What Grease and How Often: Trailer Hubs

[bigdad]

This might sound a little strange, but could it be that when the hub warms up with travel and expands the buddy loosens up a tad and falls out?

 

[Iowachild]

Not sure Mike. I have literally towed over 100 trailers probably over 100,000 miles and only lost one. Are you sure you are using the right size? There are a few sizes and 2 are very close, like 5/100th inches different. Also do not over grease them. This is common. All you should be able to do is rock the pressure plate a little with 2 fingers. Too many people fill them with grease 100% full and either lose them or blow the rear seals out.

In the end I bet you have the 2.04 units and the 1.98 is just not enough bite. I installed some 1.98 units on a bass boat and they felt loose so I tried the 2.04 and they were too tight but a little dressing with a file to basically remove only the chrome from the mounting area and they went right on nice and tight.

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Chris

Thanks Chris. I think I'll put a micrometer on the hubs and possibly try using the 2.04".

This might sound a little strange, but could it be that when the hub warms up with travel and expands the buddy loosens up a tad and falls out?

Sounds reasonable to me.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Thanks Chris. I think I'll put a micrometer on the hubs and possibly try using the 2.04".




Sounds reasonable to me.

I really think this is your problem. If not its your fix. I would make the 2.04 units work like I had to do on the Bass Boat I mentioned earlier. Good way to check them for tightness is with a good kick from the side. If it move its too lose.

Chris