Troubleshooting Overheating Hubs on a Trailer With New Bearings and Grease
Question:
My 8inch hub runs quite hot even with new bearings Timkin and fresh grease. After about 15 miles at 60 mph, I am not able to hold on to the hub... its too hot. The nut is not that tight... just tight enough to have no slop. How hot do these 8inch wheels get? My trailer is empty so its not a weight issue. Any ideas?
asked by: Tim
Expert Reply:
Hubs will heat up when driving, but if it feels like they are getting too hot, then you will want to look at a few things on your hub. My guess is that the spindle nut is too tight and the added stress on the bearings is overheating the bearings and hub and could be causing damage to the bearings.
When you install the castle nut you will want to tighten the spindle nut while turning the hub. When there is a slight bind on the bearing, the parts are seated correctly. Back the nut off up to 1/4 turn to allow .001 inch to .007 inch end play for the bearings.
Failure to back off the adjusting nut could cause the bearings to run hot and be damaged.
Once you have backed off the spindle nut you will want to bend the cotter pin or tang on the washer to prevent the nut from backing off. I have attached a video of our technician installing a hub on a trailer and how the spindle nut should be tightened to prevent over heating. You can skip to the 1 minute and 45 second mark to see the hub installation.
Andres G.
5/28/2020
I change out my wheel bearing on my trailer last week drove about 5 miles but still think it's still getting hot
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 2,000-lb Axles - 5 on 4-1/2
- Trailer Hubs and Drums
- Hub
- Standard
- L44643
- L44643
- For 2000 lbs Axles
- 1/2 Inch Stud
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- 10 Inch Wheel
- 12 Inch Wheel
- Dexter
more information >
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Joey L.
7/22/2020
Hi can I wire 5th wheel brakes to bust bar to work together. Instead of them individual. Wire them to come on at same time instead of one getting power first let them come at same time and work together. Thanks