Dexter Axles; inspect them bearings!

[swing69]

I bought a Dexter single torsion axle for a utility trailer that I built. I came fully assembled, so I used it off and on locally for the first year that i have the trailer done. no issues.

This year, I'm heading out on a 1000 mile trip, so I decide to pull the hubs and lube the bearings. What did I find? It wasn't terrible, but wasn't good either.

Left side was pretty sparsely lubricated. no bearing wear. But damn; Chinese bearings!!! I expected better.
Right side was again, sparsely lubricated. no bearing wear. Again; Chinese bearings but worst of all, the outer bearing washer was missing. the nut just was bearing up against the inner race of the bearing.

Bottom line? inspect and lube them bearings. and if you have time; change them REAL bearings.

 

[fishmens67]

Install a bearing buddy, I use them on all my trailers . The boat trailer was the first.

 

[JDMopar]

I had to install a new front axle on my car trailer, because like a dumbass.....I let someone borrow it. It came back with the front axle looking like a horse shoe! I put the brakes off the old axle onto the new one. They work fine, but I can never get the bearings adjusted the way I like them because the retaining nut, washer, and cotter pin stuff is all different. The trailer came with bearing buddies, but I don't trust them enough to just use them for lube. I down the thing at least once a year and repack the bearings.