Bearing Protector Grease Cap Installation on a Boat Trailer with EZ-Lube Spindles and Disc Brakes

Question:

I am converting to disc brakes. My spindles currently have zurk fittings in the end of them. The new Titan disc brake package comes with the Kodiak bearing protectors, do I remove the zurk fitting in the end of the spindle when using the bearing protector?

asked by: Greg

Expert Reply:

When installing a disc brake kit on your boat trailer I recommend staying with the original EZ-Lube grease caps, like part # RG04-040.

Bearing protectors are not recommended for use with EZ-Lube spindles because the grease zerk in the end of the spindle will interfere with the inside of the bearing protector when pressed into the hub. Grease zerks are pressed into the end of EZ-Lube spindles and are usually very hard to remove. If you were able to remove them without damaging the spindle in any way, you could then use bearing protectors on the spindle with no issues.

The reason I recommend staying with the EZ-Lube spindle is because this system works well, allows you to check the grease in the hub easily and allows you an easy way to remove most if not all water contamination by pumping grease through the hub and bearings if you notice water at a time when removing the hub to clean things out is not convenient.

With bearing protectors water cannot get into the hub as easily, but if it does many times it will not be detected until it is too late.

expert reply by: Robert G