Axle bearings, OEM or other?

**2ACDogs** · 03-02-2021, 07:53 AM

Getting ready to repack the axle bearings on this 2017 and thought it would be a good idea to have a spare set as we're planning some long distance trips. Do I buy Lippert bearings and seals or is there a better choice? Is there a preferred vendor? Funny, I serviced the bearings on 6 previous trailers and never replaced a bearing or seal. Time to be prepared and do a better job. thanks

**Grandesigner** · 03-02-2021, 08:10 AM

Don't know about bearings but I replaced the seals on my previous keystone as the stock ones were rather flimsy compared to ones I found at the local parts store...

**Second Chance** · 03-02-2021, 08:21 AM

Bearings: Timken if you can get them. Seals: Chicago Rawhide or National are very good. Can probably be had at any automotive parts store or on-line. Call GD Customer Service with your VIN to get part numbers (not the GD part numbers - they don't translate to the aftermarket world).

Rob

**FT4NOW** · 03-02-2021, 08:34 AM

With properly packed bearings, the Lippert seals are fine. I used them on my Momentum and never had any grease leak past the seal with the exception of when they came from the factory already leaking,but that was a different issue altogether.

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**2ACDogs** · 03-02-2021, 08:53 AM

Originally Posted by Second Chance

Bearings: Timken if you can get them. Seals: Chicago Rawhide or National are very good. Can probably be had at any automotive parts store or on-line. Call GD Customer Service with your VIN to get part numbers (not the GD part numbers - they don't translate to the aftermarket world).

Rob

Forgive me for not understanding, GD CS will give me Timken or National part numbers for a Lippert 3500# axle if I tell them the VIN?

**Gold Country Livin'** · 03-02-2021, 08:57 AM

Originally Posted by 2ACDogs

Getting ready to repack the axle bearings on this 2017 and thought it would be a good idea to have a spare set as we're planning some long distance trips. Do I buy Lippert bearings and seals or is there a better choice? Is there a preferred vendor? Funny, I serviced the bearings on 6 previous trailers and never replaced a bearing or seal. Time to be prepared and do a better job. thanks

I am now buying my seals 6-12 months in advance and carry a spare in the trailer. A couple of years ago, the seal price skyrocketed. I was shopping at my local Napa auto and floored by a SKF seal for $31.00 (for one). That's a standard seal for my trailer part #22532 . I have had good luck buying on line but wish I could just go the the auto parts. Even with shipping, the last order that I placed a few months ago was about $30 for 4 seals via Ebay. New in box and perfect. Look around if you have time and order some extras!

**Second Chance** · 03-02-2021, 09:15 AM

Originally Posted by 2ACDogs

Forgive me for not understanding, GD CS will give me Timken or National part numbers for a Lippert 3500# axle if I tell them the VIN?

The bearing part numbers are universal. They can give you a part number for one brand of seal that parts houses can cross-reference to whatever brands they carry.

Rob

**2ACDogs** · 03-02-2021, 09:24 AM

Right from Lippert a 10 pack of seals is $30 and a bearing kit is $20. If they're available I guess.

Got it Rob, thanks.

**cwalters2112** · 03-02-2021, 12:54 PM

I bought Timken bearings and seals from CARID. They were the cheapest prices that I could find at the time when I bought them. It's worth a look.

**Buckskin** · 03-02-2021, 01:49 PM

Use Timken bearings made in USA. Retired from manufacturing as quality engineer and I will tell you these bearings are good compared to some of other bearings out there. I like seals at link below, they are double lip and have wear retaining spring - always grease lips of new seals and put some grease in seal grooves. You should always replace seals. Get yourself bearing hand grease packer; make pushing old grease out of bearings and replacing with new grease easy. Blue shop towels work great for removing old grease.

Lippert seals; these may not fit your axle.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Lucas Grease - Home Depot carries this grease.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Timken Bearings; these may not fit your axle.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Grease hand packer
https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-34550-H...4717865&sr=8-1