Can Bushings Be Used to Enable Bearings to Fit in a Mobile Home Hub

Question:

I am looking to replace HADCO Mobile home style hubs with 1 5/8 id inner bearing and 1 1/4inch outer bearing. I can find takeoff hubs with 1 3/4inch id inner bearing. Cant I use bushings to make the 1 3/4inch inner brg hubs fit 1 5/8inch spindle?

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

It is not safe to use any sort of bushing or spacer to allow an incorrect size of bearing to "fit" where it does not fit. The pressure and heat generated within bearings requires extremely precise fit tolerances (and lubrication) and any bearing that was modified to fit in a hub where it does not belong would likely soon be destroyed - which could potentially lead to a very unsafe situation and liability concerns.

Also, mobile home axles/hubs/wheels/tires are meant for one-time use only. These assemblies are not intended to be re-built with new bearings like trailer hubs. A better solution is to replace your axle and hubs.

The link at right will take you to our main page for trailer axles. You can use the filters in the left-hand margin to narrow the results shown to those that match your requirements. Some kits include hubs. You can sort the results by axle weight capacity, length and bolt pattern.

expert reply by: Adam R