Converting A 6 Lug Hub To A 5 Lug Hub

Question:

i woud like to take the 6 lug breaks to a 5 lug bolt pattern so we can match the wheels on my son truck to the trailer what do i need an in bearings wheel seal and drums like i said it a 6 lug know and like to put 5 lug on it

asked by: Jerry M

Expert Reply:

In order to make sure you can swap to a 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern, you will need to pull one of your current hubs off. There are a few different bearing combinations that could have been used with your current 6 on 5-1/2 bolt pattern and it will need to be verified.

The etrailer Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3,500-lb E-Z Lube Axles - 10" Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2 # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K, as an example, will use the inner bearing # L68149, the outer bearing # L44649, and the # 58846 grease seal. There are a few drums with 6 on 5-1/2 bolt patterns that use this bearing and seal combo, but it isn't very common. If they do match though, you are good to go.

If they do not match, the only option will be to replace the axle. You will need to measure a few things to do this. As an example, the Dexter Trailer Axle w/ Electric Brakes - EZ-Lube - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern # 35545E-ST-89 will come with brakes, drums, seals, bearings, and the actual axle. The axle will measure 74" from the center of one spring seat to the center of the other, and then 89" from hub face to hub face.

I do also need to mention that the axle as well as the 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern hubs/drums will be rated to 3,500 pounds. If your bearings didn't match the previously mentioned ones, your axle will be rated to 5,200 pounds or 6,000 pounds, so changing over will lower the capacity of the trailer.