High Temperature Lithium Grease?

[NancyS]

We had a new Dexter axle installed on our 1979 Acorn last year. Before we start camping, my husband wants to add bearing grease via the external fittings, so he called Dexter to find out the specs for the proper grease to use. They told him to use High temperature Lithium grease. The problem is that he cannot find High temperature lithium grease at our local auto supply or tractor supply stores. Is high pressure lithium grease the same as high temperature? Ideas or suggestions? Thanks so much for your help.

[Raz]

This is the stuff I use. I pack my bearings by hand so a 1 pound can is what I buy. As I recall it was one of several brands listed in the Dexter manual. Raz

Valvoline.com > Products > Grease Gear Oil > Grease > Valvoline® Multi-Purpose Grease /GM

[Eddie Longest]

Here is Dexter's specs. and recommendations for grease.
http://dexteraxle.com/i/u/6149609/f/...tion_Chart.pdf

[NancyS]

Thanks for the info . . . now to start thinking about getting the Acorn out of the barn and into a campground!

[Bruce H]

Go on ebay and buy a can of military surplus WTR (wide temperature range) aircraft grease.

[Bob Miller]

Because it's a new axle, I'd stick with one of the recommended greases BUT...

Just adding grease with a hub fitting also runs the danger of overfilling the hub, in which case the rear seal can be breached and, if you have trailer brakes, they can be ruined.
Because it's a NEW axle, I'd pull the hubs and see how much is in there from the factory and add or not add more grease accordingly.

[floyd]

soap and clay are things of the past.
Virtually every grease on the market today is lithium based.
Some with moly additives.
Look at the fine print on the label.
I like Kendall Blue (cartridge or can)Mostly because its pretty and it is easy to see when it has displaced the old stuff.

http://www.sturdybuiltonline.com/Tra...ngs_p_624.html

[steve dunham]

Menards ,Farm & Fleet and O'Reilly Auto are located in Wisconsin , All sell high temp lithium bearing grease --Lucas Red & Tacky or Mystik JT6

[Art VanDelay]

I prefer Lucas Red & Tacky.

[floyd]

Originally Posted by Bob Miller

Because it's a new axle, I'd stick with one of the recommended greases BUT...

Just adding grease with a hub fitting also runs the danger of overfilling the hub, in which case the rear seal can be breached and, if you have trailer brakes, they can be ruined.
Because it's a NEW axle, I'd pull the hubs and see how much is in there from the factory and add or not add more grease accordingly.

E-Z lube axles are designed to be used just as you say not to.
Used properly, an EZ-Lube hub can not be over filled, in fact it is designed to push the old grease out into the chamber where the zerk is located.
You should of course hand pack the wheel bearings on a new axle after about 500 miles or before your first trip. The purpose is to be sure that the bearings are loaded and packed properly.
After that you can use the manufacturer's repack schedule, or hand repack every year, or every season, or even every trip if it provides peace of mind.
Check your hubs regularly for excess heat while in transit.

I think the risk of failure increases with the frequency of disassembly after a point.
I personally hand repack an EZ-Lube axle initially and then only when brake inspection is needed. That has been at about 30,000 mile intervals for me.
Between inspections I use the EZ-Lube as designed... otherwise, there is no point to having EZ-Lube.

[cpaharley2008]

well said Floyd….

[Bob Miller]

Good points Floyd.
But, with a NEW axle, I'd still suggest looking inside before that first trip.

[Fallon]

Molly is a great lubricant & I use molly based grease on my tractor. But you don't want to use molly on very precision & high speed bearings like wheel bearings. Molly will build up and cause problems on tight tolerances. Great on the high pressure slow moving unsealed pins on the loader on NY tractor though.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Fiberglass RV mobile app

[floyd]

Originally Posted by Bob Miller

Good points Floyd.
But, with a NEW axle, I'd still suggest looking inside before that first trip.

I certainly agree, except when you gotta take it home first.
I towed my Scamp home from the factory (600 Miles) so I could do the initial repack in the comfort of my shop.
I did stop on the way to check the temps and even once to adjust the brakes though.
Adjusting the brakes after the first few hundred miles (after break-in) is needed anyway. so that worked out well.
Still you never know what you got 'til you look!
I did wait a hundred thousand miles to inspect/repack the front wheel bearings on my truck though!

[CampyTime]

Hi Floyd,
I read above about adjusting the brakes after first few hundred miles. I know the previous owner did not do that, nor have I. I'm the gal with the 2012 prior accident Scamp 13 in Sanborn. What's involved in brake adjustment?

Wendy

[frank_a]

Originally Posted by Art VanDelay

I prefer Lucas Red & Tacky.

Me too. Also, make sure you don't mix dissimilar greases. Not all greases are compatible. I had one kind in one side & another kind in the other, so I disassembled both, cleaned them thoroughly, re-packed with Lucas Red & Sticky, and now after a 3 hour drive in mid-80's heat, stopped and had 110 degrees both hubs.

Frank

[The Minimalist]

Originally Posted by CampyTime

Hi Floyd,
I read above about adjusting the brakes after first few hundred miles. I know the previous owner did not do that, nor have I. I'm the gal with the 2012 prior accident Scamp 13 in Sanborn. What's involved in brake adjustment?

Wendy

Wendy,

Go here for a quick tutorial on brake adjustment.

RV Trailer Electric Brake Adjustment by Bug Smacker - YouTube

Clif

[CampyTime]

Thanks Clif! I checked out the video and doesn't look too complicated. Even still, for me, better to do with an experienced guy. Confidence issues until I do it once.

Cheers!

Wendy


Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV

[The Minimalist]

Really not complicated, but you would do well to have someone experienced help you the first time.

You never know when the skill will come in handy on the road.