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 yesterday at 04:13 AM 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 yesterday at 06:49 AM 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.

 

[DunnYet]

20 hours ago, jd1923 said:

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. 

Test completed. All wheels turned silently, except the curb rear wheel. On that wheel forward rotation is silent, rear rotation (as in backing up the trailer) generates a dragging squeaking noise from the wheel.
 

20 hours ago, jd1923 said:

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.

Performed this test on all four wheels, including the curb rear indicated above. No movement, and I gave it my best linebacker effort.

20 hours ago, jd1923 said:

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.

Did not perform this test given that I had isolated it in the first test.

@jd1923 based on my understanding of your troubleshooting matrix, this is pointing towards bearings. I did get a photo of the label on the rear axle and included it below. (I also took a shot of the bulldog shock attachments while I was down there. Thoughts? It looks like they were reinstalled a bit tighter than I had them originally. May pull and replace with new rubber bumpers when we get home.

Given that we are second owners on Hull 1364, should I contact Dexter or Oliver about the potential warranty claim? Or am I out of luck on the axle waranty?
 

[DunnYet]

20 hours ago, jd1923 said:

At least call Lew or Tim. Let them know of your situation and get t

Started calling at 7:30 this morning. Made three calls before I realized that in the real world it's Saturday.🤦‍♂️

Will try again on Monday.

[Geronimo John]

I for sure know that "Duhh" feeling.  

Hope it works out well for you Monday.

GJ

 

[jd1923]

2 hours ago, DunnYet said:

Test completed. All wheels turned silently, except the curb rear wheel.

Excellent work! You got a lot done today. 😎

I have no idea how long these bearings are good for once they give the first clue. We're going to find out though, yours being the first experience on our forum. Some of y'all who boo-hooed my bearing replacement thread, time to rethink your position.

A little noise in reverse. I think that's better than noise going forward or both directions. I would continue on your planned trip. Every day or two when you're leveling, lift that wheel and give it another spin. You have pinpointed your issue and can see how it progresses with miles towing.

2 hours ago, DunnYet said:

Did not perform this test given that I had isolated it in the first test.

Exactly, there is no need.

My bet is you'll get back to Texas on that bearing! But what do I know? If it gets bad, the bearing is easy to source, and a good trailer shop can replace it. I'll link my bearing replacement thread below.

An Authorized Dexter Reseller should be able to replace it under warranty. You have a 2022 date on that axle and given the 5-year warranty is correct, you should be covered. I do not believe there is an original owner clause but find the limited warranty statement online to understand your rights. OTT, another authorized shop or Dexter direct. Your choice, OTT will just take more time. I'd go with a local authorized shop, hopefully back in Texas.

If it gets bad when you're still in Wyoming, you always have the Alcan option. I usually forget it's Saturday too! If needed, you could call ahead to order the part. If so, send them your label picture. BTW, Dexter may not provide warranty replacement for a minor squeal. It needs to get worse and truly fail, the noise will be somewhat louder! 🤣

2 hours ago, DunnYet said:

I also took a shot of the bulldog shock attachments while I was down there. Thoughts? It looks like they were reinstalled a bit tighter than I had them originally. May pull and replace with new rubber bumpers when we get home.

Don't wait 'til you get home. Given they were correct and Alcan just reinstalled them a bit tight, they have not yet been damaged. Loosen them as soon as you get a chance. They're Nylok nuts and will stay put. You'll be under the trailer with your torque wrench anyway, LOL! The rubber should oval-out some but not mushroom over the support metal like in your picture. I see 7 threads on that stud and 4 +/- might be the right count. Make them all the same. Buy new bushing sets later if they get bad.

Keep us posted and do enjoy your trip!
So cool, you got this worked out quickly! 😎

 

Edited 3 hours ago by jd1923