DIY: Replacing Axle Seals and Brakes.

[chris-TMO]

This thread will be for the continued discussion of Axle Seal and Brake replacement. This is a technical discussion, and not to discuss the manufacturers please
Thanks
Ct..

 

[Val and Denis]

Hi All,
New Momentum 350 owner. I have jumped in the deep end as I am a totally new Rv'er. I have been following this thread after I noticed that my trailer brakes were not working that well. I had them up to 9 with little braking results. I will go and remove a trailer wheel to either adjust the brakes and hopefully not find any grease. If I find grease, Chris you cautioned not to remove the drum? I do have my unit heading to the shop on Saturday so my dealer should be able to guide me I hope. I feel this thread has been great for a newby like me, getting all these years of experience guiding me down this exciting road! I would not of known to get the brakes adjusted after 3000 miles, if it were not for this thread. I may change to forward adjusting brakes as a 3000 mile interval seems a little silly.
Thanks again all!
Denis

2014 Ram 3500 Crewcab DRW 4x4
6.7 L Cummings 4.10 Aisin
2015 Grand Design Momentum 350

 

[smkunder]

Great idea, so is there a posting somewhere that tells how to do the brake adjustment, I too am new to this concept of having to adjust the brakes. In my past three trailers I have not had to do this. Is there something different here?

 

[RamGunner]

How to adjust Lippert Brakes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ih1pLKHELIs

 

[smkunder]

Thanks RamGunner, I just watched it. Is that tool something available at a auto parts store? Also is this something new to the RV industry? as I said I have never had to do this before on other RV's

 

[RamGunner]

You can get a tool to do that at any auto parts place, Harbor Freight, etc. You can also use a screwdriver.

A lot of people just don't know they should adjust them. They just turn up the gain on their brake controller.

Some makes use forward adjusting brakes, which automatically adjust themselves when you stop. They are available as an aftermarket option.

 

[steve gravelle]

Great thread Chris! We may increase the sales of hydraulic jacks, jack stands, brake adjuster tools, grease guns, cotter pins, bearing packing tools, Brakleen and paper shop towels. Fortunately we carry all of these with us. I love the idea of a hands-on clinic at the second annual rally to assist those not familiar or comfortable, but willing to learn. I wish we could make the event, but we are camp hosting and working at Pagosa Springs RV Park. Barring the unforeseen, I hope Dave is reading along!

 

[RamGunner]

Since this is being setup as a sticky, let me add these here too...

Write-up on how-to repack bearings (good if you've never done it before)
http://www.trailerlife.com/rv-trailer-news/bearing-down-repacking-wheel-bearings/

A list of Lippert Axle/Hub Components
http://lci1.com/support-spring-axles

Here is a replacement part number with some cross-references.
http://www.etrailer.com/Seals-for-Trailer-Bearings/TruRyde/RG06-070.html

TruRyde Seals for Trailer Bearings - RG06-070
Trailer Hub Grease Seals
Two 10-36 Seals per Package
Double Lip Seal

I.D.= 2.250
O.D. = 3.376
Use With: E-Z Lube End Units

Seal Cross-Reference
Dexter # 010-036-00

Transcom #22333TBN

National #452920/482920

NOK #AD3135E1/AD3135EO

 

[steve gravelle]

All needed items are readily available at both professionally-oriented and mass merchandiser type parts stores. For what they don't have in stock, they can get overnight from their warehouse. I bought a very inexpensive but efficient bearing packer at Pep Boys for about $10.00. Any questions or suggestions let me know!

 

[notnsuv]

Correct National/ Federal Mogul P/N for seals is 442109. Car Quest manager glanced at the Lippert sheet Chuck sent out (while the counter guy had already spent 15min on the computer with the Lippert number trying to cross reference) and rattled off the number from memory. We confirmed ID & OD with a micrometer. The previously posted P/N 412920 mic'd a bit tight ID & OD. Might work but tight just the same. I have 4 in hand at $10 per whereas the 412920 are $27 per and an "oil seal" more than grease seal.

18 years experience is how the manager explained. There's no substitute.

Hope this helps the cause.

 

[notnsuv]

Wow and hmmm? No one had posted other pn when I left on the quest. Either there are choices in seals or... Dunno

 

[notnsuv]

F/M Seal

Seal p/n 442109

 

[notnsuv]

Is the National #452920/482920 double lip?
Mine in the pic is single. Back to CQ!

 

[steve gravelle]

I also believe the second annual rally would be an awesome opportunity for a supplier to bring lots of forward adjusting brakes to fit our various models, and for (another?) vendor to have kits available for bearing packing and brake adjusting! Of course this would be in conjunction with our owner's clinic.

 

[notnsuv]

Fm 412920

Another picture.

 

[RamGunner]

Is the National #452920/482920 double lip?
Mine in the pic is single. Back to CQ!

All of the references I found say double.

 

[TucsonJim]

Chris I am in disagreement with you about not removing the drum if you don't plan to change the seal. If the seals are not leaking, there is no problem removing and reinstalling the drum as long as you do not remove the seal from the drum. Of course if you remove the seal from the drum, you should replace it with a new one.

Sent from my D6708 using Tapatalk

 

[scott42blue]

I am the person who started the original post about axle seals and found the fix. It got shut down by administrator after 133 posts. Why I could guess ????
My advice, buy the best equipment you can afford and make it hurt. Do not cut corners.
Correct part number is national or car quest 412920. It probably does work in oil bath systems because of the way it is made.
Scott

 

[gr8daggett]

I also believe the second annual rally would be an awesome opportunity for a supplier to bring lots of forward adjusting brakes to fit our various models, and for (another?) vendor to have kits available for bearing packing and brake adjusting! Of course this would be in conjunction with our owner's clinic.

I would be up for this also... If I can't get my dealer to use my parts.

 

[notnsuv]

Scott,

Somewhere in the 133 I missed that you had installed the 412920 and it worked. I thought you only suggested they'd work so I spent the day reinventing the wheel as it were. I feel better that thise are the ones I chose to have on hand..even if they cost 3x.

Thanks!