Nev-R-Lube vs E-Z Lube vs Standard Bearings

Account

Updating...

Dexter light-duty wheel ends use more than one bearing and lubrication setup, and the names get mixed up. Standard grease hubs, E-Z Lube spindles and Nev-R-Lube hubs are not three versions of the same option. One uses tapered roller bearings packed by hand. One adds a grease fitting so you can grease those same style bearings without pulling the hub. One is a sealed cartridge bearing system with its own service rules. This guide separates them, then shows what Southwest Wheel stock beams, pre-configured axles and custom forms offer.

On a Dexter axle, always follow Dexter's instructions. Where a Dexter bulletin and the catalog or manual disagree, the bulletin is the newer instruction. For the full remove, inspect, pack and adjust steps, see Trailer Hub Bearing Adjustment and Grease, Step by Step. For the E-Z Lube choice on the order form, see Dexter Axle Options: Tube, E-Z Lube, Pre-Wire and Brake Flange.

Key takeaway

Three different systems: Standard grease hubs use tapered roller bearings packed by hand. E-Z Lube uses a grease fitting in the spindle end so you can grease those bearings without removing the hub. Nev-R-Lube uses a sealed cartridge bearing lubricated at the factory that needs no further lubrication.
What Southwest Wheel custom forms offer: Most custom built forms ask E-Z Lube yes or no. The 4,400 lb. custom beam is the exception: it comes with E-Z Lube as standard, so that form has no E-Z Lube choice. The forms do not list Nev-R-Lube as a selectable option.
Stock vs pre-configured vs custom: Stock beams come with standard spindles. Pre-configured Dexter axles come with E-Z Lube spindles. On a custom beam, you choose E-Z Lube on most forms.
2,000 lb. straight custom beam: Choosing E-Z Lube does not change the spindle. It remains a Type BT9 with 1-1/16" inner and outer journals.
Water: E-Z Lube is designed to allow immersion in water. Nev-R-Lube is not designed for immersion, such as boat trailer use.

Terms used in this guide

Spindle: The machined end of the axle that the bearings ride on.
Standard grease hub: Dexter's standard wheel bearing setup: opposed tapered roller bearing cones and cups in a machined hub, packed with grease, with a small amount of end play.
E-Z Lube: A Dexter spindle drilled and fitted with a grease fitting in the end, so you can grease the bearings without removing the hub. Grease goes to the inner bearing first, then flows back to the outer bearing and out the grease cap hole.
Nev-R-Lube: Opposed tapered roller bearing cones sealed inside a precision ground, one-piece double cup. Lubricated, assembled and sealed at the factory. No further lubrication is ever needed.
Grease cap: The cap on the front of the hub. An E-Z Lube grease cap has a rubber plug in the end so you can reach the grease fitting.
Nut retainer: On E-Z Lube axles produced after February 2002, a retainer that snaps onto the spindle nut in place of a cotter pin. Other Dexter spindles use other nut locks by vintage. Match the hardware to the axle you have.

Side-by-side comparison

Dexter bearing and lubrication systems compared
System	What it is	How you service it	Immersion	Southwest Wheel ordering options
Standard grease	Tapered roller bearings packed by hand	Lubricate every 12 months or 12,000 miles; also repack after each immersion if the axle has no E-Z Lube	Not designed for immersion; repack after each immersion	Stock beams ship this way. On custom forms that offer the choice, select E-Z Lube No
E-Z Lube	Same style tapered roller bearings, with a grease fitting in the spindle end	Pump grease through the fitting without removing the hub; still inspect on schedule	Designed to allow immersion in water	Your choice on most custom forms. Standard on the 4,400 lb. custom beam. Included on pre-configured axles
Nev-R-Lube	Factory-sealed cartridge bearing in a one-piece double cup	No further lubrication. Inspect every year or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first	Not designed for immersion	Not offered on the custom built forms

E-Z Lube is a lubrication feature of the spindle and matching hub parts. Nev-R-Lube is a different bearing system. Do not treat E-Z Lube and Nev-R-Lube as the same upgrade.

Standard grease hubs

Dexter's standard wheel bearing configuration uses opposed tapered roller bearing cones and cups inside a machined hub. The bearings are packed with grease and need a small amount of end play. Dexter says to lubricate the bearings every 12 months or 12,000 miles. Axles without E-Z Lube are not designed for immersion, and the bearings should be repacked after each immersion.

Spindle nut hardware varies by axle vintage. The service manual shows the castellated nut and cotter pin procedure for many standard grease hubs. Dexter Product Bulletin 383 later introduced a caged hex nut and spring steel retaining clip as a running change on 600 to 8,000 lb. standard grease and Ultrulube axles. That bulletin is separate from the E-Z Lube retainer instructions. Follow the instructions for the nut hardware fitted to your spindle and the instruction sheet supplied with replacement parts.

