I recently bought a used 2007 23C Classic and am not sure when the wheel bearings were last packed. I am wondering if repacking the wheel bearings is something that I could do myself. I have the Dexter Axle Service Manual but it is not clear enough to make me feel comfortable. Anybody have advice or know of helpful/instructive resources?

Darryl

Darryl - it's certainly something you can do yourself, but the sources I've seen are not much better than the Dexter manual. It would be good if you had a mechanic who was willing to let you watch him do it the first time around. After that, you'd know what to do.

- Jack

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Hi-Lo 1707T
2005 F150 4x4 KR SCrew

Jack - Thanks for the encouraging words. Does anyone know whether the 2007 23C has the standard Dexter axles or their EZ Lube or Nev-R-Lube versions?
Darryl

Go to Utube and view some video there; good info among the many videos.

Thanks for the tip about U Tube. I did see some very helpful videos there. Got my confidence up. Now I'm really dangerous.
Darryl

Remember to use the same flavor of grease that's in your bearings now. You are not supposed to mix diferent greases together. Take some photos.

I live and grew up on a farm, we have thousands of wheel bearings, about every few years, they'd come out with and discontinue grease we were getting, plus suppliers go out of business and what not. Not every shop has bought the same grease either, so even professionals cant guarantee same grease as the last person to pump a couple pumps into the zerk, used.

Never in my life did I ever go around that farm and cleanout old grease so I could put in whatever I had new. I dunno, I think as long as you got enough grease, all other problems will be MINIMAL at best.

Your mileage may vary though, if you are that worried, then by all means clean them out and redoo them...

I bet youtube will have a video on repacking bearings, with and without the neat tool I used when I worked for Eldorado campers... I pack by hand, it is a messy job but easy.

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From Kansas: 29ft '95 5th, converted to toybox in rear, by Hilo. Pics soon, Some Here.

To clarify ... Lithium grease is lithium grease regardless of the manufacturer just as 10w-30 oil is 10w-30 oil, of course it nice if you stay with the same manufacturer (at least they will say so) but nothing catastrophic will happen if you use the same type of lubricant from different manufacturers. I know not everyone will agree with that statement but if you do not I suspect you have been subjected to some really good advertising or sales pitches.

I also grew up on a farm and as Sting stated we didn't worry about brand, age or anything other than "quantity" of grease on the bearing ... I have to believe it was because of the low speed most of the equipment was subjected ... never more than 20 mph. My dad was more particular about what went into the family car and the trucks and tractors, which got regular maintenance recommended by the manufacturer. Thus I would suggest maintaining your Hi-Lo wheel bearings according to the manufacturers recommendations ... especially you rebels towing them 80 mph down the interstate!

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John

2007-22T TowLite 50th Anniversary, with Valley Towing Equalizer Hitch
2008 Nissan Frontier SE 4X4 Crew Cab, Snug Top & McKesh Mirrors
Cooper AT3 LT265/70R16 All Terrain w Slotted Rotors, Ride-Rite Air Springs

I work on aircraft and grease color differs with manufacturer but the Mil Spec is the same. Shell and Mobile are two different colors but they can be mixed if they meet the same specs.

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2404T, 2003 2500HD 4X4 GMC Crewcab w/Astro camper shell
Far West Texas

I have to agree with that. If you mix grease with different bases or specs one can dissolve the other. The important thing is to completely clean the bearings and axle before new or different grease. Pennzoil 707L red grease is an excellent choice. http://www.pennzoil.com/documents/Pr...ing%20707L.pdf

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Great Wife, Joyce
2010 2310H Hi-Lo
2012 F150 4X4 SuperCrew w/Leer Cap
Reese WD Strait-Line Hitch
Amateur Radio K3EXU