Axle bearings, OEM or other?

[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

 

[Grandesigner]

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]

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]

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.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[2ACDogs]

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']

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]

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]

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]

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]

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/B00JMHIYY6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Lucas Grease - Home Depot carries this grease.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000IG5QOQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Timken Bearings; these may not fit your axle.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000IX99RO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Grease hand packer
https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-34550-...ords=grease+hand+packer&qid=1614717865&sr=8-1

 

[dryfly]

The manufacturer of your axles is a good source of info as to specific part numbers.

Definitely buy your Timken bearings in the "sets". Less expensive than buying cup and cone separately. By purchasing this way off amazon, you can get them for just a little more than the Chinese made bearings.

example:
https://www.amazon.com/Timken-SET6-...=1&keywords=timken+set6&qid=1614803904&sr=8-2

 

[zinman]

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

[MENTION=37808]2ACDogs[/MENTION] I'll throw in my 2 cents. I concur with others on the Timken bearing sets, I only use SKF seals though with Redline CV-2 synthetic grease (800 degree drop point) and I use a Lyle bearing packer (easily obtained on Amazon). After a nasty bearing failure back in 1996 I became a little fanatical and also use a machinist dial indicator to set the bearing runout. Subsequently in the last 25 years I've had zero problems on 3 5th wheels and 4 boat trailers. Lastly, I carry a full set of inner and outer bearing sets, seal, grease, jack and requisite tools to replace if ever necessary. Safe travels!!

 

[el Rojo]

I prefer this bearing packer.

https://www.amazon.com/Lumax-LX-131...ds=lyle+bearing+packer&qid=1615900054&sr=8-19

I know it wastes more grease but it is forced in with a grease gun.

 

[geotex1]

You really should not have to go through any hassle or headache procuring quality seals or bearings. Go to any trailer shop and they'll have them in-stock and many will have standard and pro-grade while others only stock pro-grade.

All you should need is a picture of your axle tag and they'll be able to outfit you. There's nothing special about camper axles. What you will find in both Dexter and Lippert axles is a mixture of brands. Sometimes totally different side-to-side. Manufacturers don't buy by brand. We buy by specification and the purchasing agent buys the best deal at the time. Definitely can't go wrong with USA Timken for bearings and races and Chicago Rawhide or National for seals as was mentioned. However, nothing wrong with SKF either. One thing to watch is that a thinner seal will cross-reference but I recommend you go with the widest width that fits the hub as the more width, the greater the resistance to walking which is one reason grease seals fail.