Reset 2.0 has started squeeking when backing up

[DunnYet]

Reset 2.0 (2023 Hull 1364 LE II) with Dexter Neverlube factory axles. We are on the road leaving Grand Junction with brand new Alcan springs  and headed up into Utah and Wyoming. Yesterday after picking up and today backing into a site in Utah I noticed a slight squeak when backing up.

(1) Should I be worried?

(2) What should I look for while I am doing under trailer yoga tightening the u-bolts etc.

Per the yellow sheet I tightened the bolts to proper torque at 12, 75 and will do in the morning before we hit the road. Also wheel lugs to 100 ft lbs based on the forum information.

Brake test on leaving the park this morning worked fine, seemed to be more powerful so I reduced brake gain to 5 from normal 7. 

Attached a photo of the axle hub for reference - what should I be looking for? Let me make this clear - I don’t think that this is something from the spring install, but need to know what to look at. I don’t want to kill the brakes on the way back to Texas through ignorance.

Edited 9 hours ago by DunnYet
Autocorrect

[jd1923]

2 hours ago, DunnYet said:

I noticed a slight squeak when backing up.

This could be nothing. Could be something squeaking from the new leaf springs. Alcan torque numbers are high. The springs or a very tight bolt can squeak.

But to answer your first question, "should I be worried?" There are things you could look into...

First thing you can do in the morning, parked at the campsite, is use your stabilizer jack to lift that side up. Spin both tires one at a time. Hopefully you do not here squeaking running this test because it would mean a Nev-R Lube bearing is failing. However, this is not a conclusive test, since when lifted there is no load on the wheel bearings.

These bearings can last many years, warrantied for 5 years, but can fail at any time. A low probability cause since your Oliver is relatively new, unless a whole lot of miles have been towed. 

Also, with the wheels lifted do the 3 - 9 o'clock position pushing back and forth and 6 - 12 positions to see if there is any free play. If good, you should NOT be able to budge the wheels at all.

After you break camp, do some slow towing forward and backing up in an open area where you can take your time. One of you driving, the other with ears close the Oliver wheels on the side it's squeaking. See if you can reproduce the sound and try to pinpoint the location if possible.

Your shocks look terrible! The bushings were greatly over-tightened when installed (bushings flat and way too many threads showing above the top washer). Shocks can make squeaking sounds. This would be your best-case scenario as you can drive to Texas and back without shocks on an Oliver without causing harm. In fact, if you believe it is a particular shock, remove it to see if the squeaking goes away. At some point they should be replaced, but they are not critical in your getting home.

If it gets worse and you're not too far already from Alcan Springs, it may be a good idea to go back. You're a customer. They have the tools and expertise and would certainly take the time to help you. If it is a bearing failure, they could change it for you, and likely under warranty on a 2023 trailer! They are a Dexter Authorized Reseller. At least call Lew or Tim. Let them know of your situation and get their advice and help if needed.

If it doesn't get any worse, you could play it by ear and continue to Wyoming. Keep in mind a return through Grand Junction to Alcan Springs may be necessary if it gets worse. This sure beats being somewhere else in the country, far from home, not knowing where to go for service.

Best wishes to you in your travels! JD

Edited 7 hours ago by jd1923

[DunnYet]

6 hours ago, jd1923 said:

Your shocks look terrible! The bushings were greatly over-tightened when installed (bushings flat and way too many threads showing above the top washer). Shocks can make squeaking sounds. This would be your best-case scenario as you can drive to Texas and back without shocks on an Oliver without causing harm. In fact, if you believe it is a particular shock, remove it to see if the squeaking goes away. At some point they should be replaced, but they are not critical in your getting home.

Thanks for the detailed options. @jd1923 - Please rest assured - that was a “before” photo from my “replace the completely trashed factory shocks with bulldog shocks.” I should have cropped that out - I was just trying to get a reference for the axle type and that was the best photo I had in my library of the hub. Will put in some better photos this morning. I was so focused on getting a good clear hub shot that I didn’t see the “gorilla” in the background.

Will report back on findings. Am also going to call the folks at Alcan for their thoughts. I just wanted to get the thoughts out of my head and into the forum brain before going to sleep last night.