Can Races and Bearings be Moved Closer Together Inside of a Boat Trailer Hub
Question:
My nephew has an older boat trailer with a 1 1/16 diameter spindle that is only 3,5 inches from the 1.25 inch lip to the end of threads. Local boat outfit provided him with a hub kit instead of just bearings to fix his bearing issue. The hub provided will not allow threaded portion of spindle to extend out enough to get a nut on. Are the bearing races inside the hub fixed or can they be driven further in allowing the spindle to protrude more? I initially encouraged him to take his old hub and replace just the bearings, races , seal etc, The new hub he got appears to have a gap after the race and before I go swinging away with a punch and hammer wanted to know if this is advisable. Thanks
asked by: Jim B
Expert Reply:
The races in a hub are usually pressed in already at the factory because driving them in properly requires experience and the proper tools. I strongly advise not attmepting to do this yourself. Also, the inside of a hub is tapered and the races will only go in so far before they cannot go in any further.
The bearings ride on the spindle so you cannot adjust their positions. The issue you are experiencing does come up sometimes on boat trailers.
If you can tell me the inner and outer bearing numbers I can determine if we have a hub that will work. Or, do like you said and just replace the bearings and seals and keep the old hubs.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 2,000-lb Axles - 4 on 4 - L44643 Bearings - Pre-Greased
- Trailer Hubs and Drums
- Hub
- Pre-Greased
- Standard
- L44643
- L44643
- For 2000 lbs Axles
- 1/2 Inch Stud
- 4 on 4 Inch
- 8 Inch Wheel
- 10 Inch Wheel
- 12 Inch Wheel
- 13 Inch Wheel
- 14 Inch Wheel
- etrailer
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