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Dexter Axle BULLETIN Reference # 1ZP9-ABC12-19


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I thought a separate spot for feedback on the latest Dexter axle bulletin would be a good spot for folks to relay their findings, concerns, and such.

So this morning I crawled under Ollie to check the 16 fasteners referenced in the bulletin, I found all the lower bolts loose, about 1/2 to 3/4 turn "loose" and the top ones were mostly secure, one or to were just slightly - maybe a 1/4 turn.  No I didn't use a torque wrench, as next month I am planning to do a wheel bearing repack and I'll put the measurement on them then, a proper triple check. 

FYI - Ollie #359

RB

 

Edited by BackofBeyond
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Cindy,  Russell and  "Harley dog" . Home is our little farm near Winchester TN

2018 Oliver Legacy Elite II - 2018 GMC 2500 Duramax 

"Die young - As late as possible"
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I replaced my front brakes only last year and the four NUTS were fine. I did not check the rears, I will do so this winter when I do a bearing repack.

For anyone who has had their brakes replaced by a shop, this bulletin should not apply since the brake backing plates are held on with this hardware. Normally the entire units are swapped, not rebuilt. But it would not hurt to check all 16 anyway!

The four nuts secure each plate, which has four pressed-in STUDS which are probably splined near the head, as are the suspension shackle bolts. Those studs should never, ever rotate! If they do the backing plate or assembly should be replaced IMHO. And brakes must always be replaced in pairs (on the same axle) so that stability during operation will not be affected.

I don't know what Dexter says about this, they may be OK with simply driving out a loose stud and putting another in there. I personally would not trust it to remain tight.

John Davies

Spokane WA

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Edited by John E Davies
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SOLD 07/23 "Mouse":  2017 Legacy Elite II Two Beds, Hull Number 218, See my HOW TO threads: https://olivertraveltrailers.com/topic/john-e-davies-how-to-threads-and-tech-articles-links/

Tow Vehicle: 2013 Land Cruiser 200, 32” LT tires, airbags, Safari snorkel, Maggiolina Grand Tour 360 Carbon RTT.

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Good Afternoon Oliver Elite II Owners.

My name is Sean Cantzler. I am the Senior Manager of Warranty and Customer Care at Dexter Axle. I can be reached at scantzler@dexteraxle.com if you have any questions related to this topic. We will be shutdown for the next two weeks over the Holidays. If you need any assistance please feel free to reach out to me during that time.

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Senior Manager of Warranty and Customer Care at Dexter Axle

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I don’t think a torque setting between 45-70 lb-ft applied with a torque wrench using a universal joint as shown in this photo actually transfers the set amount of torque to the fastener. From what I have read it is much lower and can vary greatly depending on how the torque wrench is supported and the angle of the universal joint. I checked mine earlier this year and found that I couldn’t get a socket/torque wrench on them so I tightened them as tight as I could using a 9/16 inch box end wrench. May go back again with a socket on a longer breaker bar. 
 

9E3DF041-D438-4A15-A13C-1B082F2A5995.png
 

If all 4 nuts fell off the tire/wheel assembly isn’t going to come off because the hub/drum is held in place by the spindle nut. I don’t think the backing plate can move far enough into the hub/drum for the mounting studs to clear the holes in the backing plate mounting flange. Don’t get me wrong, I want my backing plate nuts tight, but I’m just thinking about what might happen if all 4 nuts fell off. 

Edited by Townesw
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Bill and Martha

2018 LEII Hull 313

2019 Chevrolet 2500HD Duramax

 

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For those of us not so mechanically inclined, and without a home shop (do I even own a torque wrench?), and assuming this recall service is paid by Dexter, seems taking to a service center  for inspection and possible torqueing is not too shameful/embarrassing?  Might even get the service folks to perform the 3000K lubrication while at it - my last go was a bit messy and not the most favorite task (seems those pesky grease fittings could have been a bit more accessible).   Love camping in the Oliver, don't mind washing her, but crawling under her not so much.    

KWR


2019 Oliver Legacy Elite II, Hull#444


2019 GMC Sierra 2500HD Crew Cab, 4WD, Denali, Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8 Engine with Allison 6-speed transmission

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I think the problem is not so much that parts will fall off, more that the brake will start to act weird, binding and locking up possibly. I would like to see more official information about “secondary steps” beyond notifying Dexter for help....

If I find a nut loose and I tighten it, do I call it a day? Two nuts? Three? What if they are really falling-off-loose but I can torque them down satisfactorily? At what point does this become a real concern?

What happens next if I find a nut that will not tighten, indicating a stud that is turning?

Is it required that an RV tech do this recall? If a problem is found by an OWNER, will that affect Dexters response in any way? 

