Help with ez-loader trailer part ID

[IDWITHELD]

EZ loader trailer. What is this black rubber thing called? Mine is torn.




You can see the seal is torn and flinging grease. I was on ez-loaders web page looking for replacements but have no clue what it's called.

Many thinks for your insight into this. Trying to get details squared away for the columbia fall opener.

[fishkisser]

If it was Me ...I would just get a set of Bearing Buddys and be done with it ...

[GSD]

Sending you a PM.

Info on these dust cover plugs:

[SWest Fisherman]

Id;

Part name: GREASE CAP PLUG, FOR EZ LUBE GREASE CAPS. Here is a link to a company that has your parts. http://www.tjtrailers.com/store/repl...uts-studs.html

I don't know if you are aware of this, behind this cap is a grease fitting that lubes both bearings on the axle. The Dexter axle is drilled through the center and cross drilled at the rear bearing race shoulder. The grease fitting allows you to pump fresh grease into the spindle which feeds it into the inside bearing and flush the old grease, water, and other contaminates out of the assembly through the front bearing. This grease cap plug is designed to allow grease to escape past it if the assembly is over packed.

This is the best system for applying fresh grease to both bearings without disassembling the hub.

I have torn the caps several times. I keep a couple of spares handy. I grease my spindles before every trip and I have never had a bearing failure since I went to Dexter axles.

[IDWITHELD]

Huge thanks to GSD and SW Fisherman. I ordered replacement parts ($4.75 a pair). Many thanks for your guidance.

Phill

[fishingls]

If you contact EZ loader customer service regarding the type of axle with the vent, they will tell you to tap out the vent hole and install a plug. They have had lots of problems with the grease getting warm on a hot day and flowing out the vent hole threreby creating bearing failures. I used to have an EX loader trailer with this type of axle and after having a number of bearing failures on hot days, I called EZ loader and was instructed to plug the vent hole. The service person I visited with said it was the design was a bad idea and they were no longer using this axle design.

[SWest Fisherman]

Originally Posted by fishingls

If you contact EZ loader customer service regarding the type of axle with the vent, they will tell you to tap out the vent hole and install a plug. They have had lots of problems with the grease getting warm on a hot day and flowing out the vent hole thereby creating bearing failures. I used to have an EX loader trailer with this type of axle and after having a number of bearing failures on hot days, I called EZ loader and was instructed to plug the vent hole. The service person I visited with said it was the design was a bad idea and they were no longer using this axle design.

Just curious, where is this vent hole that you are talking about in your post?

My EZ Lube spindles made by Dexter does not have any vents. The spindle assemblies on my boat trailer have the normal arrangement of parts with a provision to grease both of the bearings without having to pull the hubs off.

The rubber caps are designed to keep grease in and water-dirt out. If the grease gets hot enough to melt and blow out the rubber cap, something is wrong. Either the bearings are too tight or the grease used is not rated for this application

I have pulled my boat trailer for many hours through some really hot weather. I check the hubs for heat and leakage when ever I stop for food or gas. Never had a problem with these axles.

As far as I know, Dexter is still making this axle for all different size trailers and I have never heard of this issue with them before.

(edit)

One other thought. If a spindle assembly did have some kind of vent like you you mentioned, I can understand why the EZ Loader folks told you to tap and plug it. All automotive and trailer wheel bearing assemblies are sealed. I have never seen one vented in a way to allow lubrication to leak away from the bearings and let them to go dry.

[IDWITHELD]

FYI, the failure in my part looks like it was just old, weak rubber that tore when I removed it to grease the inner zerk.

The other 3 are fine. I have had no issues with any wheels in over 2 years. I tear down the hubs annually for inspection / cleaning / packing.

[SWest Fisherman]

Originally Posted by IDWITHELD

FYI, the failure in my part looks like it was just old, weak rubber that tore when I removed it to grease the inner zerk.

The other 3 are fine. I have had no issues with any wheels in over 2 years. I tear down the hubs annually for inspection / cleaning / packing.

I looked at your pictures and assumed that this might be a new spindle system for you. The studs, nuts, and wheels look like the come straight from the dealers showroom with a side trip to the river for a demo ride.

Your trailer has some miles and years on it. Kudos to you for your maintenance program.

Something you might want to consider. I always replace my open wheel nuts with chromed acorn lug nuts. I grease the threads of both the acorn nuts and the studs with a marine grade grease before putting the nuts on and torquing them down.

This looks really sharp and keeps the stud threads clean and rust free. When the nuts start showing heavy rust, I just replace them if I can't clean them easily.

The acorn nuts are available from a good auto parts house for a reasonable price.

Jim

[namu mac]

These Dexter plugs can be found at most RV parts dealers. That way you don't have to mail order.

[WaterDog]

Six Robblees in Milwuakie probably has those parts as well. They are only open Mon-fri tho'. Just a thought for next time.