How to Find the Correct Grease Seals for a 2002 Trailstar Boat Trailer

Question:

I am having an issue blowing out grease seals. I have a 2002 Trailstar boat trailer. The hubs are UFP H-1062-1 discontinued, I think, because I cant find any info on them sitting on an EZ-Lube axle with straight 1 1/16 inch spindles. I dont know who made the axle so I cant give you that information, but I assume its either a 2,000# or 2,200# axle. Both inner and outer bearings are L44649 with L44610 races. I know I should be using double-lip seals so I will be switching to those, but my question relates to the size of the seal I should be using with regards to the inner diameter. My current seals are 1.983 OD x 1.375 ID. Is the inner diameter correct, or is it too big and thats why my grease seals are blowing out every year? Or is more likely that the main cause is that I am using only single-lip seals. I really appreciate you guys...thanks!

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

In order to make sure you have the proper grease seal for your hub and spindle, I would need you to measure the spindle where the grease seal rides and the trailer hub where the grease seal sits. These measurements will need to be taken to the nearest thousandth of an inch with a digital caliper. Once you can provide me with them, I would be glad to see if the grease seal you have now is correct or if we have a better one for you. The double lip grease seal as you mentioned will be much better for marine applications but shouldn't be what is causing them to blow.

Please note that another reason as to why your grease seals blow could be attributed to how you fill them. For EZ lube axles you will first want to grease your bearings and spindle by hand. Then insert your bearings and grease seal in the hub and mount your hub on your spindle. You should slowly pump grease into the spindle. As you are pumping the grease into the spindle, occasionally rotate the hub. This will prevent the grease from building up in one spot. Continue to pump grease until you begin to see the outer bearing move or you see grease seeping through the outer bearing. If you pump the grease slowly and rotate the hub, you should not blow the grease seal. Once you see the grease seeping through, you can install the washer, spindle nut and nut retainer.

expert reply by: Conner L