Losing Grease from etrailer Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly Part # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K

Question:

I recently purchased etrailer Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3,500-lb E-Z Lube Axles - 10inch Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2, Item # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K and attached Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 1980A-SS w/ Auto Check - Stainless Steel Pair, Item # BB1980A-SS. After a couple weeks, I found the Bearing Buddys to be empty fully recessed. Regreased. After 350 mile trip, found to be empty again. Regreased. After trip home, found to be empty again. Are the Bearing Buddys not correct for this setup or is something else possibly wrong. P.S. the Hub seals were installed with the metal face showing and not against the bearing.

asked by: Brad

Expert Reply:

The Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors part # BB1980A-SS are indeed correct for the etrailer Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly part # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K. Have you noticed any grease on the outside of your wheels/tires? If grease was leaking out of the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors then there would be grease all over your wheels and tires. It wouldn't just fly off either so you should notice it if present.

If there isn't any grease on the outside of your wheels/tires then odds are it is leaking out of the rear grease seal. This seal needs to be flush with the mounting surface. If you still see the metal sleeve then this could very well be where you are losing grease. If you take a block of wood and place it over the grease seal and then use a hammer, the grease seal should seat properly. The other issue could be the size of the grease seal. The inner diameter of the grease seal that is included with the hub/drum is 1.719". In order to make sure this is the correct one for you, you will need to measure the outer diameter of where the grease seal sits on the spindle.

expert reply by: Conner L