Dexter Axle Options: Tube, E-Z Lube, Pre-Wire and Brake Flange

Every custom built Dexter axle beam starts with the same choices: the hub face, the camber and the spring seats. After that, the order form asks about a few more options. Depending on the beam, you choose the wall thickness, E-Z Lube, a brake flange and pre-wire. Not every beam offers every option, and some cost extra. This glossary explains what each option means, which beams offer it and when it is worth adding.

If you have not measured yet, start with How to Measure for a Custom Dexter Trailer Axle. The options below go on the same form as your measurements.

Key takeaway

• Tube and wall: Some axles come in different tube wall thicknesses. The 3,500, 6,000, 7,000 and 8,000 lb. forms have a Wall Thickness choice, and the first choice is the standard tube. On the 3,500 lb. forms, the 3" tube allows a longer overhang.
• E-Z Lube: Lets you grease the bearings without taking the hubs off the axle. Every form has an E-Z Lube choice except the 4,400 lb. form, because the 4,400 lb. beam comes with E-Z Lube as standard.
• Brake flange: The plate your brakes bolt to. Custom beams of 3,500 lb. and up always come with a brake flange. The 2,000 lb. forms are the only ones where you choose. Add it there if the axle will ever have brakes.
• Pre-wire: Dexter runs the electric brake wire through the axle tube. Dexter calls this inner wiring. Every custom form asks whether you want the axle pre-wired.
• Only add what you need: A custom built axle is built to order. Once the order is placed, it cannot be altered, changed, cancelled or returned.

Terms you need

• Tube and wall: The tube is the round axle tube between the spindles. The wall is how thick the steel of the tube is. The order form calls this choice Wall Thickness. Wall sizes on the form are nominal, such as 3/16" or .250".
• Spindle: The machined end of the axle that the bearings ride on.
• E-Z Lube: A Dexter spindle that has been drilled and fitted with a grease fitting in the end, so you can grease the bearings without removing the hub.
• Brake flange: The flange welded to the axle behind the spindle. The brake assembly bolts to it.
• Pre-wire: The order form option for having the electric brake wire run through the axle tube. Dexter's catalog calls this inner wiring.
• Idler or brake: An idler hub has no brake. A brake hub carries a drum or a rotor.
• Overhang: The hub face minus the spring center. Each form lists the overhang range allowed when the spring seats are welded.

Which options each custom form offers

Every form also asks for the hub face (45" to 95"), the camber and spring seats, and an optional spring center. If you leave the spring center blank, the seats ship loose. See all the forms in Custom Built Dexter Trailer Axles.

Tube and wall options

Some axles come in different tube wall thicknesses. On the order form this choice is called Wall Thickness. It is on the 3,500 lb. forms (straight, 4" drop and 6" drop) and on the 6,000, 7,000 and 8,000 lb. straight and 4" drop forms. The other forms use a fixed tube. In the table below, the first choice is the standard tube, and the others are an additional cost. The choices are worded the way the form words them.

The two 2,000 lb. beams use different tubes. The straight beam uses a 1-3/4" round tube with a 3/16" nominal wall, and takes the APUBR134BX U-bolt kit for a 1.75" round tube. The 4" drop beam uses a 2-3/8" round tube, so its U-bolts have to fit a 2-3/8" tube, not a 1.75" tube.

When a different tube is worth it

On the 3,500 lb. forms, the tube sets the overhang you can order with welded seats:

If your overhang is over 18.00", the 3" tube is the only way to build it on a 3,500 lb. form. If your numbers fit the 2-3/8" range, the standard tube is usually all you need. On the 6,000, 7,000 and 8,000 lb. forms, choose a heavier wall or a larger tube on the Wall Thickness choice when you are matching an old axle that had one, or when your trailer design calls for it.

A different tube diameter changes the parts that clamp to it. The U-bolts have to fit the tube you order. For example, a 3,500 lb. beam with the 3" tube uses APUBR3BX U-bolts, not APUBR238BX.

E-Z Lube

A standard Dexter wheel end uses tapered roller bearings packed with grease. E-Z Lube spindles are drilled and fitted with a grease fitting in the end. When you pump grease into the fitting, it goes to the inner bearing first. It then flows back to the outer bearing and out the grease cap hole. You can grease the bearings without taking the hubs off the axle.

The E-Z Lube choice is on every custom form except the 4,400 lb. form. The 4,400 lb. beam comes with E-Z Lube as standard, so there is nothing to choose. On the other forms, E-Z Lube is an additional cost. Pre-configured Dexter axles already come with E-Z Lube spindles. Stock Dexter beams come with standard spindles.

On the 2,000 lb. forms, choosing E-Z Lube does not change the spindle. It is still a Type BT9 spindle with a 1-1/16" inner journal and a 1-1/16" outer journal.

