Tiffany50
Washington
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Can anyone shed some light as to why our wheels bearings keep blowing apart? Can driving in high winds contribute to this problem.
5th Wheel is two years old, following is the damage we've encountered.
Driver's side FRONT OUTER WHEEL BEARINGS BLEW APART (March 07)
Driver's side REAR- SPLIT BEARING CONE OFF BREAK DRUM- SNAPPED HUB
IN HALF (May 08)
Passenger side FRONT BEARINGS BLEW APART AGAIN (June 08)
Replaced bearings on all four last August, thinking this would eliminate the problem. Now we are considering changing all the races on all four. Any advice on this new solution?
Tried to contact Axo Axles regarding this, no response from Chris Fann so far.
Thanks
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Tiffany50
Washington
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Forgot to mention the inner bearings appear good.
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bkick
Bonita Springs Fl
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Think you may have caused part of the problem. I have always changed out the complete bearing and race whenever I had to replace one part, also always make sure to match each used bearing with its used race. The first failure could be from normal wear or improper adjustment. Would be interested in knowing what you find.
Bkick
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carl66vw
Orlando, Florida, USA
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Joined: 04/02/2004
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Could be caused by overloading, lack of proper maintenance, when repacking, the wrong torque on the bearing and replacing the bearing without replacing the race. Rule of thumb, never replace the bearing without replacing the race. Reason, every bearing wears different. Although the race looks good to the eye, it will begin to wear the new bearing just like it did the old. Another rule of thumb. When installing new bearings and races, tighten down on the nut, spin the wheel, tighten it again, spin the wheel then back it off so the castilated capture nut will allow the carter key to slide in easily. The proper way to install bearings can be seen here. www.dexter.com. Browse their service literature. Carl
* This post was
edited 07/07/08 10:48am by carl66vw *
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carl66vw
Orlando, Florida, USA
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Tiffany50 wrote:Forgot to mention the inner bearings appear good.
The inner bearing might look good, but another rule is, always change out all bearings and races on a wheel. The outter bearing always takes most of the load due to turning. When you turn,the unit shifts weight and most of that weight goes to the outter bearing. Carl
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Mark Heisler
Viking,Alberta Canada
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the bearing that come from the factory are cheep Japan/china junk.replace then with a timkens alway replace bearings with a new race and seal and us wheel bearing grease to pack the bearing don't cheap out on the grease or bearings.all it does cause you grief
* This post was
edited 07/07/08 04:27pm by Mark Heisler *
2003 dodge 2wheel drive diesel 375hp 750torque
2007 citation fifth wheel model 29bhs
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Tiffany50
Washington
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When first bearing failure happened the bearing was replaced.
At that time the other bearings were checked and were found to be very loose. Repack of grease was in order and bearings reset.
In hindsite with the bearings being so loose from the factory, that was the problem. That first trip down south must've knocked the roundness out of whack!
Carl, now the trailer is going to get 4 new, bearing kits/races/seals.
Guess I was blindsighted thinking a 5th wheel comes new from the factory in tiptop shape
Thanks for help, will keep yous posted on how we do.
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Tiffany50
Washington
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Thanks for the Timkin reminder Mark. Would you have a source for that product. We are in the Calgary area at present for the Stampede.
I had used Lucas wheel bearing grease. We don't run with the wheel covers so we able to check the hub every stop for gas
Great help. Thanks
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smkettner
Southern California
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Two years old? Who did the first year repack? Were the bearings discolored from heat? Was any of the bearing surface flaking off? New bearing deserves a new race.
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Tiffany50
Washington
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First blowout of bearings was at three months after purchasing the 5'vr.
First time there were no bearings at all to be found.
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