Lippert Wet Bolts

[mcomeaux]

Performing bearing service on 2019 Keystone Alpine.
Found a couple of zerks on wet bolts refusing grease and unusual wear on spring and mount. Is there a bushing that goes through the spring then the bolt goes through? Is there a exploded parts view located somewhere?

[chuckster57]

As a rule factory installs “dry” bolts and plastic bushings. Wet bolts usually have a brass/bronze bushing. I’m not aware of any exploded views.

[mcomeaux]

Thanks Chuck I found six states in Salem ore with parts. Thank you for the clarification

[KimNTerry]

and if the wet bolts aren't installed correctly, they may prevent grease from coming out.

On the shaft of each wet bolt is a small hole where the grease comes through. If the hole is pointing down then there is often too much pressure from the weight of the trailer to allow the grease to come out. The only way to check is to remove the bolt. The zerk fitting could also be plugged with dirt if the trailer was not greased properly in the past. Always take a few seconds to wipe off the zerk before pumping the grease.

[mcomeaux]

Turns out from the factory it came with plastic bushings with the wet bolts. Supplier in Salem of course didn't have the bronze so I ordered from Etrailer should have in a few days. The unusual wear I mentioned was the plastic bushing worn so severely it was wearing into the spring mount on frame. I purchased this unit used from a dealer in Havasu they assured me they inspected brakes and serviced bearings before I headed to Oregon. Of course I took that with a grain of salt. These bearings never touched and not much grease in them neither. I've always treated my units like my aircraft thorough going through like a annual. Your always going to flag something in your path. I've seen some posts here wondering how often to service bearings I recommend every year regardless of miles....