BackofBeyond 621 Posted March 13, 2020 Share Posted March 13, 2020 (edited) Like many Oliver owners, and forum lurkers - I repack my own wheel bearings, grease the chassis, and anything else that needs doing. Recently I did my wheel bearings, Dexter has a decent video on the topic if your so inclined, and I ended up replacing both sets on the left side of my Oliver. Once I clean them really well - I do a close inspection to ensure they are good to go back on. I found some indication of damage - these are the bigger inside bearings. If you look opposite the black dot- between the black lines you can see what I'm referring to. You cant see it, but where the indention is on the top side between the rollers is a polished spot, indicating it rubbed on the bearing race. I'm not sure if they were manufactured this way, or if damaged during assembly. I put new Timken's in their place. So perhaps some of the failings we have read about may have come about from this sort of longer term wear. These had 13K miles on them, the bearing cups/races looked fine. Hope this is of interest to ya'll. RB Edited March 13, 2020 by BackofBeyond complee 2 3 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" Link to post Share on other sites
Geronimo John 44 Posted April 26, 2020 Share Posted April 26, 2020 I have averaged about 8500 trailer miles for each of the past two years. I do my own R&R as well and use the synthetic lubricant that John D. recommended a year or two ago. My original bearings look good, and I just replaced the seals with Timken made (National) ones. I have a spare set of bearings and seals on board just in case. They were purchased from an authorized Timken distributor. They were not inexpensive..... All that said, at what mileage or age point is a bearing change recommended "just because"? Thanks, 1 Tug: 2019 F-150 SuperCrew Lariat, 3.5L EcoBoost, Max Trailer Tow, FX-4, 4X4, Rear Locker Link to post Share on other sites
John E Davies 1,168 Posted April 26, 2020 Share Posted April 26, 2020 (edited) 5 hours ago, Geronimo John said: I have averaged about 8500 trailer miles for each of the past two years. I do my own R&R as well and use the synthetic lubricant that John D. recommended a year or two ago. My original bearings look good, and I just replaced the seals with Timken made (National) ones. I have a spare set of bearings and seals on board just in case. They were purchased from an authorized Timken distributor. They were not inexpensive..... All that said, at what mileage or age point is a bearing change recommended "just because"? Thanks, There is no guidance on a replacement interval. It is a judgement call by the tech or owner who does the job. I personally would want to trash the original cheaply made bearings by 15,000 miles. Mine are OEM and have been repacked once, and in my mind are are due now (12,000 miles). I have Timkens and good seals ready to go. Once you have high quality parts installed, I would let them go indefinitely with regular visual inspection and lubing at about a 10k interval. I think it is really important to watch for signs of distress - play and overheating, grease leakage, funny noises - and be ready to act right away in case there is trouble. Having a seal leak and screw up one brake will ruin a trip. The brake may lock up, making it impossible to tow the trailer without adjusting the controller really low. Which makes it dangerous if your TV has marginal brakes. Disc brakes have huge advantages over drum brakes in so many ways. The biggest one IMHO is that a failed seal will just dump grease outside the hub, not all over the brake mechanism. Once you contaminate one drum brake, they must be replaced in pairs. What a stupid design..... John Davies Spokane WA Edited April 26, 2020 by John E Davies 1 1 "Mouse": 2017 Legacy Elite II NARV (Not An RV) 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, 33" LT tires, airbags. Link to post Share on other sites
Geronimo John 44 Posted April 26, 2020 Share Posted April 26, 2020 John D. Very well said. Mahalo! 1 Tug: 2019 F-150 SuperCrew Lariat, 3.5L EcoBoost, Max Trailer Tow, FX-4, 4X4, Rear Locker Link to post Share on other sites
Philipclopez 3 Posted January 31 Share Posted January 31 I also used Timken for wheel bearings on my Travel Trailer. We have traveled 3,000 miles without any problem. Link to post Share on other sites
dewdev 18 Posted February 3 Share Posted February 3 (edited) My 2018 Elite II has about 8,000 miles on it. I am thinking that maybe I should check the bearings at around 16,000 miles. What do others recommend for the amount of miles to check the bearings? I would like to purchase some Timken's bearings and seals to have on hand. What size are the bearings and seals on the Elite II? Better still - what are the Timken part numbers? Are they available at automotive stores like NAPA? Thanks Richard Edited February 3 by dewdev 2018 Oliver Elite II, Hull #354 2018 RAM 1500 Rebel 4 x 4 2016 Aliner Expedition Off Road camper for sale Link to post Share on other sites
mjrendon 106 Posted February 3 Share Posted February 3 Richard, Check this thread for the information you requested. Mike Link to post Share on other sites
BackofBeyond 621 Posted February 3 Author Share Posted February 3 1 hour ago, dewdev said: My 2018 Elite II has about 8,000 miles on it. I am thinking that maybe I should check the bearings at around 16,000 miles. What do others recommend for the amount of miles to check the bearings? I would like to purchase some Timken's bearings and seals to have on hand. What size are the bearings and seals on the Elite II? Better still - what are the Timken part numbers? Are they available at automotive stores like NAPA? Thanks Richard Richard, I cannot remember what the interval quoted in the manual states - but I grease mine at least twice a year - depending on mileage, and once a year - again depending on mileage, - clean and repack the bearings. As for authentic Timken's - I would find a reputable dealer - most auto supply house will probably have to order, a good bearing supply dealer will have them. I used Amazon- will not next time. I replaced one side because under inspection I found a slight deformity - in all reality it would most likely have been fine. Some folks are more inclined to shorten the interval, some go the other way - I just try to use distance on the bearings to decide the interval. Quite honestly - if I was not running about the country - and stayed relatively close to home - I would double this interval. I have yet to do my farm use tandem axle bearings - in 7 years - greased them a few times..... Mike pointed you to the posts. with all the needed info. Good travels 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" Link to post Share on other sites