It would be good to know where the limits are. If a significant number of nuts are found loose I would want to pull the drum/ hub off completely to clean and inspect the backing plate for trauma - cracks or bending. (These parts can be subject to very violent torque effects, especially if you slam on the brakes at freeway speeds.)

For those who want to have this done buy a shop, you could have a traveling tech come by your place of storage to perform the recall. Cost will be about the same as for an RV dealer but the hassle is way less, especially in winter. Google “mobile Rv service”. I used one last year to do the Inverter Service Bulletin and was very pleased.

John Davies

Spokane WA

Edited by John E Davies
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SOLD 07/23 "Mouse":  2017 Legacy Elite II Two Beds, Hull Number 218, See my HOW TO threads: https://olivertraveltrailers.com/topic/john-e-davies-how-to-threads-and-tech-articles-links/

Tow Vehicle: 2013 Land Cruiser 200, 32” LT tires, airbags, Safari snorkel, Maggiolina Grand Tour 360 Carbon RTT.

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On 12/20/2019 at 2:57 PM, Townesw said:

I don’t think a torque setting between 45-70 lb-ft applied with a torque wrench using a universal joint as shown in this photo actually transfers the set amount of torque to the fastener. From what I have read it is much lower and can vary greatly depending on how the torque wrench is supported and the angle of the universal joint. 

If the angle is under 15 degrees the error can be ignored. For larger angles the torque will be less. No worries in this situation.....

John Davies

Spokane WA

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SOLD 07/23 "Mouse":  2017 Legacy Elite II Two Beds, Hull Number 218, See my HOW TO threads: https://olivertraveltrailers.com/topic/john-e-davies-how-to-threads-and-tech-articles-links/

Tow Vehicle: 2013 Land Cruiser 200, 32” LT tires, airbags, Safari snorkel, Maggiolina Grand Tour 360 Carbon RTT.

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7 hours ago, KWRJRPE said:

For those of us not so mechanically inclined, and without a home shop (do I even own a torque wrench?), and assuming this recall service is paid by Dexter, seems taking to a service center  for inspection and possible torqueing is not too shameful/embarrassing?  Might even get the service folks to perform the 3000K lubrication while at it - my last go was a bit messy and not the most favorite task (seems those pesky grease fittings could have been a bit more accessible).   Love camping in the Oliver, don't mind washing her, but crawling under her not so much.    

Hey Ken, my grandson crawled under the Oliver and found the two bottom nuts on all four tires were loose.  He tightened them 55fp.  Do you think I should still take it to a shop?  

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7 hours ago, John E Davies said:

If the angle is under 15 degrees the error can be ignored. For larger angles the torque will be less. No worries in this situation.....

John Davies

Spokane WA

Seems a little strange torque setting between 45- 70lbs what just pick a number? It should be one setting. If anyone wants to do this themselves that’s ok. That will get dexter off the hook if you have any further problems.  I haven’t checked these bolts yet. If they are loose. Can i fix it? Yes, will I? no. It will go to a service center. Unless dexter will put it in writing they will care for this problem down the road if the owner makes the repair. I’ll have the service center put it in writing that the repair was made. It may be a minor issue but it is a big safety concern.CYA.

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Grant  2022 GMC Denali 2500 HD 2019  Elite 11😎

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Ok, what am I missing. If a 3/8" torque wrench reads 50 ft lbs, and a 1/2" torque wrench reads 50 ft lbs, don't they both measure 50 ft lbs? 3/8" wrenches have 9/16 sockets and universals. Why do they need a 1/2"? Harbor Freight also had them on sale for $ 19.00..

Edited by Mainiac
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Use whatever drive size you like, Dexter will never know and I promise that I won’t tell them. Most torque wrenches are most accurate in the middle of their range. They are way less accurate at the extreme ends. If your 3/8” drive wrench goes up to say 125 ft lbs, no worries.

Those instructions are just rough guidelines. BTW a HF Pittsburg brand 3/8” wrench reads from 5 to 80 ft lbs. Their 1/2” is from 20 to 150 ft lbs.

Their bigger one would be the most accurate in this case for a torque of about 70 ft lbs.. But if you only have the smaller one, use it. No need to go out and buy the bigger one. (Which is ideal for the lug nuts.)

Cheap tools are pretty inaccurate, so I suggest that if you have a $20 wrench, use the middle of the recommended torque range. 

John Davies

Spokane WA

Edited by John E Davies

SOLD 07/23 "Mouse":  2017 Legacy Elite II Two Beds, Hull Number 218, See my HOW TO threads: https://olivertraveltrailers.com/topic/john-e-davies-how-to-threads-and-tech-articles-links/

Tow Vehicle: 2013 Land Cruiser 200, 32” LT tires, airbags, Safari snorkel, Maggiolina Grand Tour 360 Carbon RTT.

