Format changes are still occurring as we identify issues. We have made some font changes to improve readability and are working on restoring options that were available in the old forum version. Please comment on your findings and suggestions.

Thanks

qhumberd
Moderator

Tab 400 wheel bearing inspection

mccar1748
mccar1748 Member Posts: 6
in Service/Maintenance & Recall Notices
On a Tab 400 '21 the manual has an annual inspection of wheel bearing is there also a milege check?
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+

Comments

  • Sharon_is_SAM
    Sharon_is_SAM Member Posts: 10,061
    It is recommended to repack the wheel bearings at 12,000 miles or annually if less miles are accumulated.
    Sharon / 2017 T@B CSS / 2015 Toyota Sienna Minivan / Westlake, Ohio
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • mccar1748
    mccar1748 Member Posts: 6
    thanks great info
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • manyman297
    manyman297 Member Posts: 1,433
    Maybe not the best advice but I’m on a 2-year repack schedule. We put maybe 3k max per year (this year was only 900). The grease usually looks fine after two years. We live in a desert climate too so not worried too much about moisture. Definitely don’t want to go more than two years without inspection though. It’s good to grease the drum components as well. 
    2021 400 BD
    2020 Tacoma TRD Off-Road 
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • Cracker
    Cracker Member Posts: 30
    If you have the Buddy Bearings - as on my 2021 T@B 400 Boondock - you should never have to repack the bearings - but simply add grease as needed. Were the Buddy Bearings an option?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • Sharon_is_SAM
    Sharon_is_SAM Member Posts: 10,061
    The EZ-lube comes with the Dexter axle.  Not an option.  
    Sharon / 2017 T@B CSS / 2015 Toyota Sienna Minivan / Westlake, Ohio
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • Bill&Suze
    Bill&Suze Member Posts: 174
    Cracker said:
    If you have the Buddy Bearings - as on my 2021 T@B 400 Boondock - you should never have to repack the bearings - but simply add grease as needed. Were the Buddy Bearings an option?
    @Cracker, How would I recognize Buddy Bearings if they are installed on our '24 400? Is there a standard grease nipple behind the hub cover?
    Susan & Bill, Yarmouth, Maine
    2024 T@B 400 Boondock Black Canyon
    2024 Kia EV9
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • mccar1748
    mccar1748 Member Posts: 6
    thanks for all the info
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • Cracker
    Cracker Member Posts: 30
    With due respect to the preceding comments, what is the purpose of the grease zerks on our hubs if not to extend the time between re-packing the bearings?  At 85, I've certainly repacked my share of brakes over the years,  on multiple boat and camper trailers.  I no longer do my mechanical work so I was pleased to note the grease zerks. 
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • Sharon_is_SAM
    Sharon_is_SAM Member Posts: 10,061
    Good question.  I have been told by a trusted trailer service tech that it is not unheard of to find metal shaving debris on an axle that owners used the E-Z lube system.  That told me to keep up the traditional wheel bearing lube/inspection.  We have been known to use the E-Z lube before a major trip or after sitting all winter.  

    This is taken directly from Dexter:

