What grease to use to repack wheel bearings? Your opinion on Nev-R-Lube?

Dear Dave,
I saw your article on grease and wheel bearings. I do check my bearings once a year. The Cougar has zerk fittings on it. My question is, what grease do you recommend? —Jim, 2011 Cougar 5th wheel

Dear Jim,
Dexter recommends its Lithoplex Red MP#2, which is a Lithium Complex, high temperature (419 deg F) grease. However, they also recommend several other products, as listed in their Service Manual.

*****

Nev-R-Lube axles

Dear Dave,
After reading your articles on bearing lubrication, I’m wondering what is your opinion of Dexter Nev-R-Lube axles? Do you think they are as robust as automotive axles and bearings? Thanks for this and all of your other RV Travel articles. —M, 2023 Oliver Elite II

Dear M,
Years ago I remember when the front bearing of my pickup started to squeal. When I went to pull it apart and repack or replace the bearings, which I have been doing for 40+ years, I noticed a completely sealed “hub” and the entire assembly had to be replaced.

When I went to my auto parts store and talked with the guy I have been buying parts from for at least 30 years, I commented on how the auto industry was making parts that could not be worked on, just swapped out for more expensive components. He had a good observation, stating that I would have replaced the bearings in that pickup 3 or 4 times in the mileage I had on just one assembly. He was correct. I had more than 130,000 miles on that pickup and only one bearing assembly.

The Nev-R-Lube by Dexter is a similar assembly with the roller bearings that Dexter describes as cones sealed inside a precision ground, one-piece, double-cup arrangement. They are designed with a small amount of axial end play, which is important to the longevity of the bearing life.

I know of many RV manufacturers that use them. They seem to have a very long service life without the need for repacking. However, they are not designed to be submerged in water, like on boat trailers.

I do believe it is a good concept and has a good track record. I would be interested in hearing what others have to say.

*****

Dear Dave,
Hello. I always hear people talk about getting wheel bearing service regularly. If there is no seal leaking, how often should this really need to be done? I’ve been pulling trailers forever, and never had an issue, unless there was a problem. During brake service, then they would be serviced. Appreciate your input. Thank you. —Chris

Dear Chris,
Even though the seal may not be leaking, there can still be condensation inside the bearing as well as extreme heat due to weight issues that make the grease break down and not lubricate properly. That would cause bearings to get hot and also break down.

We had several instances when the bearings got extremely hot well before the one year or 15K mile mark, and the infrared thermometer told the story. I am sure my guys had overloaded the trailers and were driving well in excess of 70 mph—which is a recipe for disaster.

So checking, as recommended, is better safe than sorry. As I stated in the earlier post, can you go longer? Maybe. Have I gone longer? Yes, but that is walking on thin ice and most of the time not worth the risk.

 You might also enjoy this from Dave 

How often should I repack my RV’s wheel bearings?

Dear Dave,
I have read so many different opinions about whether to repack wheel bearings or use the external grease nipples. Some things I have read: that wheel bearings should be repacked every 12 months, just inspected every 12 months, external grease application is sufficient, and if you add too much grease through the external nipples you could blow out the seals. What is your recommendation on wheel bearing maintenance? Thank you. —Leigh, 2022 Grand Design Imagine 22MLE

Read Dave’s answer.

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Dave Solberg is a leading expert in the RV industry and the author of the “RV Handbook.”

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