What Could Cause Enlargement of Trailer Wheel Bolt Holes
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Hello, I have a Loadrite single axel trailer. I noticed on one side, the lug holes became wallowed out. The holes were becoming larger than the lug nut. I replaced the rim. I pulled off the hub and I had lots of grease inside. The bearings looked perfect. Could the spindle be bent? The hub bent? Any suggestions?
asked by: Chase
Expert Reply:
In order for the holes on your trailer wheels to become enlarged there would had to have been enough movement of the wheel on your hub's studs to allow the holes to be enlarged. The continuous friction from the wheel studs would wear on the holes in the wheel and enlarge them.
Most likely the wheel was not secured to the hub with enough torque on the lug nuts or the wheel is intended for a hub that has different diameter studs. A bent spindle could cause uneven tire wear but not enlarged holes in the wheel unless the wheel was also loose on the hub. I linked a chart showing recommended lug nut torque for various types and sizes of trailer wheels.
I suggest you check the condition of the wheel studs on your hub. They too may have been damaged by the contact with the wheel's holes and you could have thread damage. We do offer replacement studs that are shown on the linked page; both the drive-in and screw-in types, like # K12WB2 and # 25-53.

Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 5,200-lb to 7,000-lb Axles - 12" - 8 on 6-1/2
- Trailer Hubs and Drums
- Hub with Integrated Drum
- Standard
- 25580 / 14125A
- Standard Grade
- For 5200 lbs Axles
- For 6000 lbs Axles
- For 7000 lbs Axles
- 1/2 Inch Stud
- 8 on 6-1/2 Inch
- 16 Inch Wheel
- 16-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 17 Inch Wheel
- 17-1/2 Inch Wheel
- Dexter
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Bauer NE RV Entry Door Lock for Trailers - Bluetooth - Right Handed
- Video: Spare Tire Lock Review
- Video: Global Link Ultra E Pro Electronic Lock Review
- Shop: Global Link RV Entry Door Locking Latch Kit with Keyed Alike Option - Bluetooth - Black
- Shop: Global Link Ultra E Pro Electronic Lock for Travel Trailer w Keyed Alike Option - Black - Right Hand
- Shop: Dexstar Steel Mini Mod Trailer Wheel - 15" x 5" Rim - 5 on 5 - Silver Powder Coat
- Shop: Global Link RV Entry Door Locking Latch Kit with Keyed Alike Option - Black
- Shop: Spare Tire Lock
- Shop: Steel Mod Silver Trailer Wheel - 15" x 5" Rim - 5 on 4-3/4
- Search Results: timkin
- Search Results: lippert suspension
- Search Results: grease seals ~ double lip trailer bearings races seals caps
- Article: How to Measure Your Trailer Wheel Bolt Pattern
- Video: A Closer Look at the Timken Bearing Kit for Lippert, Dexter, and AL-KO Axles
- Video: Ultimate Overview of the Leaf Spring Bushing
- Video: Comprehensive Review: Karrier ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 14" White Spoke Wheel
- Video: In-Depth Review of the Replacement Standard Shackle Link
- Video: Timken Bearing Kit Installation - Enclosed Trailer
- Q&A: Torque Specs for 3500-lb 5-on-4-1/2 Dexter Hub/Drum 84546UC3
- Q&A: Which Bearing Kit Does The 2016 Keystone Passport GT 2670BH Travel Trailer Require?
- Q&A: How to Determine if Trailer Has Manual-Adjust or Self-Adjusting Electric Brakes
- Q&A: How to Determine If Trailer Has Self-Adjusting or Manual-Adjust Brakes
- Q&A: Potential Causes for Trailer Hub to Heat Up
- Q&A: Proper Centering of New Trailer Wheel Whose Pilot Hole is Larger Than Original Wheels
- Q&A: How to Measure Width and Bolt Pattern on a Trailer Wheel
- Search Results: dexstar 15
- Search Results: trailer wheels
- Search Results: center cap
- Article: 7 Common Questions Everyone Has About Trailer Tires
- Shop: Windshield Covers