Replacing trailer hubs

graysilm · Mar 24, 2008

I have decided that it would be best for me to completley replace my bearings and hubs on my galvanized trailer. It is a single axle with out breaks. Is there any type of kit where I can just remove the cotter pin and nut, pull off my old hub, and slide on a new one that is completely assembled? Also, how do you measure to find out what size hub to use? Thanks

jameskb2 · Mar 24, 2008

Re: Replacing trailer hubs

That's a good question!

I will be doing a similar thing, and I want to upgrade my hubs to a bolt pattern that is compatible with, say, an old escort or other car.

That way I can buy some aluminum rims and not have to worry about rust. Also, you can buy a good thirteen inch car tire for less than a trailer tire.

My boat / trailer will weigh in under 2000 lbs, so I am wondering how this would work?

Look forward to the experts ideas....

tashasdaddy · Mar 25, 2008

Re: Replacing trailer hubs

sure, any trailer shop will preload a hub for you. you just need to take them your existing one, the bearings will tell them what you have. 99% of bearing have numbers stamped on them. if you take them the trailer they will probably install for free. why are you changing hubs?

car tires are a definate no no of a trailer. the are not built for trailer use. the tire should state for trailer use. ST tires.

i don't know of any aluminum hubs.

jameskb2 · Mar 25, 2008

Re: Replacing trailer hubs

Yeah, I miss stated that, it was past my bedtime.

I meant car wheels, (rims) aluminum, and size (13") since I have crappy little 12" wheel / hub now.

I dunno, I haven't investigated it fully. I don't know the bolt pattern size yet.

I think I have bolts though, not studs.

Anyway, there's probably conversion kits out there...somewhere.

fishmen111 · Mar 25, 2008

Re: Replacing trailer hubs

You can also get pre-assembled hub kits from BPS, Cabela's, Northern, etc. You just need to know your bolt pattern, inner/outer bearing and seal size.
I've often wondered myself why a properly rated car tire could not be used as a trailer tire. Never done it, just wondered why. Guys?

Silvertip · Mar 25, 2008

Re: Replacing trailer hubs

If you look at a trailer wheel, it has zero offset meaning the center of the tire tread is in the exact center of the wheel flange that rests against the hub. Front wheel drive car wheels have the hub offset to the outside of the wheel and rear wheel drive cars have the hub offset to the inside. Zero offset wheels are used on trailers as it centers the load exactly between the inner and outer bearings. Are car wheels used on trailers? Yes. Is it a good idea? No.

Silvertip · Mar 25, 2008

Re: Replacing trailer hubs

Fishmen111 -- The car tire vs trailer tire discussion has gone on time and time again. If you look at a car tire, it's rated at 35PSI max and has a very flexible sidewall for smooth ride. Put that tire on a boat trailer with anything more than half of its rated load and that tire will destroy itself. The sidewall flexes way too much which creates heat which is what destroys tires. Trailer tires are built with stiff sidewalls and are typically inflated to 50-60 PSI. My pontoon trailer tires are load range "E" (10 ply rated) and are inflated to 90 PSI.

graysilm · Mar 25, 2008

Re: Replacing trailer hubs

I am replacing my bearings hubs because one of my bearings froze up and my hubs are very deteriorated with rust.

fishmen111 · Mar 25, 2008

Re: Replacing trailer hubs

Thanks Silvertip. I've wondered for years...just never thought to ask. Sorry Grayslim, did not intend to hijack your thread.

ddaigle · Mar 25, 2008

Re: Replacing trailer hubs

I took my old hub off and took it to Academy ( Do they have Academy's in the rest of the country or just Texas?)where I compared it to the hubs there. They had preassembled , greased , galvanized hubs for about 25 bucks apiece and they take about 3 minutes to install. The ones I got have a grease fitting on the back and a rubber plug on the outside so you can pump new grease in and old grease out the front. They work great. One of the best things I do for saltwater is to spray the lugs and spindles with white grease. It's waterproof and keeps my lug nuts from rusting. Its a bummer when you go to take your tire off and have to break off all the studs. The saltwater here is vicious, second only to the dead sea. They also had the same hubs at the local boat store for only a few dollars more.

HighTrim · Mar 25, 2008

Re: Replacing trailer hubs

The pre assembled hubs are definately the easiest route.

One thing though, get some bearing buddies as well. This is coming from someone that has had a bearing seize up on him and had to change an entire drive shaft in a ditch.

fishmen111 · Mar 25, 2008

Re: Replacing trailer hubs

Like HT said, Bearing Buddies for sure. Get the indicating kind so you do not over grease. I see people all the time adding grease and then wondering why grease splatters keep showing up on their boat. Good intensions, but they have blown the inner seal which allows a little water in from then on. Marine grade grease only! There is a difference. I have also changed out an axle in a ditch over two days. NOT a happy place.

Replacing trailer hubs

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