I know there is a post about trailer bearings, and I have done a search, but have not found an answer. Here is my story/question. The spindle on my trailer has the grease fitting on the end which allows grease to fill the cavity between the spindle and hub (including the bearings). There is a metal cap (dust cap) with a rubber plug covering the grease fitting. This is on the outer bearing (small bearing) end of the spindle. I noticed a few weeks ago, a small amount of grease around the rubber plug on one hub. Investigation revealed the rubber had torn and water had gotten into the grease, at least on the outside between the outer bearing and the rubber plug. Inside the hub (around the bearings) didn't appear to be contaminated. However, the contaminated hub was running a little hotter than the other side. I could hold my hand on either hub, the contaminated side was just a little warmer. I disassembled, cleaned, repacked, replaced the seal, dust-cap, and rubber plug, and filled the cavity with grease. I pulled the boat down the highway at 70 mph for about 15 minutes and gave it a check. I can still hold my hand on either hub, but the newly repacked hub is still hotter than the other side. Again--I can hold my hand on either hub. My question is, how hot is too hot? Should I be concerned? I do not want to end up on the side of the highway--or worse! Any input will be appreciated. Thank you.

Asong as you can hold your hub with your hand you should be okey. Just keep your eye on it for a while. Mine did the same and it was like that for ten years and thats with repacking every year. So good luck.lwc

I'm sure someone on here will know specifics but my rule of thumb has always been ~ if i can hold my hand on it ~ it's fine...

Is it a single axle trailer?

my rule of thumb is to carry a spare hub/bearing assy. the whole thing.
I can if needed replace the entire hub on the side of the road and be gone not waiting for someone or have to leave the boat and go get parts.
and like said if you can hold your hand on it you should be fine, check the axle nut after repacking to make sure it is still right.

Hub should not be hot. If you are gonna pull the wheel,etc.go ahead and change the bearings and/or races.

The hub should be exactly as hot as the trailer tire. If it is hotter you are gettting a problem. Tire/wheel/hub...Heat transfers all should be the same.

AFTER PULLING MINE USUALLY RUN AROUND 120 WITH AN INFARED THERMOMETER.

Ours do not get even close to hot enough to burn your hand. I am curiouse and want to check them with a thermometer now.

I would check to make sure you have the casle nut tightened corectly.

Make sure the bearings were packed good.

What did the bearings look like, any scoring or pitting on the races, bearing or spindle?

How old are the bearings?

If you jack up the axle and spin that tire is it quiet or is there a quiet rumble/growl coming from it, how does it sound compared to the other side.

I would probably use it for a year then get a new set of bearings and races pack and install corectly and repack every 2 or 3 years.

matt

Dadgum,man. That seems,fairly,warm. Mine are,borderline,cool to the touch after a 75 mile run. Single axle trailer light weight boat.

I'll state it again. The tire/wheel/hub will be the same temp. If it is 100degrees outside the tire/wheel/hub will naturally be hotter than if it is 70 degrees. Also remember that asphalt will retain heat and that heat will transfer into the tires/wheels/bearing. For a test, check the temp of your front wheels on the tow vechicle, compare that to the traier wheels. Unless you have a 4 wheel drive they should be the same temp.

Good idea,vehicle wheel to trailer hub. Thanks.

+1

The hubs on my old pickup got HOT, there is also alot of motor heat that disapates in that area. The bearings were in good shape and functioned as intended but if you drove it around for a day and then tried to change a tire the hub and lub nuts would burn your hand, not the same temp from front wheel hub to boat hub.

It is a single axle trailer with a 16 ft aluminum bass boat, 40 horse 4 stroke. When I reassembled the hub, I tightened the axle nut with a wrench just a little to seat the bearings. Then I completely loosened the axle nut and re-tightened it by hand. I then backed it off enough to line up the cotter pin hole. This is how I have always done it. I just jacked both sides of the trailer and spun the wheels. They both feel the same, nice and smooth, no growl, same amount of play (virtually none). As far as I can tell, they are both identical. I think I will take it on a trip to the lake this weekend and see how it does. It is about an hours drive.