Where to Measure Spindle to Find the Correct Seal

Question:

I read a post that stated Kodiak XL Prolube for 3500lb axles will not work on a 1.68 spindle I assume that is the diameter were the seal rides ? I have a 2002 EZ loader trailer that came with my Triumph boat i installed a kit a few years a ago and have had oil leaks with the right side only i have replace the seal twice 3rd one now and it still leaks, I have inspected every thing multiple times and can`t figure it out, I guess I could pull the hub and measure were the seal rides If it is a 1.68 spindle what seals will i need ?? The bearing look and are clean could they cause the seals to fail ?? thanks

asked by: Doug O

Expert Reply:

You are correct that for the Kodiak XL ProLube Kit # XLPROLUBE1980KIT the 1.72" is the diameter of where the oil seal rides and would not work for a 1.68" diameter. Oil is often used on higher capacity axles and we do not offer an oil seal that measures 1.68". We do have grease seals with an inner diameter of 1.68", part # 168233; if yours is a grease hub and you are using oil that may be why it is leaking but if the hubs are also full of water that can also cause leaking.

I recommend switching to a grease hub for a boat trailer, and to do that you would need to take apart your current hub and find the bearing numbers which will be stamped on them or use a digital caliper to measure your spindle like in the photo I've attached. You will also want to make sure your new hubs have the same wheel bolt pattern as your current wheels so I've attached a help article on how to find wheel bolt pattern for you to take a look at. If you do decide to change let me know and I'll be happy to help you find the correct replacements.

expert reply by: Kyle S

click to enlarge

Kyle S.

2/13/2018

You are correct that for the Kodiak XL ProLube Kit # XLPROLUBE1980KIT the 1.72" is the diameter of where the oil seal rides and would not work for a 1.68" diameter. Oil is often used on higher capacity axles and we do not offer an oil seal that measures 1.68". We do have grease seals with an inner diameter of 1.68", part # 168233; if yours is a grease hub and you are using oil that may be why it is leaking but if the hubs are also full of water that can also cause leaking. I recommend switching to a grease hub for a boat trailer, and to do that you would need to take apart your current hub and find the bearing numbers which will be stamped on them or use a digital caliper such as # 301-17068 to measure your spindle like in the photo I've attached. You will also want to make sure your new hubs have the same wheel bolt pattern as your current wheels so I've attached a help article on how to find wheel bolt pattern for you to take a look at. If you do decide to change let me know and I'll be happy to help you find the correct replacements.