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16 hours ago, Landrover said:

Seems a little strange torque setting between 45- 70lbs what just pick a number? It should be one setting. If anyone wants to do this themselves that’s ok. That will get dexter off the hook if you have any further problems.  I haven’t checked these bolts yet. If they are loose. Can i fix it? Yes, will I? no. It will go to a service center. Unless dexter will put it in writing they will care for this problem down the road if the owner makes the repair. I’ll have the service center put it in writing that the repair was made. It may be a minor issue but it is a big safety concern.CYA.

When I first read the service bulletin I thought the torque specs seemed a little broad -  a 25 lbs. spread, but then we are talking about a fastener that doesn't appear to be a critical part of the assembly - see JD's comments- and its not one where I am going to spend a lot of time worrying about the exact torque - 3/8', 1/2',  universal  , extension , or brand of torque wrench.  If I didn't have a torque wrench - very snug tight - after full rotational stop would be good - at least for me.  Your talking about 25 point spread - seems simple enough  - 30% plus room for error.

Now, as I found a much more critical fastener loose to the point of the nut almost gone, bolt backing out - I will take a much more active role in double checking ALL the fasteners on the running gear - A few hours once or twice a  year, crawling under Ollie is not an issue for me, and I visual them often when we are out on a long trip, lots of miles..... but obsessing over torque, won't be an issue. I'll check them to the specs - as best I can - and move on. 

I'm just happy Dexter/Oliver notified the owners of the issue.

Have a great Holiday everyone.

RB

 

 

Cindy,  Russell and  "Harley dog" . Home is our little farm near Winchester TN

2018 Oliver Legacy Elite II - 2018 GMC 2500 Duramax 

"Die young - As late as possible"
ALAZARCACOFLIDMTNVNMOKORTNTXUTWAWYd56201

 

 

 

 

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I just crawled under our trailer #537.  All at least hand tight.  Like most folks up here, we have already winterized and parked in the barn.  The closest RV dealer/repair is 45 miles away.   My preference was not to take the Ollie out until we head south in February.  I tried a mobile tech but they have already left for warm weather.  I am not set up to wash the road salt/winter grime off the Ollie here in the winter.  Our  barn is also winterized.  We are in a terrific  spot bu a bit remote.

I have spoken to our regular garage mechanic and they are willing to do the work first thing in the morning that we leave to head south.  They are 15 miles away.  Our date to head south is flexible in February,  I will be looking for a good weather window!!!

I have some tools and a 1/2 inch torque wrench. I don't have the right 1/2 socket and elbows tools and for me the access was not the best.  

I am pleased with the communication so far from Oliver and Dexter and the willingness to be flexible and work with us.  I am looking for another mobile tech that is willing to do the work at our location if possible.  

Happy Holidays 

 

On 12/20/2019 at 2:42 PM, Sean Cantzler said:

Good Afternoon Oliver Elite II Owners.

My name is Sean Cantzler. I am the Senior Manager of Warranty and Customer Care at Dexter Axle. I can be reached at scantzler@dexteraxle.com if you have any questions related to this topic. We will be shutdown for the next two weeks over the Holidays. If you need any assistance please feel free to reach out to me during that time.

 

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Checked our #555 which we got a month ago (750 miles to date).  Of the sixteen fasteners, 3 were sufficiently torqued.  The remainder were somewhere between 20-35 ft lbs estimated.  I tightened these in prep for a trip across the state this Saturday.  

First things I noted was that the fastener is a closed end “cap nut” similar to a lug nut and made of plain steel (all had a nice coat of surface rust already).  Also the nuts on the axle straps already rusty.  Seems like a better touch for a premium product would to use corrosion protected fasteners or at least clean and hit these with flat black corrosion paint after assembly.

 

 

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We just had the service done (currently staying in Phoenix AZ).

Dexter was great, very responsive. They helped us find a local service provider and worked directly with the one we chose to confirm the service and handle payment.

As pleasant as it could be under the circumstances.

For what it's worth, none of the nuts were loose when I inspected before the service (I also found the bottom nuts to be difficult to access).

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2019 Legacy Elite II #488 - Delivery July 24, 2019
2018 F150 Platinum SC SB EB - Leer canopy

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We found a good mobile tech.  He came over Saturday and did the work.  None of ours were torqued properly, however none were loose or missing, most torqued 20 to 35 with one at about 10.  We have placed 1400 miles on the Oliver since new.  The tech had to use his 3/8 wrench to get at the bottom bolts.  (Shorter handle)  I paid for the service directly and submitted the invoice to Nikki with a note at Dexter on Sunday via email.  I recieved a call from Nikki at 10 am this morning confirming receipt of my email and they would be cutting a check to me for reimbursement. 

