Axle Service Question

socalhd · 03-15-2015, 07:46 PM

Hopefully I am in the right place for this and maybe the guys in the know will have an answer.
When you purchase a new trailer, or 5er should you expect that the axles were serviced at the time of purchase? By service I mean wheel bearings and brakes inspected and greased (Fresh)
I purchased a 2014 rig in Jan 2015 and I know the dealer took it to RV shows during that year.
So now the trailer is a year old. Ive put about 800 miles on it since I got it. But now it is at the Dealer getting some warranty work done. Wondering if I should get them to do it while it is waiting for parts.
IMHO it should be done right before a customer takes delivery.

Ken / Claudia · 03-15-2015, 07:52 PM

Thats a good question, I never cared to ask since the shipping/transport was about 200 miles from factory to dealer. Yours traveled a lot further I would hope the dealer checked and greased them but, maybe they do not.

**chuckster57** · 03-15-2015, 07:53 PM

The axle assemblies are built by the axle manufacturer, and installed on the frame by the frame manufacturer.

When the unit is built, it can be assumed that the axle assemblies and frame were built properly. When a new unit is sold, the only "check" that I know of is proper inflation and lug torque.

Removal of wheels, inspecting bearings, shoes, drums etc. is not on any PDI list that I know of.

Larry1013 · 03-16-2015, 02:25 AM

In theory, when the axle is manufactured, it is assembled with grease of the right amount and type. Dealer and others assume it was done right and I suspect rarely is a problem. This is the same as with a new vehicle, you don't expect the dealer to remove the front wheels and check the bearings.

**JRTJH** · 03-16-2015, 04:27 AM

Here are pictures of the frames, axles and tires at the front end of the assembly line at Keystone's Cougar facility. The frame comes in "upside down", axles and tires are installed and the frame is turned "right side up" and placed on a trolley system to travel down the assembly line.

There is no check for "proper construction/servicing" of the components at the factory and as stated, I've never seen a dealer grease the axles or inspect the brakes on any new RV PDI. All that's ever been checked on my trailers at delivery is lug torque and tire pressure. And, on some trailers, even that wasn't done

Ken / Claudia · 03-16-2015, 08:43 AM

Here's my point, I really did ask during the PDI, what about brakes and axles. salesman says life time lube and brakes do not need checked,OK. So, check thru the dexter manual and since these trailers by keystone have models with different brakes etc. I am not sure. Phoned the dexter co. with my axle numbers and got the build sheet. On my trailer and found the the hubs are ez lube says, lube every year or 12,000 miles. Brakes are self adjustments but, manual adjustment may be needed after the first 200 miles and every 3,000 miles. When I checked mine the hubs took a little lube and brakes adjusted several clicks after driven about 1,000 to 1,500 miles. So they needed a little maintenance but, could have waited.

Larry1013 · 03-16-2015, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken / Claudia

Hers my point, I really did ask during the PDI, what about brakes and axles. salesman says life time lube and brakes do not need checked,OK. So, check thru the dexter manual and since these trailers have different brakes etc. I am not sure. Phoned the dexter co. with my axle numbers and got the build sheet. On my trailer

And? Did they say anything about greasing them or checking the grease or?

**chuckster57** · 03-16-2015, 05:49 PM

Self adjusting brakes on trailers are not standard. Were they added as an option on your's?

PARAPTOR · 03-16-2015, 06:54 PM

In some states such as PA requires rigs to be inspected each year. Part of the inspection is to pull at least two wheels to check brakes, bearings, tire tread, etc.

Barbell · 03-16-2015, 09:03 PM

Our experience with a '14 Montana is that after the first year and 12,000 miles, wheel bearings needed no grease. After another 13,000 miles the second year, same thing. My only suggestion is to have the bearings checked every year. Eventually we will add grease.

Ken / Claudia · 03-16-2015, 09:27 PM

Chuck, you may be right. My brakes if I read the build sheet correctly are 10x2 1/4 elect brk, std, spdl. They have the adjuster and adjuster spring. But, dexter says self adjusting brakes are not available on all sizes Page 6 and on page 13 brake adjustment it says most 12 1/4 electric brakes are self adjusting, I thought thats what I have but, maybe not. I thought that adjuster spring was like cars and is supposed to self adjust with foreword and reverse stops.

bobbecky · 03-19-2015, 08:53 PM

The brakes on our 2012 Montana are 12" X 2". and are
Nev-R-Adjust®, which are forward self adjusting, unlike autos, which are rear self adjusting. Once the new brakes are installed, I adjust the shoes so they just clear the drum, and within maybe ten miles, they have adjusted themselves. I have never had to manually adjust them after that.

As far as greasing the bearings, don't risk having a bearing or brake failure due to lack of maintenance. Unless you put less than 6,000 miles a year, I would still pull the drums, inspect the brakes, re-pack the bearings, install new seals (NEVER re-use the seals). Even with good maintenance, you can still lose a bearing. We just did that today, traveling south through Laredo, TX. Had a fellow pull up along side of us and told us the brakes smelled bad. When we got stopped, found we had a total failure of the outer bearing, destroyed the brakes, bearings, and drum. I had a new set of bearings and races, and tools to make us roadworthy. Two hours later we were on our way again, but I called Dexter and ordered a new drum/hub assembly, new brake/backing plate assembly, an extra bearing kit to replace my spare kit, and new nut, washer, and bearing retainer. And I had just serviced the bearings in December. Of course, the crappy roads we have traveled over this past week might have had something to do with this failure.

Ken / Claudia · 03-19-2015, 08:58 PM

Bob, I like your thinking, be prepared, have parts with you and know how to fix stuff. Rv brakes and bearings are not difficult to work on or replace.

**chuckster57** · 03-20-2015, 05:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobbecky

The brakes on our 2012 Montana are 12" X 2". and are
Nev-R-Adjust®.

I have looked into changing out my brakes, but I can't justify the cost yet. My original post about them was to say that as a rule self adjusting brakes aren't installed at the factory. There may be a brand or price point that they are, I haven't seen them yet.

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