    “Note: The convenient lubrication provisions of the E‑Z Lube® and the oil lubrication must not replace periodic inspection of the bearings.”
    Sharon / 2017 T@B CSS / 2015 Toyota Sienna Minivan / Westlake, Ohio
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • manyman297
    manyman297 Member Posts: 1,433
    edited October 2024
    I feel like EZ lube is more marketing than anything. It’s like how car makers tout “lifetime fluids” for your transmission. Just a way to entice consumers thinking about less maintenance.
    2021 400 BD
    2020 Tacoma TRD Off-Road 
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • CatDaddy
    CatDaddy Member Posts: 131
    I just purchased a 2022 320S Boondock. It has never had the bearings serviced. I don't really have a great place to work on the trailer and the rainy season is upon us here in the Pacific NW USA. For those reasons, I'm going to have somebody else do the work. I've had two quotes. The NuCamp dealer quoted $250. An independent shop quoted $200. Is that the going rate?
    Adventure Cats living in the Pacific NW USA
    2022 NuCamp T@B 320S Boondock
    2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S Plus AWD
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • tabiphile
    tabiphile Member Posts: 470
    Any trailer shop can do the work and will probably do it for less than a dealer might. Either way, it seems like a fairly reasonable price.
    If you are not certain, consider that this is about an hour of work. Ask them what their shop rate is. There are a few parts involved, the seals....are about 3 or $4.00 each. A tube of good grease is under $10.00. A can of Brake Clean and some shop towels might cost another $5.00. Specialty shops try to take in 2x on jobs so the $200 quote seems more reasonable. Whatever you decide, if you took into consideration any tools you might need to buy (torque wrench, brake tool, jack, jack stands etc.) it's probably a bargain at either price.
    I have the tools and like to make sure that the work is done to my satisfaction so I tend to do these things myself.... But, I always ask myself, is it in my wheelhouse, do I have the tools and skills, is it safe, is it better to have someone who does this for a living do the job for me, do I have time? Will the pro be as critical as I am? 
    The important thing is to get it done. In your case, its overdue as is checking and adjusting the brakes. 
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • CatDaddy
    CatDaddy Member Posts: 131
    tabiphile said:
    I have the tools and like to make sure that the work is done to my satisfaction so I tend to do these things myself.... But, I always ask myself, is it in my wheelhouse, do I have the tools and skills, is it safe, is it better to have someone who does this for a living do the job for me, do I have time? Will the pro be as critical as I am? 
    The important thing is to get it done. In your case, its overdue as is checking and adjusting the brakes. 
    Thanks for the information. I have the tools, the time and the inclination to do this myself, but I don't have a place to work on a trailer, other than at the curb and I don't relish that. I will pay to have it done this time and figure something better out for the next time.

    Adventure Cats living in the Pacific NW USA
    2022 NuCamp T@B 320S Boondock
    2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S Plus AWD
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • Cracker
    Cracker Member Posts: 30
    Sharon_is_SAM said:
    Good question.  I have been told by a trusted trailer service tech that it is not unheard of to find metal shaving debris on an axle that owners used the E-Z lube system.  That told me to keep up the traditional wheel bearing lube/inspection.  We have been known to use the E-Z lube before a major trip or after sitting all winter.  

    This is taken directly from Dexter:

    “Note: The convenient lubrication provisions of the E‑Z Lube® and the oil lubrication must not replace periodic inspection of the bearings.”

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • Cracker
    Cracker Member Posts: 30
    Which inspires another comment.  I've never been a full-timer, however, I've none numerous long trips with my 30' Airstream, as well as a three-month tour of the U.S. with a Starmaster pop-up.  I religiously repacked the bearings on both of these trailers annually, as well as on others - including several boat trailers.  I've never discovered a "dry" or damaged bearing.  So, with the addition of the  "buddy-bearing" hardware, what does "periodic inspection" really mean, aside from constituting a CYA for the trailer manufacturer???
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • Mickerly
    Mickerly Member Posts: 485
    Dust will build up in the brake and cause the brakes to stick and/or partially engage. Periodic cleaning and adjustment is prudent. Based on the Dexter brake drum design, you have to disassemble the hub to inspect the brake. You may as well clean, inspect, and pack the bearings while disassembled. Other than being maintenance required by the manufacturer, it is for your benefit.

    By the way, "Bearing-buddies" are for boat trailer bearings. They keep slight pressure on the grease to help prevent water getting in the hub. The Dexter "EZ-Lub" system allows greasing while the bearing is assembled. The two systems are very different.

    For the record, I don't use either one. I hand pack the bearings with old fashioned wheel bearing grease.
    2018 320CS-S
    "Just Enough"
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • qhumberd
    qhumberd Administrator, Moderator Posts: 776
    As another view of this, I noted the RV Travel newslettter today highlighted this video on the whole wheel bearing and EZ lube and inspection process.

    I found it very informative.

    https://www.rvtravel.com/video-rv-wheel-bearings-2506/
    2019  T@B400 Boondock Lite "Todd"
    2016 Toyota Tundra 5.7 Crew Cab
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • tabiphile
    tabiphile Member Posts: 470
    That video should be viewed by anyone who drank the dexter lube Kool-Aid. He lays it right out. 
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • Gomers2
    Gomers2 Member Posts: 117
    Yep, excellent info. Lube does not replace inspection. That said I like the easy lube system for occasional top off and flush, so long as you know it's limitations.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • Jake_Elwood_and_us
    Jake_Elwood_and_us Member Posts: 65
    edited November 2024
    Gomers2 said:
    Yep, excellent info. Lube does not replace inspection. That said I like the easy lube system for occasional top off and flush, so long as you know it's limitations.
    Gomers2, How many pumps of a grease gun do you do to do the occasional top off and flush?



