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Old 04-19-2023, 04:18 PM   #1
AZ Traveler
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Pack Wheel Bearings

Decided to tackle the annual job of packing my wheel bearings and inspecting my brakes this morning. When I was in the shop buying seals a couple of days ago I considered having them do it but decided as a retired guy I have plenty of time to tackle it.

I have noted the tires and wheels seem to get a little heavier each year but I am still able to handle them.

One of the brake springs had come loose but it must have just happened as there was no damage. The brake inspection is the most important part of the job. I also checked torque on all the suspension bolts and did not find any loose.

All completed in 3.5 hours.
 
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Old 04-19-2023, 07:57 PM   #2
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I don't even try to wrestle them anymore. I've been using one of these for years, lifts the tire/wheel without much effort.
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Old 04-19-2023, 08:01 PM   #3
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I had to learn years ago as a scrawny young messing with semi tires. I use a long tire iron and use it to lever the wheel back up and over the studs. Sure saves the back now days....
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Old 04-19-2023, 08:03 PM   #4
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3.5 hours is pretty quick, not bad.
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Old 04-19-2023, 08:15 PM   #5
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In a past life, I made my living spinning wrenches.
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Old 04-20-2023, 04:18 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rohrmann View Post
I don't even try to wrestle them anymore. I've been using one of these for years, lifts the tire/wheel without much effort.
Bob - what do you call that thing for an Amazon search?
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Old 04-20-2023, 05:53 AM   #7
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Bob - what do you call that thing for an Amazon search?
I searched for tire jack and found this. A bit pricey.
I lay a block of wood on the ground then use the tire iron to pry it up and wiggle until it lines up with the lugs.
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Old 04-20-2023, 07:54 AM   #8
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DIY with the hub bearings and brakes is the only way to know the task is done right and the condition of your races, bearings, brake shoes.. At age 69+ I still am able to DIY.. the 14 ply tires are a bit awkward but when I am ready to install I just sit flat on my butt and angle the tire inward and lift up to install on the top lug bolt..

Another often overlooked item when the hub is removed is the spring clip that holds the magnet wire out of the way to prevent damage..

I also use my 6 point hyd level up system to raise 1 side up at a time and do the bearings and grease the suspension..

Starting my 10th season on the original brakes, bearings and races.. All Dexter OEM... about 40K miles now on the fifth wheel

** Spec on brake shoe wear is (1/16th) of shoe lining is time to replace.. As you can see after 9 years I am now where near that on my fifth wheel

First image is what my inner and outer bearings (Dexter OEM) look like after all these years..

Second image is the condition of the brake assy.. Yellow arrows point to where one will often find a bit of "fretting" on the spindle and I use crocus cloth to dress up these areas on the spindle..

Just above the two yellow arrows you will see a small spring clip.. Make sure this is in place or you will find your magnet wires all mangled up sooner or later..

** have seen this clip missing on a lot of the later year RVs (2020-2022) .. Thats an assembly error on Dexter's part..
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Old 04-20-2023, 09:44 AM   #9
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ChuckS,
The brake wire clip was missing on mine.

https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...ighlight=Brake
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Old 04-20-2023, 10:50 AM   #10
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Originally Posted by Mikendebbie View Post
Bob - what do you call that thing for an Amazon search?
It’s a STANLEY SUPER WONDER BAR. I think it’s 15 1/2” long.
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Old 04-20-2023, 12:20 PM   #11
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A few months ago - one of the front tires on my Chevy picked up an nail and went flat - conveniently it was in the carport. I put the spare on and took it to Discount Tire since the tire was only 3 weeks old. That was the first tire I had handled in maybe 10 or 15 years (knock on wood). I either did not realize how heavy these big tires are - or maybe my arms are not the same at 68 as they were at 38. The crow bar helper is now in my RV tool box.
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Old 04-24-2023, 10:47 PM   #12
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Just curious, I weighed one of my truck wheels. No wonder my arms hurt.
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Old 04-26-2023, 01:10 PM   #13
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Greasing Wheel Bearing

OK..so here is my question. Why do you grease the bearings once a year or whatever...when the same wheel bearings on your tow vehicle never receive this attention - and go for who knows how many miles? Just asking...
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Old 04-26-2023, 01:11 PM   #14
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Exactly how does that contraption work?
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Old 04-26-2023, 01:46 PM   #15
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An opinion only...
First of all, nothing wrong with checking the bearings on your tow vehicle often.
I believe the tow vehicle suspensions are built to a much higher standard and are above the minimum requirements based on capacity.
RV suspension on the other hand, are built to the very minimum requirements based on weight capacity. And, many of us overload our cargo at times therefore exceeding what the suspension was designed to carry.
Add that a lot of RVs sit unused for months at a time.
Often we have heard "the other day I checked my bearings and found X or Y was bad, broken, or whatever."
Checking and inspecting you suspension just prevents potential problems.
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Old 04-26-2023, 01:56 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 50sboy View Post
OK..so here is my question. Why do you grease the bearings once a year or whatever...when the same wheel bearings on your tow vehicle never receive this attention - and go for who knows how many miles? Just asking...
Bud,

Unless your tow vehicle is from the 60s or 70s it has sealed bearings that never need to be serviced. You drive them to failure.

Your RV does not have sealed bearings. If you have disk brakes, with fewer issues than drum brakes, you can likely go 2-3 years between packing bearings. The biggest driver for annual service is inspecting the brakes.
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Old 04-26-2023, 03:15 PM   #17
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I use this when doing wheel and axle work on the Montana or any other vehicle. No lifting no problem.

https://www.harborfreight.com/automo...lly-64601.html
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Old 04-26-2023, 07:01 PM   #18
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Originally Posted by 50sboy View Post
OK..so here is my question. Why do you grease the bearings once a year or whatever...when the same wheel bearings on your tow vehicle never receive this attention - and go for who knows how many miles? Just asking...
Same here. Used to drive our car & trucks till a brake job was needed & then do bearings.
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