Dexter E-Z Lube Axle Manual⁚ A Comprehensive Guide
This comprehensive guide will delve into the Dexter E-Z Lube axle system, providing valuable information about its features, benefits, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting tips. Whether you’re a seasoned RV owner or a first-time trailer enthusiast, this manual will equip you with the knowledge to keep your axles running smoothly and safely.
Introduction
The Dexter E-Z Lube axle system is a popular and reliable choice for trailer and RV owners, renowned for its ease of maintenance and extended lifespan. This manual serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding, using, and maintaining Dexter E-Z Lube axles. It is designed to empower owners with the knowledge and tools to ensure their axles function optimally, providing a safe and enjoyable towing experience. This manual provides a step-by-step approach to various aspects of E-Z Lube axle care, including lubrication procedures, inspection guidelines, troubleshooting common issues, and accessing valuable resources from Dexter. By following these guidelines, owners can maximize the performance and longevity of their E-Z Lube axles, ensuring a worry-free towing experience for many years to come.
Dexter E-Z Lube Axle System Overview
The Dexter E-Z Lube axle system is a revolutionary design that simplifies trailer axle lubrication. Unlike traditional axles that require hub removal for repacking, the E-Z Lube system allows for convenient grease application through a dedicated grease fitting located at the end of the spindle. This innovative design eliminates the need for extensive disassembly, saving time and effort for owners. The E-Z Lube system features a sealed bearing cavity, which helps to prevent contamination and moisture ingress, further enhancing axle longevity. The grease fitting allows for easy access to the bearing cavity, making regular lubrication a straightforward process. This system utilizes a grease cap with a rubber plug that allows for the introduction of new grease while simultaneously pushing out old, displaced grease. This continuous lubrication process helps to maintain optimal bearing performance, extending their lifespan and minimizing wear and tear.
Benefits of E-Z Lube Axles
Dexter E-Z Lube axles offer numerous advantages over traditional axle designs, making them a popular choice for trailer owners. The most significant benefit is their ease of lubrication. Unlike traditional axles that require hub removal for bearing repacking, the E-Z Lube system enables quick and convenient lubrication through a dedicated grease fitting. This feature significantly reduces maintenance time and effort, saving owners from the hassle of complex disassembly procedures. Additionally, the E-Z Lube system promotes extended axle lifespan by minimizing wear and tear. The sealed bearing cavity effectively prevents contamination and moisture ingress, ensuring that the bearings are consistently lubricated and protected. The system also offers a high level of durability and reliability. Dexter axles are renowned for their robust construction and high-quality components, providing peace of mind for trailer owners. Finally, the E-Z Lube system is designed for optimal safety. Regular lubrication helps to maintain smooth and efficient axle operation, reducing the risk of bearing failure and potential accidents.
Maintenance Schedule and Recommendations
Maintaining your Dexter E-Z Lube axles is crucial for ensuring their longevity and safe operation. Dexter recommends a regular maintenance schedule that includes both annual lubrication and periodic inspections.
For optimal performance, annual lubrication is essential. This involves applying fresh grease to the bearings using the E-Z Lube system.
In addition to annual lubrication, regular inspections are vital. Check for any signs of damage, wear, or leaks. This includes inspecting the seals, bearings, and other components.
Dexter also suggests replacing the seals whenever the hub is removed. This helps to prevent contamination and maintain the integrity of the bearing cavity.
Following these maintenance recommendations will help to extend the life of your Dexter E-Z Lube axles, ensuring a smooth and safe towing experience.
Annual Lubrication
Annual lubrication is a crucial aspect of maintaining your Dexter E-Z Lube axles. This process involves applying fresh grease to the bearings, ensuring proper lubrication and reducing wear and tear. Dexter recommends performing this lubrication every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.
To lubricate your E-Z Lube axles, you’ll need to remove the rubber plug from the grease cap. Then, attach a standard manual grease gun to the grease fitting located at the end of the spindle. It’s important to avoid using pneumatic powered grease guns, as they can inject grease too quickly, potentially forcing grease past the seal or dislodging it.
While rotating the hub slowly, pump the grease gun until clean grease starts to come out of the cap. This indicates that the old grease has been displaced and the bearings are fully lubricated. Once complete, remove the grease gun, wipe off any excess grease, and replace the rubber plug.