How to grease an E-Z Lube axle

1. Remove the rubber plug from the end of the grease cap.
2. Put a standard manual grease gun on the grease fitting in the end of the spindle. Make sure the nozzle is fully engaged.
3. Rotate the hub and pump grease slowly into the fitting. The old grease will start to flow out of the cap around the nozzle.
4. When clean new grease shows, remove the gun, wipe off the extra grease and put the rubber plug back in the cap.

For grease, see Dexter #2 Lithium Complex Trailer Grease, 1 lb. tub (088-071-00), or Timken wheel bearing grease in a 14 oz. cartridge (GR224C) or a 1 lb. tub (GR224T). For the full service steps, see Trailer Hub Bearing Adjustment and Grease, Step by Step.

Dexter strongly recommends not using a pneumatic grease gun. It can inject grease too fast and force grease past the seal. If the hubs are ever removed from an E-Z Lube axle, replace the seals before you grease the bearings. Otherwise grease is more likely to get on the brake linings.

When E-Z Lube is worth it

• Boat trailers and water crossings: E-Z Lube is designed to allow immersion in water. On axles without E-Z Lube, the bearings should be repacked after each immersion.
• Regular service: If you grease your own bearings, E-Z Lube lets you do it without pulling the hubs.
• Matching your hubs: E-Z Lube wheel ends use a grease cap with a rubber plug. Later E-Z Lube axles (after 2002) use a nut retainer instead of a cotter pin. Order E-Z Lube hub parts to match.

E-Z Lube does not replace inspection. Follow the maintenance schedule in the Dexter service manual for your axle. The steps for pulling and inspecting the hubs are in Trailer Hub Bearing Adjustment and Grease, Step by Step.

Brake flange

The brake flange is where the brakes mount. Without a flange, the axle can only run idler hubs.

Every custom beam of 3,500 lb. and up comes with a brake flange, so those forms have no flange choice. The brake flange choice is only on the 2,000 lb. straight and 4" drop forms, where it is an additional cost. The stock 2,000 lb. beam has no brake flange. The pre-configured 2,000 lb. axle with a 71" hub face and 58" spring center (Dexter 12460340) does have one. A 2,000 lb. axle with a brake flange uses the BK2KELE electric brake kit, which is for a 5 on 4.5" bolt circle. Brakes on this axle are 5 lug only.

The larger stock Dexter beams, such as the 3,500 lb. and 8,000 lb. beams, include brake flanges. Pre-configured Dexter axles include brake flanges for optional future brake installation. Brake mounting bolts are not included in the flange and are sold separately.

When a brake flange is worth it

• You are putting brakes on a 2,000 lb. axle now.
• You may add brakes later. The flange has to be on the axle before brakes can bolt on.
• You are replacing an old 2,000 lb. axle that had brakes.

If a 2,000 lb. trailer will only ever use idler hubs, you can skip it. On 3,500 lb. and up, the flange is already on the beam.

Pre-wire

Every custom form has a required pre-wire choice: no, or yes. The 8,000 lb. straight and 4" drop forms list pre-wire as an additional cost. When you choose pre-wire, Dexter runs the electric brake wire through the axle tube.

Dexter calls this inner wiring. Its catalog describes an inner wiring system for easier installation and protection of brake wiring, with the brake wiring routed inside the axle tube for protection. On Dexter leaf spring axles with inner wiring, the wires exit the tube toward the rear of the axle. That also helps you tell the front of the axle from the back when you install it.

When pre-wire is worth it

Pre-wire is for electric brakes. Choose it when the axle has, or will have, electric brakes. On a 2,000 lb. beam, electric brakes also need the brake flange. If you have questions about pre-wire for your build, call 1-800-866-3336 before you order.

Custom built, pre-configured or stock?

Before you add options to a custom beam, check whether a stocked axle already has what you need. Stock axles come in 1" increments. Custom built axles can be fractional.

If your hub face and spring center match a stocked size, a pre-configured axle gives you E-Z Lube and brake flanges with no form to fill out. See Custom Built vs Pre-Configured Dexter Axles: Which to Order.

How to choose

1. Measure the hub face and spring center, and pick the capacity and style.
2. Check the pre-configured list first. If your size is there, you already get E-Z Lube and brake flanges.
3. On a 3,500 lb. form, choose a 3" tube under Wall Thickness only if your overhang needs it. On the 6,000, 7,000 and 8,000 lb. forms, keep the standard tube unless you are matching an old axle or your design calls for a heavier one.
4. Choose E-Z Lube if the trailer goes in the water or you want to grease the bearings without removing the hubs. The 4,400 lb. beam already has it.
5. On a 2,000 lb. form, choose the brake flange if the axle will have brakes now or later. On 3,500 lb. and up, the flange is always included.
6. Choose pre-wire if the axle will have electric brakes.
7. Check every choice before you submit. A custom axle cannot be changed after the order is placed.

