Is it Advisable to Replace Both Boat Trailer Hubs on Venture Single-Axle Boat Trailer

Question:

I want to replace the hub rotor for my Venture trailer. My left hub always had problems and was replaced two years ago. Since then I had the bearing go bad and had it replaced. A year later it makes noises and I repack the bearings. should I buy a new hub/rotor for both sides when replacing the trailer rotor eventhough the original right tire never had a problem? If I do replace them I have bearing buddy trailer wheel bearing protectors model 1980. How do I know that these will fit the new hubs? The wheels are 5 0n 4 1/2. I just bought new tires and still not getting a good roll. Thanks cheers

asked by: Thomas M

Expert Reply:

Primarily for safety reasons, we always recommend replacing both sides of trailer axle components, whether brake assemblies, bearings, races, hubs or all of the above. This will ensure even performance. It will also provide a similar future working lifespan for both sides of the axle, which will avoid the potential need to have to soon repeat the dis-assembly/repair process.

Venture offers both single- and tandem-axle boat trailers. Based on your description I presume you have a single-axle trailer and that it uses idler hubs (without hydraulic drum or disc brakes).

You indicate that your left hub has repeatedly had a problem, so you may want to take special care to inspect the left axle spindle. If your spindle is bent or damaged it could be leading to the repeated issues with your left hub. Since identifying the correct replacement parts for your axle requires that you identify the axle weight rating, and bearing and seal numbers anyway, you can perform an inspection of both spindles at that time.

Trailer manufacturers do not necessarily use the same bearings, races and seals on all production runs of any given model of trailer. Also, if the trailer had a previous owner or has been serviced (as in your case) it could be that the bearings, races and seals are not the same as the original parts installed by the manufacturer, nor the same on both sides. Therefore, the best way to identify correct replacement parts is to remove and obtain reference numbers from the current parts on both sides of the trailer.

You will need to confirm the axle weight rating, and part numbers from the inner and outer bearings and seals. We already know the bolt pattern is 5-on-4-1/2. The photo attached will illustrate where the part numbers appear. I have also linked an article and video concerning the process of replacing bearings, races and seals.

The Bearing Buddy part you reference, 1980, comes in three versions; auto check, part # BB1980A;
threaded, part # BB1980T-SS (which requires a threaded hub); and stainless-steel auto-check, part #
BB1980A-SS. These are compatible with outer bearing models L-44643, L-44649 and L-44640 and outer race model L44610. Once you remove and identify your trailer parts you will know whether the Bearing Buddy you have now will work.