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When should you replace Oil Filled Bearing on boat trailer.
When I bought the trailer and boat he said to just check for water in the hub, they should last but wasn't comfortable with that answer?
So my question is how often should they be changed? Being oil filled, a break down on the road would not be good?
Any advice appreciated.
I wouldn't be comfortable with that answer either. I don't know much about oil bath bearings but the oil would break down at some point. I know they use them on semi trucks because they have less maintenance. As easy as it is to change it I would do it once a year or at least every other year just to be safe. That's just my opinion I could be wrong.
the are supposed to be pressurized, if you open them up they will not keep water out. Mine have a 5 year warranty, was told they should last 10 years, just watch for oil leaking out
I think you may be talking about the Vault hubs. He's asking about the oil filled type.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bassing_53
Idk about the sealed oil bath but the ones I've been around weren't. They have a clear plastic hub cap with a rubber stopper in the center and fill plug on the side. Not pressurized.
I have these and just change the oil once a year. Use a good synthetic 90 wt oil. I use Royal Purple. Takes 5 minutes.Quote:
Originally Posted by talltimber
the oil in a low temperature bearing is not subjected to the conditions which cause it to deteriorate like engine oil . As long as the level is okay and there is no water intrusion it should last indefinitely or many years anyway. Most of the problems with boat trailers begin with a seal failure. If the oil does not look milky or foamy should be okay. Same way in outboard lower unit.
Ran them for years on front hub of big trucks. With Synthetic oil and no water intrusion 100,000 mile oil change interval. If no milky oil in site glass just jack up, spin wheel with finger on back of axle right next to hub. If it is rough you will feel it. And check for excessive play in wheel. If none leave it alone. More damage is done by trying to do maintaince. If you are going to change the oil unless specified differently by manufacturer use 50 weight pure synthetic in free rolling bearings.
Thank You I checked it last night again, with a flash light just to make sure I was seeing what I should see, and it looked fine to me as I could actually see the bearings and the cotter pin, inside the oil. No milky color, at all. Will keep a close eye on them, but I do like the fact that if I wanted to change the oil it appears easy with taking out the hex screw.
and thanks for the suggestion on the oil.
I will jack them up and make sure there is no wiggle or ruffles felt.
Unless you see signs of water intrusion or oil leakage, don't mess with them. Jack the trailer up once a year and check for excess play in the bearings.
The bearings on your trailer are no different than the ones on a car or truck. Only difference is they keep getting dunked in the water. If they don't leak, they will last a long time.
I was told they would go 100,000 miles easy. Not sure I buy that. I keep spare o-rings and outer cap that has window to see oil level and condition of oil. I change oil about every other season. Using 50 weight valovine racing oil with no issues.
Bob, I would suggest you do what Dwightparks does. Get at least one replacement cap and seal along with a bottle with enough oil to fill one hub. Keep it in the truck or boat. I have seen cases where those caps can get hit and cracked or broken.
I still have the old grease jurk kind. lol Grease them up every year, still good.