawyer. The Plaintiff presents their side. Defendant defends and the judge decides. Easy