Effortlessly Grease Your RV Bearings with Dexter EZ Lube System
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding the Easy Lube System
2.1 How the Easy Lube System Works
- Recommended Maintenance for RV Wheel Bearings
3.1 Importance of Regular Greasing
3.2 Recommended Frequency for Greasing
- Choosing the Right Grease
4.1 Super Lithium EP Molly Grease
4.2 Other Types of Grease for Submersible Trailers
- Tools Needed for Greasing RV Wheel Bearings
5.1 Grease Gun
5.2 Paper Towels or Rags
5.3 Flathead Screwdriver
5.4 Jack
- Preparing to Grease the Bearings
6.1 Jacking up the Wheel
6.2 Chocking the Other Wheels
6.3 Checking the Lug Nuts
- Greasing the Bearings with the Easy Lube System
7.1 Loading Grease into the Grease Gun
7.2 Pumping the Grease into the Bearings
7.3 Removing the Old Grease
7.4 Bleeding Air from the Grease Gun
- Finishing the Greasing Process for All Wheels
- Checking Lug Nut Tightness
- Conclusion
Article: How to Grease RV Wheel Bearings with Ease
RV wheel bearings play a crucial role in keeping your wheels turning smoothly while you travel. Over time, these bearings can become dry or contaminated with debris, leading to increased wear and potential damage. Regular greasing of your RV wheel bearings is essential to maintain optimum performance and prevent costly repairs. In this article, we will walk you through the process of greasing your RV wheel bearings using the easy lube system, providing step-by-step instructions and helpful tips along the way.
Understanding the Easy Lube System
The easy lube system is a convenient feature found in many RV axles, designed to simplify the greasing process. With this system, you can easily repack your bearings without the need for disassembling the entire bearing system. The easy lube system works by using a grease fitting, which allows fresh grease to be pumped into the bearings while simultaneously forcing out old grease, ensuring a thorough lubrication process.
Recommended Maintenance for RV Wheel Bearings
Regular greasing of RV wheel bearings is essential to ensure proper functioning and longevity of the bearings. Greasing helps to reduce friction and heat, preventing premature wear and potential breakdowns. It is recommended to grease your bearings every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, keep in mind that the manufacturer's guidelines may vary, so always refer to your specific RV's manual for accurate maintenance instructions.
Choosing the Right Grease
When it comes to greasing your RV wheel bearings, selecting the right grease is crucial. One popular option is the Super Lithium EP Molly Grease, which is designed for heavy loads and provides excellent lubrication for RV applications. However, there are various other greases available that are more specialized for submersible trailers, such as those used for boats. It is important to choose a grease that aligns with your specific needs and the recommendations of your RV manufacturer.
Tools Needed for Greasing RV Wheel Bearings
To successfully grease your RV wheel bearings, you will need a few essential tools. These include a grease gun for dispensing the grease, paper towels or rags for cleaning, a flathead screwdriver for removing the plastic cover, and a jack for lifting the wheels off the ground. The type and size of the jack may vary depending on your RV's specifications, so ensure that you have the appropriate equipment for the job.
Preparing to Grease the Bearings
Before diving into the greasing process, it is crucial to prepare your RV properly. Start by positioning the jack under the axle, close to the wheel you intend to grease. This helps lift the wheel off the ground, allowing it to rotate freely during the greasing process. Additionally, make sure to chock the other wheels to prevent any accidental rolling. Lastly, take this opportunity to check the tightness of the lug nuts and tighten them if necessary.
Greasing the Bearings with the Easy Lube System
Now that the preparations are complete, it's time to grease your RV wheel bearings using the easy lube system. Load the grease gun with the desired grease, ensuring that the plastic end is properly attached to the gun. Start pumping the grease into the bearings while simultaneously rotating the wheel. Continue pumping until the old, discolored grease is forced out of the bearing assembly, ensuring that only fresh, clean grease remains.
Finishing the Greasing Process for All Wheels
Once you have completed greasing a wheel, repeat the process for the remaining three wheels of your RV. Depending on the size of your RV and the number of wheels, you may need multiple tubes of grease. It's always better to have a little extra grease on hand to ensure a thorough job. Remember to clean up any excess grease from the fittings and wipe down the surrounding areas to maintain cleanliness.
Checking Lug Nut Tightness
After greasing all the wheels, take a moment to check the tightness of the lug nuts. Use a torque wrench or your RV manufacturer's recommended torque specifications to ensure that the lug nuts are properly tightened. This step is crucial for safety and helps prevent the wheels from becoming loose while you're on the road.
Conclusion
Regularly greasing your RV wheel bearings is a simple yet vital maintenance task that ensures the longevity and proper functioning of your RV's wheels. The easy lube system simplifies the process, making it accessible for most RV owners. By following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this article and adhering to your RV manufacturer's recommendations, you can maintain smooth and trouble-free travels. Remember, greasing your RV wheel bearings is an investment in the durability and reliability of your RV, providing peace of mind during your adventures.
Highlights:
- Importance of regular greasing for RV wheel bearings
- How the easy lube system simplifies the greasing process
- Choosing the right grease for your specific RV requirements
- Essential tools needed for greasing RV wheel bearings
- Step-by-step instructions for greasing the bearings with the easy lube system
- Checking lug nut tightness for added safety
- Recommended frequency for greasing and maintenance
- Tips and precautions for a successful greasing process
- Proper preparation and cleanliness for effective greasing
- Benefits of greasing RV wheel bearings for overall performance and longevity.
FAQs
1. How often should I grease my RV wheel bearings?
It is generally recommended to grease RV wheel bearings every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, always refer to your specific RV manufacturer's guidelines for accurate maintenance intervals.
2. Can I use any type of grease for my RV wheel bearings?
It is essential to choose the right type of grease for your RV wheel bearings. Super Lithium EP Molly Grease is a popular choice for RV applications, but there are other specialized greases available for submersible trailers or specific needs. Consult your RV manufacturer's recommendations before selecting a grease.
3. Do I need any special tools for greasing RV wheel bearings?
To grease RV wheel bearings, you will need a grease gun, paper towels or rags for cleaning, a flathead screwdriver for removing the plastic cover, and a jack for lifting the wheels off the ground. The size and type of jack may vary depending on your RV's specifications.
4. Can I grease my RV wheel bearings without the easy lube system?
Yes, the easy lube system simplifies the greasing process, but if your RV does not have this feature, you can still grease the wheel bearings using traditional methods. However, it may be more time-consuming and require disassembling the bearing system.
5. How do I know when the old grease has been completely replaced with new grease?
When greasing RV wheel bearings, you need to pump fresh grease until the old, discolored grease is forced out of the bearing assembly. Keep pumping until only clean, new grease comes out through the designated hole, indicating that the bearings are properly lubricated.
6. Why is it important to check lug nut tightness after greasing the wheel bearings?
Checking the tightness of lug nuts is crucial for safety. Properly tightened lug nuts ensure that the wheels remain securely attached while driving. Use a torque wrench or follow your RV manufacturer's recommended torque specifications to ensure the lug nuts are tightened correctly.