Verifying Fit of Replacement Idler Hub for Boat Trailer

Question:

While taking the wheel off my boat trailer the splines in the hub stripped out leaving the me unable to remove the wheel without cutting the lug bolt. Now im looking to replace both hubs with something of better quality I hope. The inner and outer bearings on the stock hubs are both L44649 and they hubs have a 5 on 4 1/2 bolt pattern. The splindles are EZ lube type and Im running 13inch tires. The hubs Im considering are the 8-258-50UC1-EZ. Would these be a good choice?

asked by: Bryan T

Expert Reply:

The # 8-258-50UC1-EZ hub from Dexter Axle is almost certainly the correct replacement hub for you. The bearings and the wheel bolt pattern both match up, but I'd like you to verify one more thing if you don't mind. Measure the inside dimension or hub bore of the inside of the hub where the grease seal sits (you'll need to remove the grease seal first). Also, use a digital caliper like # PTW80157 to measure the diameter of the spindle where the grease seal rides. If the hub bore diameter is about 1.987 and the spindle measures about 1.5 where the grease seal rides, the # 8-258-50UC1-EZ would indeed be a qualified replacement.

The hubs are galvanized for better corrosion resistance when compared with painted cast iron hubs, and are manufactured by Dexter Axle, a leader in the trailer running gear manufacturing business.

I'll link you to our FAQ article showing show to repack trailer wheel bearings, in case you're not familiar with the process.

expert reply by: Mike L