Greasing E-Z Lube Spindle and Determining Correct Replacement Hub and Drum Assembly

Question:

Last summer I bought a 2011 Yamaha AR240 jet boat with a MFI Trailer model: TRL 23-25 YMH240P. I noticed at the end of the season that the little ball that holds the grease in on the zerk fitting was no longer there and that grease wanted to come out when pumped in. I decided to take the wheel bearing protector off to replace the zerk fitting and found another zerk fitting inside. If I put the wheel bearing protector back on I do not believe grease will get inside the zerk fitting that is on the spindle. Do I grease that first and then put the wheel bearing protector back on and grease that? Should this be done once a year? Should I do away with the wheel break protector and find something that I can easily access with out using a hammer to tap it off? I also want to purchase a spare spindle with bearings just in case one were to go bad while driving. More of a $40-50 insurance policy just in case. How would I go about finding the right part? What should be done with the maintenance of the spindles every year? The trailer gets dunked in fresh water every time I go to the lake. Thank you,

asked by: Adam S

Expert Reply:

For the hubs on your MFI Trailer, I recommend simply removing the bearing protectors completely. Your trailer appears to have an E-Z lube spindle and in this case, bearing protectors are not needed. You will simply grease the spindle using the built-in grease zerk.

Checking for wear/damage and repacking the wheel bearings is recommended every 12,000 miles or 12 months. I have also attached a helpful trailer maintenance schedule that details the recommended schedule for various trailer components.

In order to choose the correct replacement hub and bearings, you will need to locate the bearing numbers on your existing hub assembly. The numbers should be stamped onto the bearings themselves. If you can not locate these numbers, you can also measure the inner and outer diameter of both bearings or the bearing and seal journals on the spindle. I recommend using a digital caliper like # PTW80157 because the measurements need to be precise. I have attached an image that shows these measurements.

As an example, the etrailer.com Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3,500 Pound E-Z Lube Axles # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K has a # L68149 inner bearing and # L44649 outer bearing.

You will also need to know the bolt pattern of your hub to ensure you choose a compatible replacement.

I have attached a couple of articles on bearings, races and seals that you may also find helpful.