    2021 T@B400 BD  2000 4x4 Tundra 2021 Ford 150 STX 2.7 ecoboost, Calif. coastal-sand & redwoods
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • Gomers2
    Gomers2 Member Posts: 117
    I'm no expert on these but I did watch the manufacturer video fwiw. Others can chime in please. Remove the rubber cap. Pump away until the old grease comes out the front toward you. Wipe it away and replace the cover. You can look at that old grease for signs of moisture, metal, discoloration etc, but that's not the same as removing the bearing obviously. While it's off the ground wiggle the wheel to check excessive play, pull the bearing if found.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • pthomas745
    pthomas745 Administrator, Moderator Posts: 4,526
    edited November 2024
    There is a ton of discussion about the proper way to use the EZ-Lube setups, what to look for, what the pitfalls are, etc. This thread has a discussion, with plenty of other links that have much more.  There is a "right way" to use the Ez-Lube setups.
    Tabiphile appears in many of these threads with good advice.  There was a thread about a year ago about an owner who had issues with the re-install of the bearing and hub and the proper "torque" setting (I think) for the re assembly and saved one owner some problems.  I admit my skill level is still at the EZ-Lube method, and I do expect to replace the bearings next spring.
    Here is a very involved thread about bearing maintenance, parts, lubes, etc.
    2017 Outback
    Towed by 2014 Touareg TDi
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • qhumberd
    qhumberd Administrator, Moderator Posts: 776
    Just an update on bearing inspection. Our 2019 400 has low annual mileage so we did an initial inspection and repack in the fall of 2021, with no issues. Then in 2022 we did an EZ Lube greasing and readjusted the brakes. I was worried due to the rear seal problems I had read about but I had used the Dexter reccgasket sealant on the rear seal.

    Now this year I did a complete inspection and repack and brake adjustment. Probably only about 1,500 miles of travel and stored about a year indoors. Found new looking grease and an intact rear seal on both hubs. Bearings and cups still look brand new so repacked and re assembled. Sanded and little rust in the drums and readjusted the brakes and good to go.

    NOTE: The rear seal is NOT easy to get out as the videos show. I presume this is the gasket sealant causing this but I toiled about 20 minutes and used several tools to get it loose. In the end it was trashed so I used a new rear seal.

    So I think for a low mileage situation a yearly EZ lube seems OK with a bi yearly tear down/ inspection.
    2019  T@B400 Boondock Lite "Todd"
    2016 Toyota Tundra 5.7 Crew Cab
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • tabiphile
    tabiphile Member Posts: 470
    qhumberd said:
    I was worried due to the rear seal problems I had read about but I had used the Dexter reccgasket sealant on the rear seal.
    NOTE: The rear seal is NOT easy to get out as the videos show. I presume this is the gasket sealant causing this but I toiled about 20 minutes and used several tools to get it loose. In the end it was trashed so I used a new rear seal.

    Generally, there is no need for sealant when the seals are installed. I clean the surfaces and install them. Your choice obviously, but as a press fit, they should be fine without. If you did use a sealant, be sure that you thoroughly clean the seats when you replace the seals. 

    WRT attempting to reuse the seals, no. Do not do that. Simply yank the old ones out and toss them. New ones are very cheap. I would not want to chance putting a slightly dinged up used seal in.... 
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • Cherokee
    Cherokee Member Posts: 346
    To EZ lube correctly, one needs to pump grease till one can only see clean grease - this is very messy and will take tubes of lube. Hand packing the bearings will take lass grease and one can inspect the brakes and beating races for ware.
    TV:2019 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X With an Old Man Emu lift
    Trailer: 2019 T@B 320 Boondock with a Lock&Roll Coupler & Jack-e-up
    Custom fabricated metal bottom cladding
    California, USA
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • Mickerly
    Mickerly Member Posts: 485
    I agree with Cherokee completely.
    2018 320CS-S
    "Just Enough"
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • manyman297
    manyman297 Member Posts: 1,433
    Just watched this video yesterday and he lays out some pretty compelling evidence against using the EZ Lube system. He’s not entirely against it but said the rear seal issue is very real and that you never truly rid the hub and bearings of old grease. In fact I may start completely soaking my bearings in brake cleaner and repack vs. just trying to push out the old grease:

    https://youtu.be/OyZvNJJNyXE?si=VfrC7mkxNiwtHW8O
    2021 400 BD
    2020 Tacoma TRD Off-Road 
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+

Categories