JRK 46 Posted February 6 Share Posted February 6 I have looked through the manual in the University, but do not see the model number for wheel bearings. Which Timken bearings/seals would I buy for an Elite I, single axle? I'll be putting about 5,000 miles on the trailer before I get home after picking up in March. I plan to have replacements for such items that might wear out/fail that will prevent me from driving, such as wheel bearings. Thanks John 2014 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 2021 Elite I to be picked up in March, 2021 Pre-Oliver Oliver, beginning March, 2021 Link to post Share on other sites
rideandfly 196 Posted February 6 Share Posted February 6 John, Jason can confirm you have a 5200 pound Dexter axle on a new manufacture Legacy Elite single axle trailer. Our LE2 has 5200 pound Dexter axles. Took the following Dexter bearing/seal numbers off of our Dexter axle build sheet. Crossed the Dexter numbers over to Timken & Chicago Rawhide numbers. Dexter also has a build sheet with brake, seal, bearing, and dimension information available for your axle when you give Dexter the axle serial number stamped on the axle. 2 Each Bearings Dexter # 031-029-02 or Timken # 15123 2 each Bearings Dexter #031-030-02 or Timken #25580 2 each Seals Dexter #010-036-00 seal or CR #22532 Hope this helps, 1 Bill LE2 #75 Link to post Share on other sites
NCeagle 355 Posted February 6 Share Posted February 6 For anyone buying bearings from any manufacturer online, there's a relatively new app from the World Bearing Association that helps identify counterfeits. Search "WBA Bearing Authenticator". I used it recently on my ipad (IOS) and I think it's also available for Android. 1 2 John and Anita 2020 Oliver Elite II, Hull 688 Tow Vehicle: 2006 Silverado 2500HD Crew Cab. 6.6L Duramax Link to post Share on other sites
JRK 46 Posted February 7 Share Posted February 7 Helps a lot thanks john 2014 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 2021 Elite I to be picked up in March, 2021 Pre-Oliver Oliver, beginning March, 2021 Link to post Share on other sites
Moderators ScubaRx 303 Posted February 7 Moderators Share Posted February 7 On 2/5/2021 at 9:02 PM, rideandfly said: 2 Each Bearings Dexter # 031-029-02 or Timken # 15123 2 each Bearings Dexter #031-030-02 or Timken #25580 2 each Seals Dexter #010-036-00 seal or CR #22532 Hope this helps, These are the correct bearing and seal Part Numbers for all the Elites and the VERY FEW Elite II's that are equipped with 5200 pound axles. 1 Steve, Tali and the dogs: Reacher, Lucy and Rocky plus our beloved Storm and Maggie (both waiting at the Rainbow Bridge) 2008 Legacy Elite I - Outlaw Oliver, HULL NUMBER: 0026 2014 Legacy Elite II - Outlaw Oliver, HULL NUMBER: 0050 2017 Silverado High Country 2500HD Diesel 4x4 Link to post Share on other sites
Pat Maundrell 14 Posted February 11 Share Posted February 11 Don't new Olivers use the "Never Lube" Dexter Axles? Link to post Share on other sites
Moderators Overland 1,371 Posted February 11 Moderators Share Posted February 11 (edited) 12 minutes ago, Pat Maundrell said: Don't new Olivers use the "Never Lube" Dexter Axles? Correct, starting this year. I have them on mine and they're zero maintenance other than occasionally checking for any leakage or play in the bearing. You'll still have to lube the suspension bushings, however. Edited February 11 by Overland El Palacio Huevo Nieve, Legado Selecto Dos, Numero 256 Link to post Share on other sites
BackofBeyond 621 Posted February 15 Author Share Posted February 15 On 2/11/2021 at 11:02 AM, Overland said: Correct, starting this year. I have them on mine and they're zero maintenance other than occasionally checking for any leakage or play in the bearing. You'll still have to lube the suspension bushings, however. I am always a little wary of never lube - but then - what do I know. 2 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" Link to post Share on other sites
Fargoman 4 Posted February 15 Share Posted February 15 Hi Overland, Are the Dexter Nev-R-Lube axles on your trailer a retrofit? I contacted Jason about the possibility of the Nev-R-Lube axles being available in time for the September 2021 delivery date for my Elite 2. He replied that it would depend on when Oliver starts installing them on the 2022 models, and if there is a good supply, as they are currently experiencing problems with vendors being able to meet demand. 2021 Legacy Elite 2 Twin Bed (Fall 2021 delivery) | Ram 1500 Longhorn 4x4 3.0L EcoDiesel 3.92 axle Link to post Share on other sites
Moderators Overland 1,371 Posted February 15 Moderators Share Posted February 15 15 minutes ago, Fargoman said: Are the Dexter Nev-R-Lube axles on your trailer a retrofit? No, they were part of a one-off disk brake experiment Oliver did for me. 1 El Palacio Huevo Nieve, Legado Selecto Dos, Numero 256 Link to post Share on other sites
Fargoman 4 Posted February 15 Share Posted February 15 Thanks Overland, Your earlier post where you stated that the Nev-R-Lube axles would be available "starting this year" made me hopeful that our trailer would have those axles, but Jason's reply that "it will depend on when the plant starts installing them on 2022 models and if there is a good supply" made me question that. Do you know what Oliver considers a 'model year' - began production in, or delivered in a given year? We ordered our Ollie in November 2020, understanding that production and delivery would happen sometime in 2021, making our Ollie a 2021 model. 2021 Legacy Elite 2 Twin Bed (Fall 2021 delivery) | Ram 1500 Longhorn 4x4 3.0L EcoDiesel 3.92 axle Link to post Share on other sites
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