I am very pleased with how this was handled by the folks at Dexter and notification from Oliver and Dexter.  

This was the first time the tech had seen or heard of Oliver.  He was quite impressed.  

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On 12/28/2019 at 4:07 PM, thirddoor said:

We just had the service done (currently staying in Phoenix AZ).

Dexter was great, very responsive. They helped us find a local service provider and worked directly with the one we chose to confirm the service and handle payment.

As pleasant as it could be under the circumstances.

For what it's worth, none of the nuts were loose when I inspected before the service (I also found the bottom nuts to be difficult to access).

 

8 hours ago, Mattnan said:

We found a good mobile tech.  He came over Saturday and did the work.  None of ours were torqued properly, however none were loose or missing, most torqued 20 to 35 with one at about 10.  We have placed 1400 miles on the Oliver since new.  The tech had to use his 3/8 wrench to get at the bottom bolts.  (Shorter handle)  I paid for the service directly and submitted the invoice to Nikki with a note at Dexter on Sunday via email.  I recieved a call from Nikki at 10 am this morning confirming receipt of my email and they would be cutting a check to me for reimbursement. 

I am very pleased with how this was handled by the folks at Dexter and notification from Oliver and Dexter.  

This was the first time the tech had seen or heard of Oliver.  He was quite impressed.  

I must say, I'm impressed with Dexter's response. Really impressed. 

Cindy,  Russell and  "Harley dog" . Home is our little farm near Winchester TN

2018 Oliver Legacy Elite II - 2018 GMC 2500 Duramax 

"Die young - As late as possible"
ALAZARCACOFLIDMTNVNMOKORTNTXUTWAWYd56201

 

 

 

 

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FWIW I just got the recall message a few days ago.  Hull #389.  Got under it with my 1/2 inch wrench set to 60 ft - lbs.  None of the bolts budged.  A long extension and a u-joint were necessary for the bottom two bolts on each wheel.

Hull #389.


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On 12/26/2019 at 3:29 PM, Collier and Joan said:

Anybody who has check the torque themselves,  how are you able to get a torque wrench on the bottom nuts. Top nuts I can do, bottom nuts I cant figure out to get a torque  wrench to fit

Try an extension and a universal. Should work.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Yesterday, I took my 2019 Oliver Elite II, #487, to a local RV dealer repair shop here in Boonville, North Carolina, to have the Dexter axle bolts checked. The rear axle bolts were were all fine. The front axle had 4 bolts that could not be turned with your fingers but with a wrench were obviously loose. And 1 bolt could be turned with your fingers. That meant that out of the 8 bolts on the front axle, 5 were loose. The mechanic torqued all to 70 ft lbs. The repair shop handled the warranty paperwork. Dexter did ask the mechanic to take a picture of the tracking tag on the front axle. I'm guessing to help them determine which batch of axles were not tightened properly.

I returned to North Carolina just before Christmas after going on my first trip in my Oliver. I traveled over 6,000 miles in 3 months, and passed through 21 states. I was in Alabama when I received the notice from Oliver about the recall. I called a couple of mobile RV mechanics but was told that they did not work on RV axles. I next tried a nearby Camping World but was told they were not sure they could perform warranty work on Dexter axles. I checked each wheel and could not see any missing bolts and of the bolts I tried to turn, none felt loose. So I decided to continue on home and have my mechanic take a look. Nothing had happened in 6,000 miles and couple of hundred more miles shouldn't matter. In hindsight, not a good idea. 

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  • 1 month later...

Hi Everyone,

Thought I'd pass along kudos for a couple of service outlets in western Arizona.  We pulled our Ollie (Hull 294) out of storage last week near Lake Havasu City, AZ.  I had made arrangements for SHADOW TRAILERS in the town to handle the Dexter axle recall.  Both Shanna (front desk) and Jeremy (service tech) were as nice and customer service oriented as they could be.  I highly recommend this place if you find yourself near Lake Havasu City and in need of service.  Nikki at Dexter was also very pleasant to work with.  BTW, I did do the visual check and found one missing nut.  Jeremy also found two others that were out of torq spec.  All is good now.   Incidentally, ours wasn't the first Ollie to receive the recall work there.  Apparently, just the day before, another Ollie rolled in for the same work.    

Also, if you are ever near Parker, AZ, and are looking for service, we had a great experience dealing with Jason (no, not THAT Jason) at Accurate RV & Marine.  We had both a fridge and a furnace problem, and he took care of both very efficiently.  He's been there 30 years and really knows his stuff.

Stay safe on the road.....

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Jim & Mary

Bozeman, Montana

2017 Legacy Elite II-Hull #294

2019 GMC Sierra 2500

 

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I really appreciate it when people like you post positive comments. It's so helpful to others in your area.

Glad you found a good service center.

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