warm bearing on new axle

[charkbait]

I installed a brand new axle that came pre packed etc. One side is cold and the other is warm to the touch after about 5-10 miles. I towed about 30 miles and it never got any hotter then it started.

What are my trouble shooting steps?

I've got a fishing trip on Thursday so I'm hoping to get this licked tomorrow.

Thanks! This forum has been a lifesaver, unfortunately I'm about $600 into repairs on an old trailer, should have just bought a new one!

 

[Bondo]

Re: warm bearing on new axle

Ayuh,..... I'd repack that side,...... Tearing it down will reveal any Secrets it might be holding.....

 

[Rusty Boater]

Re: warm bearing on new axle

the castle nut could be a bit to tight on that side. My rule of thumb is if you can touch the hub then it is ok. I have about eight different trailers and all hubs act different.

 

[External Combustion]

Re: warm bearing on new axle

If the heat of the hub is the slightest bit uncomfortable on the back of your hand then repack and make sure that the nut is not up too tight.

Turn the hub as you tighten the nut. When it is tight, requiring a ten to twenty pound pull on a nine inch wrench, then back off one flat and put in the cotter pin or flatten of the washer.

This will work for 99.9 percent of all hubs.

Use your hand to determine those that won't.

 

[charkbait]

Re: warm bearing on new axle

thanks ya'll, I can touch it comfortably but it is WAY hotter then the other side which feels the same as the trailer sides after running...cold even. My last axle ran a bit warm on both sides and it never crossed my mind but since one side was cool and the other warm I want to check it, I'll try backing the nut off a bit and doing a half *****ed repack and then tow it a bit, then I'll go for the full repack maybe replacement...hope I have time!

this site is a great resource!

 

[Rusty Boater]

Re: warm bearing on new axle

I always make it a point to check hubs when I stop. What I look for is a drastic temp change.

 

[charkbait]

Re: warm bearing on new axle

I checked 3x on my 30 mile run and it never got any hotter then it did the first 5 miles so I'll still look at it but won't let it deter my trip Thursday. I'll also be taking my old axle with me just in case, at least on this first run.

 

[Rusty Boater]

Re: warm bearing on new axle

Just strip the hubs off the old; i always carry a spare hub in my truck tool box

 

[charkbait]

Re: warm bearing on new axle

I would but the new one is 5 on 4.5 and the old is 4 on 4

 

[kai1414]

Re: warm bearing on new axle

Just back off the castle nut on the axle the min amount possible. Just took delivery of a new trailer and had to tighten a few castles and one hub was warm, not hot but warm. We backed off the castle just a fraction of a turn, enough to allow the locking tab to fit into the next groove and it was much better. The heat is a result of the bearing being too tight and excess friction. Not a good thing. Yes it may not be getting hot, but your hub shouldn't be generating heat. It will shorten the life of that hub and bearing due to the increased friction.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: warm bearing on new axle

You didn't say but do you have brakes? A dragging brake would do the same thing.

 

[charkbait]

Re: warm bearing on new axle

did a combination of a repack by hand and backing the nut off, cool as ice now.

thanks for all the help folks.