What is the hub on a trailer?
The trailer wheel hub assembly connects the trailer tires to the trailer axle and facilitates their spin. If those wheel hubs corrode or aren’t installed properly, it will throw the trailer tires out of alignment and could lead to serious damage of your vehicle, trailer and whatever you’re toting around.
What size is my trailer hub?
The first specification to determine is the number of studs/bolts and the ‘bolt circle’ diameter. Most 4 lug hubs have a 4” bolt circle and most 5 lug boat trailer hubs have a 4 ½” bolt circle diameter. Cargo and utility trailers with 5 lug hubs are commonly found with a 5” bolt circle.
What size are my trailer bearings?
The easiest way to determine which bearings are used on your trailer axle is to take the hub off and check for the numbers stamped into the bearings. If the bearing numbers cannot be read, the next best solution is to find the bearings’ inner diameter.
What is the purpose of the wheel hub?
First and foremost, the wheel hub assembly keeps your wheel attached to your vehicle and allows the wheels to freely turn enabling you to safely steer. The wheel hub assembly is also critical to your anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the traction control system (TCS).
How do I know what size hub to buy?
To determine the size of the hub assembly you need to purchase you have to determine which bearings are in the old assembly. If the old assembly has L44649 inner bearings, you would use the hub you chose # 8-258-5UC1. If the inner bearings are marked L44643, you will need # 8-258BTUC1.
How do I know my trailer axle size?
If you bought a company-made trailer (as opposed to building one yourself from a kit) there should be a tag with the VIN, weight and capacities all there for you. You should find it on the driver’s side of the trailer. A second way to determine the size axle you need is to measure the diameter of your existing axle.
How do you measure trailer hub bearings?
What Size are My Trailer Wheel Bearings?
- Support your trailer with a jack.
- Take off the wheel and tire.
- Remove the grease cap, cotter pin, and washer.
- Remove the spindle nut.
- Take out the hub itself.
- Look for the part numbers on the inner and outer bearings to determine the correct trailer wheel bearing sizes.
How much play should a trailer wheel bearing have?
Check wheels for side-to-side looseness – There should be a very slight amount of play in the wheel, typically 1/8-inch or less. If the wheels are loose or spin with a wobble, the bearings must be serviced or replaced.
How much does it cost to repack trailer bearings?
So, how much does it cost to pack wheel bearings on a trailer? Surprising little, expect to pay as little as $100 and at most $400. If you want to save some money you can do it yourself, but in my opinion, it’s not worth it unless you have ample experience and all the necessary tools.