Southwest Wheel stock Dexter beams come with standard spindles. For example, the stock 3,500 lb. standard spring beam listing identifies a Type 84 standard spindle, not E-Z Lube.

For the full remove, pack and adjust steps, see Trailer Hub Bearing Adjustment and Grease, Step by Step.

E-Z Lube

If the axle has the Dexter E-Z Lube feature, the bearings can be lubricated without removing the hubs. The spindles are drilled and assembled with grease fittings in their ends. When grease is pumped into the fitting, it is channeled to the inner bearing, then flows back to the outer bearing and out the grease cap hole.

That is a service feature, not a sealed cartridge. The bearings are still tapered roller bearings that need periodic inspection.

How Southwest Wheel sells E-Z Lube

Pre-configured Dexter axles: Already come with E-Z Lube spindles. See Pre-Configured Dexter Trailer Axles.
Stock beams: Come with standard spindles.
Custom built forms: Most forms have an E-Z Lube choice. The 4,400 lb. beam comes with E-Z Lube as standard, so that form has no E-Z Lube choice. On the other forms, E-Z Lube is an additional cost.
2,000 lb. straight custom beam: Choosing E-Z Lube does not change the spindle. It remains a Type BT9 spindle with a 1-1/16" inner journal and a 1-1/16" outer journal.

For the form matrix by capacity, see Dexter Axle Options: Tube, E-Z Lube, Pre-Wire and Brake Flange.

Greasing and parts that match

To grease an E-Z Lube hub: remove the rubber plug from the grease cap, put a standard manual grease gun fully on the fitting in the end of the spindle, rotate the hub while pumping slowly until clean grease shows, then wipe and replace the plug. Dexter strongly recommends not using a pneumatic grease gun because it can force grease past the seal. If the hubs are removed from an E-Z Lube axle, replace the seals before greasing the bearings.

Match the hub parts to the spindle and axle you have. E-Z Lube wheel ends use a grease cap with a rubber plug. For E-Z Lube axles produced after February 2002, the service manual uses a nut retainer instead of a cotter pin. Order the grease cap, plug, zerk and nut hardware that match your axle. Examples we carry:

For grease that meets Dexter's lithium complex NLGI No. 2 spec, see Dexter #2 Lithium Complex Trailer Grease (088-071-00), or Timken wheel bearing grease in a 14 oz. cartridge (GR224C) or a 1 lb. tub (GR224T).

When E-Z Lube is worth choosing

Boat trailers and water crossings: E-Z Lube is designed to allow immersion in water.
Regular greasing: E-Z Lube lets you grease the bearings without pulling the hubs. It does not eliminate periodic inspection.
Matching a pre-configured build: If your hub face and spring center are on the pre-configured list, E-Z Lube is already included. See Custom Built vs Pre-Configured Dexter Axles: Which to Order.

Nev-R-Lube

Nev-R-Lube bearings are opposed tapered roller bearing cones sealed inside a precision ground, one-piece double cup. They are lubricated, assembled and sealed at the factory. No further lubrication is ever needed. A small amount of end play is built in. The bearing cartridge stays in the hub; do not remove it unless replacing it, because special tools are required.

Inspect Nev-R-Lube bearings every year or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Slight end play is acceptable. The wheel should turn freely and smoothly. Replace the bearing unit if inspection finds excessive end play, restriction, noise or bumpy rotation.

Nev-R-Lube is not designed for immersion in water, such as boat trailer use.

What Southwest Wheel offers for Nev-R-Lube

Nev-R-Lube is not offered on the Southwest Wheel custom built Dexter axle forms. Those forms ask about E-Z Lube. Dexter's light duty catalog lists Nev-R-Lube among axle options Dexter can build; that is not the same as a choice on our order forms.

Southwest Wheel carries Nev-R-Lube service parts for axles that already use the system, including:

Per Dexter Product Bulletin 458, aftermarket Nev-R-Lube bearing cartridges come as complete kits with the bearing, snap ring, spindle attachment hardware and installation instructions. Dexter no longer sells those pieces as loose parts. The kits cover D35, D52, D60, D70 and D80 sprung axles, and #10, #11, #12 and #13 Torflex axles rated from 3,500 to 8,000 lb. Call 1-800-866-3336 so we can match a kit to your axle. Do not order a hub, cap or cartridge by guesswork.

Wheel offset limits that only apply to Nev-R-Lube

Dexter Product Bulletin 404 sets separate Nev-R-Lube wheel offset limits. For 35mm and 42mm bearings, use zero offset only. For 50mm bearings, the limits are zero offset to .50" inset at 7,000 lb. capacity, and zero offset to .19" inset at 8,000 lb. capacity. See Trailer Wheel Offset: What Dexter Recommends and How to Match a Replacement Wheel.

