Recommendation for Failing EZ Lube Spindle and Vortex Hub

Question:

I have vortex hubs on ez lube axles. One works fine, the other gets water in it. This was a problem before I replaced the original ez lube hubs. The zerk on the leaker is missing, also the spindle has a spot that was rough. I filed it as smooth as I could. Any ideas to solve the problem?

asked by: Randy P

Helpful Expert Reply:

We do not carry the Vortex hubs made by Tie Down Engineering. Unfortunately because of this, I don't really know how to assist with troubleshooting the hubs themselves as they are designed to seal out moisture and debris, yet are obviously failing. The threaded cab should have an o-ring to prevent moisture entry and the seal should prevent it on the other side.

The zerk fitting on your EZ lub spindles is a part of the spindle so to replace that would require changing the entire spindle. We do have those parts # TRU44FR, # TRU37FR, and # TRU74FR which need to be installed by a professional welder with the proper jigs for axles.

Based on the current state of your trailer spindles and hubs, I recommend going to a basic trailer hub and using bearing buddies that fit to keep your bearings maintained instead of the EZ lube and Vortex hub system. A replacement hub can be selected by confirming the axle weight rating, wheel bolt pattern and the bearing set used inside the hub. The inner and outer bearing parts must match those in the original hub in order for the replacement hub to fit properly on the trailer spindles. I've attached a photo to assist in measuring your spindles if needed to assist. Let me know if you need help once you have the measurements.

I linked our trailer hub page for you if you want to find a replacement. You can click on the filters for axle weight rating, bolt pattern and also the inner and outer bearing part numbers to narrow the displayed products to just those that will be compatible with your trailer's spindles.

expert reply by: Jason S