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NeverLube Axles

JimHess
Silver Member

Oct 18, 2005, 8:18 PM

Post #1 of 9 (1057 views)
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NeverLube Axles	Can't Post

Anybody have any experience with the new sealed-bearing trailer axles? I think they're made by TorFlex. We have a '94 Featherlite 3 horse slant aluminum bumper pull trailer and really like it a lot. Last year when it turned 10 we wondered about the possibility of replacing it, even though it still looks like new. I collected brochures from a bunch of different manufacturers to see what was new. One thing I hate doing is the annual greasing of the wheel bearings, so I was glad to see that one manufacturer is using these permanently sealed bearings. I think it was Sooner or Sundowner. We ended up deciding to keep the trailer a while longer, but when we do switch, I hope the rest of the manufacturers follow suit.

-Jim

paulburns
New Member

Oct 25, 2005, 11:54 PM

Post #2 of 9 (1027 views)
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Re: [JimHess] NeverLube Axles [In reply to]	Can't Post

Jim
Do you think you could trust the never lube jobs. If I were to be heading out on a long drive I would want to KNOW that mine were freshly lubed.
I like to put a grease fitting on mine where I can grease them with just a squirt of the gun.
Probably too old and set in my old ways Wink

Paul
Between the banks of the BIG SANDY River
and MAPLE CREEK in West Tenn.

JimHess
Silver Member

Oct 26, 2005, 6:32 AM

Post #3 of 9 (1024 views)
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Re: [paulburns] NeverLube Axles [In reply to]	Can't Post

Paul, I know what you mean about the confidence you feel setting out with freshly greased bearings. I put a set of those "bearing buddy" grease caps on our utility trailer to give a shot of grease now and then. I guess I overdid it, 'cause when I pulled the wheels there was grease all over the place, including the brakes. When I read about the sealed bearings on Dexter axles, which is a huge axle supplier, I just thought about all the front wheel drive cars out there. Those bearings on the rear wheels are all sealed and you never hear of any trouble. I just imagine it's a larger version of that. Viva technology! Knock wood.

-Jim

(This post was edited by JimHess on Oct 26, 2005, 7:19 PM)

Ranch Hand
New Member

Nov 8, 2005, 5:54 AM

Post #4 of 9 (985 views)
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Re: [JimHess] NeverLube Axles [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hello all, here is my 2 cent's worth on trailer bearings. 98 % of all my horse trailer customers bring me there trailer once a year for a bearing re-pack service and general check over. Most trailer brakes are not self adjusting....so part of my service is to adjust the brakes and make sure they all work etc...

As a general comment........over the years I have sold more brake jobs on trailers due to grease being on the brake shoes than I have finding them worn out. When you use buddy bearings or have the EZ lube axles [with the grease fitting in the end of the axle] you can not tell how much grease you have in the hub.......and lot's of times grease gets pushed pasted the seal....

The sealed bearings [neverlube axles] in my opinion are good and a inmprovement....even with the extra cost. The bearing set up is a lot like the sealed bearings in the front wheels of front wheel drive auto's.

I think the wheels need to be pulled once a year to inspect for brake linning wear, springs, magnets, axle mounting etc.... even if you have sealed bearings. I find broke brake springs, brake wires pretty often.

Ronald
Ranch Hand Supply

Mark4510
Silver Member

Nov 8, 2005, 1:56 PM

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Re: [Ranch Hand] NeverLube Axles [In reply to]	Can't Post

I dont have any first hand experience but the one person I know that has them on his trailer says he has not had any problem. Although his trailer is pretty new so I would not expect to see any problems. I would for sure look at them on our next trailer.

Mark

JimHess
Silver Member

Nov 8, 2005, 5:04 PM

Post #6 of 9 (974 views)
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Re: [Ranch Hand] NeverLube Axles [In reply to]	Can't Post

Ronald, thanks for your comments, and I agree that the brakes should be inspected and adjusted yearly, but I'd rather not have to do the G.D. greasing!
Luckily, with annual maintenance, the bearings stay good, but if one gets worn, can you just set a new one in or do you also have to replace it's race? Is that hard to do? You hear of people breaking down on the road with smoking bearings sometimes.

-Jim

Ranch Hand
New Member

Nov 8, 2005, 8:00 PM

Post #7 of 9 (964 views)
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Re: [JimHess] NeverLube Axles [In reply to]	Can't Post

Jim, when a bearing goes bad......the race went bad with it [same time]. Yes , replace race with bearing.

The race is not that hard to replace if done correctly with the correct tools. I don't know how to tell you here but could show in 5 minutes. Look at the race as being pressed in....I can drive it out from the back side evenly with a long drift punch. Installing the race is real easy with a race driver that you can buy pretty cheap in a set / diff sizes. Race driver fits race, hold straight and hit with a hammer big enough to make it move...and I mean hold it staight when you drive it in and evenly when you drive it out....moving the punch around in different places as it comes out.

If you damage/ mark the area that the bearing runs on....you need another race and try again.

maybe you could find a old hub off of something and practice taking the races out and back in.......anything that has a inner and outter bearing that runs on a spindle.....front hub off a rear wheel drive car/ truck etc.??

It is a messy job. I buy grease in 5 gallon buckets.

Ronald
Ranch Hand Supply

mffarmall
Member

Sep 5, 2006, 6:37 PM

Post #8 of 9 (753 views)
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Re: [JimHess] NeverLube Axles [In reply to]	Can't Post

I just bought a single axle 2 horse. And when I set out it was pulling and pushing forward and back. So I filled the tires to 35 psi and repacked and greased the axles. Then I did not notice any problems. I think that a lot of people forget that after you get your axles done. It is good to drive if for a few miles let it rest and then drive it again. When the axle is repacked its like a new engine it must set in for awhile before it is gunned down the road. I have driven it for a few miles and then I will redrive it to check on it. It's also good to get the tires balanced.

Reg
New Member

Mar 3, 2007, 10:05 AM

Post #9 of 9 (558 views)
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Re: [Ranch Hand] NeverLube Axles [In reply to]	Can't Post

Here's a tip on the EZ lube style axles and greased up brake linings.
COUNT !
Just count the number of grease gun strokes it takes to see fresh grease come out the front of the bearing.
If one bearing takes significantly more grease gun strokes than the others, then it is a fair bet that there is a worn and leaking seal on the back of that bearing, i.e. you are pumping grease out through the back and it will find it's way to the brake linings. This is a good time to stop, pull the drum, replace the seal, etc. BEFORE the grease gets to the lining.
NOTE: I deliberately typed "worn and leaking", it is my opinion that seals are NOT "blown out" by hand grease guns. The grease gets out because the seal is already shot, possibly from being burned up by having been run dry.

BTW, for about $65 I bought a whole spare brake drum and bearing set that I swapped onto the trailer, pumped grease through, then took off and packed away as my traveling spare. There is some comfort in knowing that; it fits, is already greased up, is easily replaced at roadside with tools that I carry, etc.

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