Why Would Trailer Hub Get Hot When Leaking Grease/Oil

Published 10/15/2015

Question:

i recently swapped out my trailer bearings. mainly because i blew a seal. when changing seal i also check the racers. the racers were very smooth all the way thru. so i left both front and rear racers. i installed bearing seal, rear bearings, installing with wood plank so that the seal is flush. i then installed the front bearings front and back new, washer, castle nut. i then tightened castle nut and backed off more than a 3/4 turn because it appeared stiff. i ed cotter pin and cloesed cap. when driving the axle is very hot. unlike the other axles. also it seems as though the oil is still leaking out of the seal. what am i doing wrong? id appreciate any assistance. thanks in advance

asked by: Kelvin

Expert Reply:

If the oil or grease of your hub is leaking out then the heat you have found is related to that. Without proper lubrication the hub is getting hot. If this is a grease hub and you put oil in it then that would be why it would be leaking out.

Or you overfilled the hub with grease and in doing so blew out the seal. This is a common problem with people who use Bearing Buddies. Either way you need to replace the seal and repack the hub with grease properly.

I attached a video that demonstrates how to properly pack a hub with grease. It will walk you through the entire process so that you know your hub is packed correctly.

expert reply by: Jameson C