Trailer Hubs

General Boats and Motors
1

Installed two new trailer hubs this weekend, all seems correct bearings all match, but seems a little tight, is this normal? I tightened the nut while rotating tire then backed off the nut and hand tightened. I can spin the tire by hand and it will spin maybe 3 or 4 rotations, then stops, will it loosen up more after towing?

2

I would run it around the neighborhood, check to see if hubs are hot. Then do a mile. Check hubs. Then do 5 miles. Check hubs. Keep increasing the distance while keeping an eye on them.

17’ Mako //90hp Mercury
16’ Alumacraft // 20hp Yamaha
14’ War Eagle // 9.8hp Tohatsu
17’ Key West // 90hp Yamaha

3

Sounds like you need to back off one more notch.Screamingdrag is right,if they’re too tight,you’ll feel them heating up.

4

I loosen the nut to where the cotter pin would not go in the hole and it did not change the tightness, I hand tightened the nut back and backed off the nut one turn no change. I towed the boat around 5 or 6 miles and got home, I felt the hub and it was warm, but i could hold my hand on the hub. Note: the outside temp was 93.

5

What would be an average hub temp?

6
quote:
Originally posted by ftroop82

What would be an average hub temp?

That would depend on tire size, Load on trailer, outside temp, grease used, preload on bearing, etc… but on a hot day I would expect them around 130-140 on a non braked axle 150-180 on an axle with brakes after a few stops… You won’t hold your hand on a 120* axle.

You can search this topic, many posts over the years on this subject.

As for your hubs feeling tight? Depending some grease it has that tendency when cold, but things will free up a bit when it warms up, also a new seal can create a little “drag”. That’s why all your big rig trailers went away from grease and went to gear oil… less drag and better fuel efficiency… or so they say.

For the modern price of an infrared temp gun, get one and don’t guess on what you “think” your hand is feeling. The also work great for grilling and checking your oil while frying stuff. Also keeps the grandkids busy.

7

Thanks for all the info, I’ll pick up an infrared temp gun today.