Option checklist

1. Capacity and style (straight, 4" drop or 6" drop)
2. Hub face and spring center
3. Camber and spring seats
4. Wall Thickness, if your form offers it
5. Overhang inside the range for the tube you chose
6. E-Z Lube: yes or no (standard on the 4,400 lb. beam)
7. Brake flange: yes or no on the 2,000 lb. forms (always included on 3,500 lb. and up)
8. Pre-wire: yes or no
9. U-bolts, hubs and brake parts that match the tube and spindle

Verify fitment before ordering or contact Southwest Wheel for assistance. Call 1-800-866-3336.

Frequently asked questions

What does E-Z Lube do?

It lets you grease the wheel bearings through a grease fitting in the end of the spindle, without removing the hubs. Grease goes to the inner bearing, then back to the outer bearing and out the grease cap.

Do I need E-Z Lube on a boat trailer?

It is a good fit. Dexter designed E-Z Lube to allow immersion in water. Axles without it are not designed for immersion, and the bearings should be repacked after each immersion.

Can I use an air-powered grease gun on E-Z Lube?

Dexter strongly recommends against it. A pneumatic gun can inject grease too fast and force grease past the seal. Use a standard manual grease gun. See Trailer Hub Bearing Adjustment and Grease, Step by Step.

Why is there no brake flange choice on my 3,500 lb. form?

Because every custom beam of 3,500 lb. and up always comes with a brake flange. The brake flange choice is only on the 2,000 lb. forms.

Does the stock 2,000 lb. axle have a brake flange?

No. The stock 2,000 lb. beam takes idler hubs only. For brakes, order a custom 2,000 lb. beam with the brake flange or the pre-configured Dexter 12460340.

Does a bigger tube change the parts I need?

Yes. The U-bolts have to fit the tube. A 3,500 lb. beam with the 3" tube uses APUBR3BX U-bolts instead of APUBR238BX.

Does the 4,400 lb. beam have E-Z Lube?

Yes. The 4,400 lb. beam comes with E-Z Lube as standard, so the form has no E-Z Lube choice. It also comes with a brake flange. Pre-wire is the one option you choose on that form.

Does E-Z Lube change the spindle on the 2,000 lb. beam?

No. With or without E-Z Lube, the 2,000 lb. beam uses a Type BT9 spindle with 1-1/16" inner and outer journals.

What tube does the 2,000 lb. drop axle use?

The 2,000 lb. 4" drop beam uses a 2-3/8" round tube. The 2,000 lb. straight beam uses a 1-3/4" round tube. Order U-bolts that fit the tube on your beam.

What does pre-wire mean?

Dexter runs the electric brake wire through the axle tube. Dexter calls this inner wiring. The wires exit the tube toward the rear of the axle.

Can I change an option after I order?

No. A custom built axle is built to order. Once the order is placed, it cannot be altered, changed, cancelled or returned.

Building the whole axle? Plan the hubs, brakes and springs with Build a Complete Dexter Trailer Axle.

Not sure which capacity to pick? See Choosing Trailer Axle Capacity: Hitch Weight, GAWR, Wheels and Tires.

Choosing the camber and spring seats too? See Overslung vs Underslung and Camber: Spring Seat Options for a Custom Dexter Axle.

Straight or drop? See Drop Axle vs Straight Axle: Deck Height Guide.

Replacing an old axle? See How to Identify Your Old Trailer Axle and Order a Dexter Replacement.

Servicing the hubs? See Trailer Hub Bearing Adjustment and Grease, Step by Step.

Repairing a spindle instead of replacing the axle? See Trailer Axle Spindles and Brake Flanges.

Southwest Wheel - Your Trailers Best Friend Since 1919.

References

• Dexter 2,000 - 8,000 lbs. Axle Service Manual, page 49 (Hubs/Drums/Bearings: E-Z Lube), page 50 (Hub Removal: E-Z Lube retainer after February 2002), page 57 (E-Z Lube Lubrication, immersion note, pneumatic grease gun note).
• Dexter Light Duty Axle Catalog LIT-122-00, page 3 (Important Information, Axle Orientation: leaf spring axles with inner wiring), page 8 (Leaf Spring Product Information: lubrication options, brake wiring routed inside axle tube for protection), page 16 (1000-2200 lbs. Capacity, Application Information: inner wiring system), page 18 (D20 Leaf Spring: 1-3/4" tube for straight axles, 2-3/8" for drops), page 25 (3,500 lb. tube and overhang), page 46 (5,200 and 6,000 lb.), page 64 (D60 and D70 Leaf Spring: inner wiring system), page 84 (7200 lbs. Capacity, Application Information: E-Z Lube option, inner wiring system), page 93 (8000 lbs. Capacity, Application Information: inner wiring system, 3-1/2" tube), page 95 (8,000 lb. overhang), pages 97 and 98 (E-Z Lube grease cap, rubber plug and nut retainer).
• Trailer Axle Terminology, page 1 (Hub face, Spring center, Overhang), page 4 (Spindle), page 5 (Idler and brake).