What each Southwest Wheel axle type ships with

Bearing system by Southwest Wheel Dexter axle type
Axle type	Bearing / lubrication system
Pre-configured	E-Z Lube spindles included
Stock beam	Standard spindles
Custom built	E-Z Lube yes or no on most forms. E-Z Lube is standard on the 4,400 lb. beam. Nev-R-Lube is not offered on the forms

How to choose when you order

Identify the system on an existing axle from the hub, spindle hardware and bearing type together, then match replacement parts to that axle. A rubber-plug grease cap often goes with E-Z Lube, but the cap alone is not enough to order parts.
If building a new axle and you want easy greasing, choose E-Z Lube on the custom form or check the pre-configured list first.
If the trailer goes in the water, E-Z Lube is the Dexter system designed for immersion. Do not use Nev-R-Lube for boat trailer immersion service.
If you already have Nev-R-Lube, use matching Nev-R-Lube service parts and follow its wheel offset limits. Do not mix Nev-R-Lube hubs onto a standard or E-Z Lube spindle.
Match the hub parts to the spindle and axle you have.

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

Frequently asked questions

Is E-Z Lube the same as Nev-R-Lube?

No. E-Z Lube is a grease fitting in the spindle so you can grease tapered roller bearings without removing the hub. Nev-R-Lube is a sealed cartridge bearing that needs no further lubrication.

Can I order Nev-R-Lube on a Southwest Wheel custom Dexter axle form?

No. Nev-R-Lube is not offered on the custom forms. Those forms ask E-Z Lube yes or no, except the 4,400 lb. form, which already includes E-Z Lube. Call us if servicing an existing Nev-R-Lube axle and you need the matching parts.

Do stock Dexter beams have E-Z Lube?

No. Stock beams come with standard spindles. Pre-configured axles come with E-Z Lube. Custom forms let you choose E-Z Lube on most capacities.

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

Yes. It comes with E-Z Lube as standard, so that form has no E-Z Lube choice.

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

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

Can I use Nev-R-Lube on a boat trailer?

Dexter says Nev-R-Lube is not designed for immersion in water. For water use, E-Z Lube is the system Dexter designed to allow immersion.

How often do I service each system?

Standard grease and E-Z Lube bearings: lubricate every 12 months or 12,000 miles. Nev-R-Lube: inspect every year or 12,000 miles; no further lubrication.

Can I replace just part of a Nev-R-Lube cartridge?

No. Per Dexter Product Bulletin 458, replacement cartridges come as complete kits. Dexter no longer sells the bearing, snap ring or spindle attachment hardware as loose parts. Call us to match the kit to your axle.

Where do I get the full bearing adjustment steps?

See Trailer Hub Bearing Adjustment and Grease, Step by Step. This post explains which system you have. That post walks through the service procedure.

Need plain-English definitions? See Trailer Axle Terms: A Plain-English Glossary.

Choosing tube, brake flange and pre-wire too? See Dexter Axle Options: Tube, E-Z Lube, Pre-Wire and Brake Flange.

Building the whole axle? See Build a Complete Dexter Trailer Axle.

Matching a replacement wheel on a Nev-R-Lube hub? See Trailer Wheel Offset: What Dexter Recommends and How to Match a Replacement Wheel.

Ready to choose your bearing setup?

Build a Custom Dexter Trailer Axle

Want E-Z Lube already on the beam? See Pre-Configured Dexter Trailer Axles or call Southwest Wheel at 1-800-866-3336.

Southwest Wheel - Your Trailers Best Friend Since 1919.

References

Dexter 2,000 - 8,000 lbs. Axle Service Manual, Hubs/Drums/Bearings: page 49 (standard bearings, E-Z Lube, Nev-R-Lube), page 50 (Hub Removal: E-Z Lube retainer after February 2002), page 52 (Bearing Lubrication - Grease), pages 56 and 57 (Bearing Adjustment; E-Z Lube Lubrication; immersion and pneumatic grease gun notes), pages 59 to 61 (Nev-R-Lube Drums/Bearings).
Dexter Light Duty Axle Catalog LIT-122-00, page 6 (Introduction: What is Nev-R-Lube).
Dexter Product Bulletin 383, Spindle Nut Retention System, June 17, 2016, pages 1 and 2 (standard grease and Ultrulube axles; caged hex nut and retaining clip; compatibility).
Dexter Product Bulletin 404, Wheel Offset Recommendations, March 26, 2019, page 1 (Nev-R-Lube 35mm, 42mm and 50mm limits).
Dexter Product Bulletin 458, Aftermarket Nev-R-Lube Bearing Cartridges, May 25, 2022, page 1 (complete kits).
Trailer Axle Terminology, page 4 (Spindle).