Missing Dexter EZ Flex Hanger Wet Bolt/Zerks

[jd1923]

4 hours ago, Gliddenwoods said:

lower the equalizer

If you cannot screw them as mounted.

And if you do remove any suspension bolts, be on level ground first. If not the equalizer may not want to go back in the direction it came from. 😎

Edited Monday at 07:06 AM by jd1923

[FloraFauna]

On 10/19/2025 at 8:01 AM, Ronbrink said:

The majority were SAE 1/4-28, but a few were Metric M6x1mm.

I am pretty sure I tried both of these and ended up going metric but as described earlier neither would simply screw in despite repeated efforts.  Perhaps the original zerk was the wrong size.  I was amazed it simply came off in my hand and had not fallen on the highway earlier. There did not appear to be much for threads in the hole at all but of course it was very difficult to see even with my lights and mirrors.  I would suggest Gliddenwoods have his tap ready if he is proceeding with the disassembly route and he may find little or no threads in those holes.  Of course, he has like 6 to replace whereas I only had one problem child so his more extensive approach is understandable although I feel bad he has to go that route.

[Ronbrink]

On 10/19/2025 at 8:01 AM, Ronbrink said:

As strange as this may sound, when replacing all of my stock zerks with SS 45° fittings I found that two different thread sizes were used in my Dexter suspension setup (random wet bolts). The majority were SAE 1/4-28, but a few were Metric M6x1mm.

In response to a question by @Gliddenwoods, I answered with the above statement based on mental recall; but in finding a comment made on FB from several years ago I can honestly say “it ain’t what it used to be”! I stand corrected in the following: 

Edited Tuesday at 02:04 PM by Ronbrink

[Rivernerd]

I second Ronbrink's endorsement of the LockNLube coupler for your grease gun.  I must grease lots of zerks on my Kubota tractor, so have become a LockNLube coupler fan.  I also recommend LockNLube's zerk caps.  They have worked well on my tractor to keep dirt out of the zerks, so I have also installed them on the zerks on my Elite II.  They are overpriced at $11 for what they are, but they work.

I have no financial interest in LockNLube, just positive experience with these two products.

https://www.amazon.com/LockNLube-Grease-Fitting-Count-Yellow/dp/B0779K66DW/ref=sr_1_1_pp?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.T8hZ8VHh7n8q0Y30ncw1Zvsvok5f6vxLfm-VFmTE4o9O5jCMC0xZl_8Qis_WTuJx0T23YcDDPnRHvDiYoH8C9l0hDEQcd_u_ciE36NWaysFxgMqQa5lvjJjPQz52Q-v0amx0f3bbIlAln7jMclOsI57EAMXdty7ZBK_jpW4S_BMU5glY7lQwHlt_P-Ro-gGdnON8stpS6I21R2IHz41-VJZuRFrkf2HY_L1p9vYcEeb2wYpNkXEUEJTXPlcQi1UG-GK4sqUYFBtfzKmV24VB4I2On4pTDUB94-w1_dl6aEQ.jnjsiornpd_gBb-D-BGini1OeYpO1kK6xBhHgEc6HcE&dib_tag=se&hvadid=695444684338&hvdev=c&hvexpln=67&hvlocphy=9029558&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=17929369996106615123--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=17929369996106615123&hvtargid=kwd-488087789682&hydadcr=7441_13183977&keywords=lock%2Bn%2Blube%2Bgrease%2Bfitting%2Bcaps&mcid=bf8e3ce829e9318caf67405886b6af15&qid=1761057611&sr=8-1&th=1

[Gliddenwoods]

Update and new plan.

I have determined that two of the open holes of the three missing Dexter equalizer zerk have little/no remaining threads. Replacement zerks just slip in and fall out. New larger tapped threads would be required.

So...the new plan is to replace the existing Dexter equalizers with new equalizers. I have no faith in the equalizer product on my Oliver.

I have been in touch with Dexter and I am filing a warranty claim. Not sure how the claim will go, but new equalizers will be installed either way.

[topgun2]

1 hour ago, Gliddenwoods said:

Not sure how the claim will go, but new equalizers will be installed either way.

Assume that you realize that this is a relatively expensive option versus simply tapping new threads and replacing the "cheap" zerks?

[Gliddenwoods]

"Dexter offers a limited five-year warranty on its E-Z Flex equalizers and suspension systems. The warranty is valid for the original purchaser and covers defects in material and workmanship from the date of the trailer's original purchase."

"Five-year limited warranty coverage"

"The five-year warranty on equalizers and suspension components applies to all Dexter trailer axles, suspensions, and brake control systems manufactured on or after September 1, 2016."

[Boudicca908]

On 10/19/2025 at 9:01 AM, Ronbrink said:

I found that two different thread sizes were used in my Dexter suspension setup (random wet bolts). The majority were SAE 1/4-28, but a few were Metric M6x1mm.

I had a zerk that needed replacement last year.  Luckily for me, an extremely helpful hardware store guy (way up in the mountains in Colorado last year) determined that I have (at least) TWO DIFFERENT zerk thread sizes: one was metric and one was not. He sold me some 'spares' of each of those, AND tools for the metric. 

Edited yesterday at 06:55 PM by Boudicca908

[FloraFauna]

23 hours ago, Gliddenwoods said:

I have determined that two of the open holes of the three missing Dexter equalizer zerk have little/no remaining threads. Replacement zerks just slip in and fall out. New larger tapped threads would be required.

Not surprised.  I think my one zerk issue suffered the same.  Thanks for doing the deep dive into this and reporting back.

[jd1923]

On 10/22/2025 at 5:27 AM, Gliddenwoods said:

I have determined that two of the open holes of the three missing Dexter equalizer zerk have little/no remaining threads.

It's just hard to imagine how this happened. The grease fittings on the equalizers I removed were in there solid. The one fitting I removed (so that I could measure threads for you) had threads 5/16" in length. I had to turn it 4-5 revolutions to remove it.

I replaced the originals (one is pictured on page 1 of this thread) because the center bushings were very worn after 7 years of use (with weak springs and lose wet-bolts). No reason for grease fittings to wear and inside the suspension hanger they are quite protected from damage. Who knows why? But it is what it is.

I purchased two of these: 
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Suspension-Parts/Dexter/013-144-03.html 

[Gliddenwoods]

On 10/22/2025 at 9:00 AM, topgun2 said:

Assume that you realize that this is a relatively expensive option versus simply tapping new threads and replacing the "cheap" zerks?

Topgun, (and others)

You (and others) have referred tl "cheap" zerks. Without regard to cost what brand(s) of zerks would you purchase if you wanted to obtain the very best zerks available?

(Others, please weigh in.)

Thanks