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Front bearing lube oil

Yahoo Message Number: 76338
Can some one recommend the best type of oil to use for the front oil bath bearings. Thanks.
Dick 96 intrigue 10293.

Re: Front bearing lube oil

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 76339
Dick, would recommend 85/140 Gear Oil, your rig probably has "traditional oil" in your bearings currently. Just don't mix Synthetics with "tradional oils".
If you rig has 80,000 to 90,000 miles you should have a qualified truck shop drain and inspect bearings, races & seals and replace with new lube oil.

Thanks, Mike 03 Allure 1st Ave. #30898

Re: Front bearing lube oil

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 76343
Mike,

How do you drain the oil?

Rich 2002 Magna

Re: Front bearing lube oil

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 76344
Rich, the right way to do it is with a good dieseltruck service center. The front wheels lifted off the ground and the wheel removed.
That allows the mechanic to drain the entire bearing housing, clean and carefully inspect the bearings, races and seals.
As well this is the best way for the mechanic to tell if you have a bearing seal that is just beginning to leak.
If you just drain from your front hub "seal cap" you'll only get a what lube oil is in the front portion of the hub assembly.
Although many RV's never change their Front Bearing or Rear Drive Axel Lube Oil's, if you investigate deeply with major oil producers or axle mfg's, they'll suggest changes at 95,000 miles.

I run Synthetic in the Front-Rear and Tag Axles.

Thanks, Mike 03 Allure 1st Ave. #30898

Re: Front bearing lube oil

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 76345
Rich,

My front hub has a drain plug on outside of the hub. I expect that yours does too. I just roll the coach until the drain is aimed down and catch the old oil in a funnel that is inserted into a catch can. I refill with synthetic gear oil as specified by Holland. It is important to keep an eye on the oil level for a few trips after changing as I think the entire reservoir does not get filled in one attempt. This is about the easiest maintenance job on my coach. I don't even get dirty.

George in Birmingham
'04 Allure 31038
George in Birmingham
2003 Magna 6298

Re: Front bearing lube oil

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 76352
Rich,

I use the procedure described by Fred Kovol in message #13841. It's quick, cheap, clean and very easy (doesn't require moving the coach):
- remove the rubber inspection plug in the center of the hub (fingers only, no tools), - suck out old oil using a syringe with a couple inches of plastic tubing attached to the end, - wait a few minutes and suck out any more old oil that seeps into the outer hub chamber, - refill hub with gear lube - I use 85W-140 Rotella Heavy Duty Gear Oil, - wait a few minutes and top up the lube level (repeat if necessary), - clean and replace the rubber inspection plug and hubcap.
I found an inexpensive disposable 60cc syringe and plastic tubing at a nearby farm/ranch supply store. Any good gear oil should be okay - I've used Pennzoil and Valvoline brands in the past. The quart size gear oil bottles I've seen all have nice re-capable pouring spouts; a quart is enough for a couple years.
WARNING: If you have someone else do the job, be sure to verify the oil level in each hub yourself before driving too far. The one time I paid someone else for this service they neglected to fully refill one hub. Could have been very expensive if not caught early! --

Tom Harsch 2002 Allure #30791
Laughlin, NV

Re: Front bearing lube oil

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 76375
Thanks George,

I think that the actual front suspension and hubs on Magnas and Affinitys are not Holland. I wonder if they have such a plug. Where exactly is it on yours? Do you mean on the clear plastic thing with the red plug on the outside of the hub?

Rich 2002 Magna

Re: Front bearing lube oil

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 76376
Rich,

Recommend if you are changing the Hub Oil to replace the Red rubber fill plug in the center of the Hub. These plugs become hard over time from the heat and can pop out of the hub in which you loose some oil. The Plug is more then a cap as it has a very tiny cross cut in the center that relieves pressure when heat builds up in the hub. The plugs have popped out on my Coach a few times. Last summer on a hot day they blew out in Cheyenne. Had to brake hard because some SOB cut in front of me. Pulled in for Fuel and noticed both front hub plugs had blown out. Peterbilt Truck shops carry them for under $4 each. Don't need a part number as this is a common occurance with hubs. Also had the problem on I75 in Florida on a 100 degree day in stop and go traffic. I had just topped off the Hub oil the day before. Didn't know these were vented plugs until the Truck shop pointed out that there was a microscopic piece of debris plugging the vent. Probably caused by a speck of dirt getting in when I added oil. After that I now carry spares.

Pete - Stuart, Fla
'02 Magna #6110
 

Re: Front bearing lube oil

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 76380
Rich,

I'll take a picture tomorrow and try to post it.
George in Birmingham
2003 Magna 6298