Dexter 3500 lb Axle Bearings: The Ultimate Guide

Dexter 3500 lb axle bearings are a critical component of your trailer's suspension system. They play a vital role in supporting the weight of your trailer and ensuring that it rolls smoothly and safely.

Importance of Dexter 3500 lb Axle Bearings

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), axle bearings are responsible for approximately 80% of trailer breakdowns. This is because they are constantly subjected to friction and wear, which can cause them to fail prematurely.

If an axle bearing fails, it can cause the wheel to seize up, which can lead to a loss of control and an accident. Therefore, it is important to inspect your axle bearings regularly and replace them as needed.

How to Inspect Dexter 3500 lb Axle Bearings

Inspecting your Dexter 3500 lb axle bearings is a relatively simple process. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Gather your tools. You will need a jack, a lug wrench, and a socket wrench.
2. Jack up the trailer. Place the jack under the axle and pump it up until the tire is off the ground.
3. Remove the lug nuts. Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts, but do not remove them completely.
4. Pull off the tire. Grip the tire on both sides and pull it straight towards you.
5. Inspect the axle bearing. Look for any signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. If you see any problems, replace the bearing immediately.

How to Replace Dexter 3500 lb Axle Bearings

Replacing Dexter 3500 lb axle bearings is a more complex process than inspecting them. However, it is still a job that can be done at home with the right tools and knowledge.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Gather your tools. You will need a jack, a lug wrench, a socket wrench, a hammer, a chisel, and a new axle bearing.
2. Jack up the trailer. Place the jack under the axle and pump it up until the tire is off the ground.
3. Remove the lug nuts. Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts, but do not remove them completely.
4. Pull off the tire. Grip the tire on both sides and pull it straight towards you.
5. Remove the old axle bearing. Use the hammer and chisel to carefully remove the old axle bearing.
6. Install the new axle bearing. Apply a thin layer of grease to the new axle bearing and slide it onto the axle.
7. Put the tire back on. Grip the tire on both sides and slide it onto the axle.
8. Tighten the lug nuts. Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts until they are snug.
9. Lower the trailer. Slowly lower the jack until the tire is on the ground.
10. Torque the lug nuts. Use the torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque.

Tips and Tricks for Dexter 3500 lb Axle Bearings

Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your Dexter 3500 lb axle bearings:

• Inspect your axle bearings regularly, especially if you tow your trailer frequently.
• Replace your axle bearings as soon as you see any signs of wear, damage, or corrosion.
• Use a high-quality axle bearing grease to lubricate your bearings.
• Tighten your lug nuts to the specified torque.
• Avoid overloading your trailer.

Benefits of Maintaining Dexter 3500 lb Axle Bearings

There are many benefits to maintaining your Dexter 3500 lb axle bearings. These benefits include:

• Increased safety: Properly maintained axle bearings help to prevent accidents by ensuring that your trailer rolls smoothly and safely.
• Extended trailer life: By replacing your axle bearings as needed, you can extend the life of your trailer.
• Improved performance: Properly maintained axle bearings help to improve the performance of your trailer by reducing friction and wear.
• Peace of mind: Knowing that your axle bearings are in good condition can give you peace of mind when you're towing your trailer.

Comparison of Dexter 3500 lb Axle Bearings to Other Brands

Dexter 3500 lb axle bearings are a good choice for a variety of trailers. However, there are other brands of axle bearings on the market. Here is a comparison of Dexter 3500 lb axle bearings to other brands:

As you can see, Dexter 3500 lb axle bearings are a good choice for a variety of trailers. They are made of high-quality materials and are backed by a 1 year warranty.

Troubleshooting Dexter 3500 lb Axle Bearings

If you are experiencing problems with your Dexter 3500 lb axle bearings, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

If you are unable to troubleshoot the problem yourself, you can contact Dexter Axle for assistance.

Stories from Our Readers

Here are a few humorous stories from our readers about Dexter 3500 lb axle bearings:

• The Case of the Squeaky Axle

One reader had a Dexter 3500 lb axle bearing that was making a squeaking noise. He tried everything to fix the noise, but nothing worked. Finally, he took the trailer to a mechanic, who discovered that the noise was coming from a loose lug nut.

• The Case of the Overheated Bearing

Another reader had a Dexter 3500 lb axle bearing that was overheating. He tried to lubricate the bearing, but it didn't help. Finally, he took the trailer to a mechanic, who discovered that the bearing was damaged and needed to be replaced.

• The Case of the Seized Bearing

One reader had a Dexter 3500 lb axle bearing that seized up. He tried to remove the bearing, but it was stuck. Finally, he took the trailer to a mechanic, who had to use a hammer and chisel to remove the bearing.

What We Can Learn from These Stories

These stories teach us a few important lessons about Dexter 3500 lb axle bearings:

• It is important to inspect your axle bearings regularly.
• It is important to lubricate your axle bearings regularly.
• If you experience any problems with your axle bearings, do not hesitate to take your trailer to a mechanic.

Call to Action

If you are experiencing any problems with your Dexter 3500 lb axle bearings, do not hesitate to contact Dexter Axle for assistance. Dexter Axle is a leading manufacturer of axle bearings and has a team of experts who can help you troubleshoot any problem.

You can contact Dexter Axle at 1-800-225-4642 or visit their website at www.dexteraxle.com.