Inspection and Replacement of Seals
Regular inspection and replacement of seals are essential for maintaining the integrity of your Dexter E-Z Lube axles. Seals prevent contaminants such as water, dirt, and debris from entering the bearing cavity, ensuring smooth operation and extending the lifespan of your axles.
Whenever you remove the hub from your axle, take the opportunity to inspect the seal for signs of wear, tears, or damage. If you notice any imperfections, it’s crucial to replace the seal immediately. A damaged seal can compromise the lubrication and protection of the bearings, leading to premature wear and potential failure.
When replacing seals, always use the seals specified in the Dexter seal chart. This ensures compatibility and optimal performance. It’s also important to remember that seals are designed for a single use and should not be reused. Reusing seals can increase the risk of leaks and premature failure.
Lubrication Procedures
Proper lubrication is crucial for the smooth operation and longevity of your Dexter E-Z Lube axles. Dexter recommends using a lithium complex NLGI consistency 2 grease for optimal performance. This type of grease provides excellent adhesion, water resistance, and temperature stability, ensuring proper lubrication even under demanding conditions.
Before lubricating, ensure that the grease gun nozzle is fully engaged on the fitting. While rotating the hub, pump the grease slowly into the fitting. As you pump, the old displaced grease will begin to flow back out the cap around the grease gun nozzle. When you see clean new grease emerging, stop pumping, remove the grease gun, wipe off any excess grease, and replace the rubber plug in the cap.
Remember that pneumatic powered grease guns should be avoided, as they can inject grease too fast, potentially forcing grease past the seal or dislodging it in rare cases. Always use a standard manual grease gun for a controlled and effective lubrication process.
E-Z Lube Lubrication
The Dexter E-Z Lube system simplifies the lubrication process, making it convenient and efficient. To lubricate your E-Z Lube axles, first remove the rubber plug from the end of the grease cap. Then, attach a standard manual grease gun to the grease fitting located at the end of the spindle. Avoid using pneumatic powered grease guns, as they can inject grease too quickly, potentially forcing grease past the seal or dislodging it in rare cases.
While rotating the hub, slowly pump the grease into the fitting. As you pump, the old, displaced grease will start to flow back out the cap around the grease gun nozzle. When you see clean new grease emerging, stop pumping, remove the grease gun, wipe off any excess grease, and replace the rubber plug in the cap.
Remember, the E-Z Lube feature is designed for immersion in water. Axles not equipped with E-Z Lube are not designed for immersion and require bearing repacking after each immersion. If hubs are removed from an axle with the E-Z Lube feature, it is crucial to replace the seals BEFORE lubricating the bearings. This helps minimize the risk of grease getting on the brake linings.
Oil-Lubricated Hubs
Dexter axles also offer oil-lubricated hubs, which provide a different lubrication method compared to the E-Z Lube system. To maintain oil-lubricated hubs, periodically check and refill the hub with a high-quality hypoid gear oil to the level indicated on the clear plastic oil cap. You can fill the oil through the oil fill hole, if present, in the hub or through the rubber plug hole in the cap itself.
While oil-lubricated hubs require less frequent lubrication than E-Z Lube axles, regular inspections are still essential. When the hub is removed, carefully inspect the seal to ensure it is not nicked or torn and can still effectively seal the bearing cavity. If you notice any damage or question the seal’s condition, replace it immediately. Always use only the seals specified in Dexter’s seal chart.
Remember, proper lubrication is crucial for the long-term performance and reliability of your trailer axles. Following these guidelines for both E-Z Lube and oil-lubricated hubs will help ensure your axles remain in top condition, providing you with safe and enjoyable towing experiences.
Troubleshooting and Common Issues
While Dexter E-Z Lube axles are known for their reliability, occasional issues can arise. One common concern is over-lubrication. Over-greasing can lead to excessive pressure within the hub, potentially forcing grease past the seals and onto the brake linings. To avoid over-greasing, pump grease slowly while rotating the hub. Once clean grease starts flowing out the grease cap, stop pumping and replace the cap.
Another potential issue is grease compatibility. Never mix different types of grease, such as lithium, calcium, sodium, or barium-complex greases, as this can lead to compatibility problems. If you need to switch grease types, ensure all the old grease is thoroughly removed before applying the new grease.
