Can Races and Bearings be Moved Closer Together Inside of a Boat Trailer Hub
Question:
My nephew has an older boat trailer with a 1 1/16 diameter spindle that is only 3,5 inches from the 1.25 inch lip to the end of threads. Local boat outfit provided him with a hub kit instead of just bearings to fix his bearing issue. The hub provided will not allow threaded portion of spindle to extend out enough to get a nut on. Are the bearing races inside the hub fixed or can they be driven further in allowing the spindle to protrude more? I initially encouraged him to take his old hub and replace just the bearings, races , seal etc, The new hub he got appears to have a gap after the race and before I go swinging away with a punch and hammer wanted to know if this is advisable. Thanks
asked by: Jim B
Expert Reply:
The races in a hub are usually pressed in already at the factory because driving them in properly requires experience and the proper tools. I strongly advise not attmepting to do this yourself. Also, the inside of a hub is tapered and the races will only go in so far before they cannot go in any further.
The bearings ride on the spindle so you cannot adjust their positions. The issue you are experiencing does come up sometimes on boat trailers.
If you can tell me the inner and outer bearing numbers I can determine if we have a hub that will work. Or, do like you said and just replace the bearings and seals and keep the old hubs.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 2,000-lb Axles - 4 on 4 - L44643 Bearings - Pre-Greased
- Trailer Hubs and Drums
- Hub
- Pre-Greased
- Standard
- L44643
- L44643
- For 2000 lbs Axles
- 1/2 Inch Stud
- 4 on 4 Inch
- 8 Inch Wheel
- 10 Inch Wheel
- 12 Inch Wheel
- 13 Inch Wheel
- 14 Inch Wheel
- etrailer
more information >
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 2,000-lb Axles - 4 on 4 - Galvanized
- Shop: Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 2,000-lb Axles - 4 on 4 - L44643 Bearings - Pre-Greased
- Search Results: bt8 spindles
- Search Results: bt8 hub
- Video: etrailer Trailer Idler Hub Assembly Review AKIHUB-440-2-1K
- Q&A: How to Tell if Trailer has a BT8 or BTR Spindle Installed
- Q&A: Correct 4-Bolt Idler Hub for BT8 Spindle
- Q&A: Replacement Hub for 13 Inch Wheel with 4 on 4 Bolt Pattern and L44643 Inner and Outer Bearings
- Q&A: Diameter of 4 on 4 Inch Idler Hub Center For Wheel Pilot Hole Compatibility
- Q&A: Dimensions of the Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 2,000-lb Axles Part # AKIHUB-440-2-1K
- Shop: Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 2,000-lb Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 - Galvanized
- Search Results: boat trailer roller
- Article: How to Tell the Weight Rating of a Trailer Axle
- Article: Most Popular Wheel Bearings
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Q&A: What is Speed Rating of Trailer Tires in Size 4.80-8
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between Load Range B and C Trailer Tires
- Shop: Kenda 4.80/4.00-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range B
- Shop: Easy Grease Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 2K Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 - Galvanized
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: 44649
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Grease Seals 10-36 (pair)
- Search Results: 68149
- Video: Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System Installation
- Shop: Hub Bearing Kit for Lippert, Dexter, and AL-KO Axles - 3,500 lb with #84 Spindle
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
on Trailer Hubs and Drums
