How To Measure Existing Hub Bearings To Replace Older Hub and Difference Between EZ Lube vs. Regular

Question:

The tag in my boat trailer shows GVWR 2094 lbs and I would like to know if that means my trailer has 2100lb axle? I planned on purchasing new hubs and would like to get the right size. Also whats the differences between a regular hub and an EZ Lube hub? Thanks for the help in advance!

asked by: Pao-Lien T

Expert Reply:

It is very likely that you have a 2100 or 2200 lb axle on the trailer however, the only way to know for sure is to find a tag on the axle itself. If you are not able to find the sticker on the axle we can narrow down the search with other information. The most important aspect of replacing the hub is getting the correct bearings, races with seals so that the hub fits the spindle and the bolt pattern so that your wheel fits.

To find out which bearings, races and seals the existing hubs have, you would need to pull an existing hub and look for a stamp on the side of the bearing and races. If they do not have a stamp measuring the spindle with a digital caliper like part # PTW80157 is necessary to figure out which hub you need. I have attached a diagram that shows where on the spindle to measure. I have also attached a very helpful article about determining the bolt pattern of your existing hub to insure the new hub will fit your existing wheels.

The difference between a regular hub and an EZ lube hub a removable rubber plug in the hub that allows you to easily access the zerk fitting on the end of an EZ lube spindle. The spindle needs to have the zerk fitting to be considered an EZ lube axle. The regular hub does not have the removable rubber plug.

To give you an example the Dexter hub part # 8-258-50UC1-EZ has removable rubber plug in the hub bore.

expert reply by: Heather A