Troubleshooting Hub Overheating on Tandem Axle Boat Trailer

Question:

I had my hubs replaced 2 yrs ago and trailer was only driven 5-6 times since then , well now 1 of my hubs is getting a lil to hot to hold , definitely not sane temp as other 3 hubs , I’ve taken to 2 mechanics they both said everything looks good , bearings hubs grease , would a bad tire cause a hub to get really hot ?

asked by: Michael M

Expert Reply:

A bad tire would not cause your hub to overheat, and if the tire was that bad you would have felt it while towing or it would have failed already. However, if you have older tires it would be worth inspecting them to make sure you don't end up with additional problems. It sounds like your hub was checked for most of the common issues that would cause overheating.

One of the most common causes is the castle nut being overtightened but I don't think that is the issue especially after seeing 2 different mechanics. One thing you didn't mention is the brakes. If your brake assembly is overadjusted and dragging that might be the reason for a single hub overheating. If you spin the wheel with the trailer jacked up there should only be a slight resistance.

The other possibility, although unlikely, could be a bent spindle. You might want to ask the mechanics you took it to if this was something they checked for, or if they only checked out the bearings and grease.

expert reply by: Robin H