If you encounter any difficulties or have concerns about your E-Z Lube axle, consult the Dexter Axle Service Manual or reach out to their customer support team for assistance. Proper maintenance and troubleshooting practices will help keep your axles running smoothly and ensure a safe towing experience.
Over-Lubrication
Over-lubrication is a common issue with E-Z Lube axles, and it can lead to several problems. When you over-grease the hub, you create excessive pressure inside, which can force grease past the seals and onto the brake linings. This can contaminate the brakes and reduce their effectiveness, potentially leading to a dangerous situation.
To avoid over-greasing, follow the recommended lubrication procedure carefully. Pump the grease slowly while rotating the hub. Once clean grease starts flowing out the grease cap, stop pumping and replace the cap. This indicates that the hub is adequately lubricated.
If you suspect you may have over-greased your E-Z Lube axle, it’s essential to inspect the brakes and ensure that they are not contaminated with grease. If necessary, clean the brakes thoroughly and replace any damaged seals. Regularly inspecting your axles and following proper lubrication procedures will help prevent over-greasing and keep your trailer safe and reliable.
Grease Compatibility
Using the correct type of grease is crucial for maintaining the proper function and longevity of your Dexter E-Z Lube axles. Dexter strongly recommends using only lithium complex NLGI consistency 2 grease. This type of grease provides optimal lubrication and protection for the bearings under various operating conditions.
Mixing different types of grease can lead to compatibility issues, potentially causing problems like grease separation, reduced lubrication, and even damage to the bearings. For example, mixing lithium grease with calcium, sodium, or barium-complex greases can result in a gummy consistency that hinders proper lubrication.
If you’re switching from one type of grease to another, it’s essential to thoroughly remove all the old grease before applying the new grease. This ensures that the new grease can properly lubricate the bearings without any interference from the old grease. Always consult the Dexter Axle Service Manual for specific grease recommendations and compatibility guidelines.
Dexter Axle Resources
For comprehensive information, support, and resources related to Dexter E-Z Lube axles, several resources are available at your fingertips. Dexter Axle’s website, www.dexteraxle.com, is a treasure trove of valuable information. You can access their learning library, which includes informational articles, instruction sheets, and service manuals. These resources provide detailed guidance on various aspects of Dexter axles, including maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair procedures.
Dexter also offers a dedicated service manual specifically for their axles. This manual is a comprehensive guide that covers everything from installation and operation to maintenance and troubleshooting. It’s a valuable resource for understanding the intricacies of your Dexter E-Z Lube axles and ensuring proper care. You can download the manual from the Dexter Axle website or contact their customer service team for assistance.
Dexter Axle Website
The Dexter Axle website, www.dexteraxle.com, serves as a central hub for all things Dexter axles. It’s a valuable resource for owners, mechanics, and anyone seeking information about Dexter products and services. The website features a comprehensive learning library where you can access a wealth of resources, including informational articles, instruction sheets, and service manuals. These resources provide detailed guidance on various aspects of Dexter axles, including maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair procedures.
Beyond the learning library, the Dexter Axle website offers a range of additional resources. You can find product information, contact details, distributor locations, and even a section dedicated to frequently asked questions (FAQs). The website also features a blog where Dexter shares industry news, tips, and advice on trailer maintenance and care. Whether you’re looking for specific instructions, troubleshooting advice, or simply want to learn more about Dexter axles, their website is an excellent starting point.
Dexter Service Manual
The Dexter Service Manual is an indispensable resource for anyone who owns or works on Dexter axles. This comprehensive document provides detailed instructions and guidance on all aspects of Dexter axles, including installation, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting. It’s a valuable tool for both professional mechanics and DIY enthusiasts who want to ensure proper care and operation of their axles.
The Dexter Service Manual covers a wide range of topics, from basic lubrication procedures to complex brake system adjustments. It includes detailed diagrams, illustrations, and step-by-step instructions that make it easy to understand and follow. The manual also provides valuable information on recommended parts, tools, and safety precautions. It’s a must-have resource for anyone who wants to keep their Dexter axles running smoothly and safely for years to come. The manual can be downloaded directly from the Dexter Axle website.