Does the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly # 84546UC3 Come Fully Assembled

Updated 05/20/2026 | Published 11/28/2012

Question:

Hi! Does the drum come assembled with the bearings etc. already installed? Would I just need to remove the old drum, clean up the spindle and put the new drum on, or is there more to it than that? I would be replacing all four drums on my travel trailer. Thanks.

asked by: Louis

Expert Reply:

The Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly, part # 84546UC3, is a trailer hub and drum with the lug nuts, bearings, bearing races, grease cap and grease seal included. It is designed to fit 3,500-lb axles.

After removing your old drum and cleaning the spindle you will need to install the hub and drum with the included parts to your spindle.

The hub will have the bearing races installed but the inner bearing will need to be greased and installed in the hub and drum along with the grease seal. With the inner bearing installed you will then slide the hub and drum assembly onto the spindle and install the outer bearing on to the spindle and tighten it down using the castle nut from your old hub assembly. With the hub and drum now attached to your spindle you just need to install the dust cap over the end of the hub and use the lug nuts to attach your wheel and tire to the trailer.

I am including a link to a video review that will show you what parts will come with your hub and drum assembly. I have also included a link to a video that will show how to remove and reinstall a hub and drum on a trailer.

expert reply by: Jeff D

John

5/19/2026

The backing plate/drum assemblies arrive in a stout shipping crate, as opposed to years ago, when things sort of fell apart in transit. They are assembled and ready to go, with the exception of the inner/outer bearing grease, as mentioned.. I had a fried bearing on one spindle. So I replacied all 4 assemblies so I could go with auto-adjust. These are awesome. I do notice a little more wear on the shoes, but that's probably because it automatically adjusts to a higher tolerance than I ever had, adjusting them on my own. After three years I replaced the Chinese bearings and races to Timken brand. The torque for the four mounting bolts was a little difficult to find. I ended up finding fifty to seventy foot pounds. I used waterproof crimp connections for the electrical pigtails. Also. I now carry a left and right full assembly, so I can be ready out on the road to fix any problems. And believe me, these are not always easy to find out there while traveling.

Kate F.

5/20/2026

@John Thanks for sharing your experience and the detailed feedback John. It’s great to hear the assemblies arrived well packaged and ready to install. We also appreciate you mentioning the auto-adjust brake performance and your long-term update after replacing the bearings and races with Timken components. Your notes about torque specs, waterproof crimp connectors, and carrying a spare assembly are all excellent tips for other trailer owners as well. Thanks again for taking the time to come back and provide a real-world follow-up after several years of use!