See what our Experts say about this Dexter Trailer Hubs and Drums

• Changing From 1/2 Wheel Studs To 9/16 For 8 on 6-1/2 Wheel Hub 7K Axel
  To use the Westlake 215/75R17.5 radial tire and wheel, # LHAS701 is an 8 on 6-1/2 it may be possible to change your studs from 1/2" to 9/16" so long as the studs are drive-in (as opposed to threaded); also, the length and knurl diameter needs to be the same. I have added a link to a video review for you to check out as well as a link to our selection of 9/16" diameter, drive-in wheel studs. Otherwise, you will need to select another wheel/tire combo that uses the 1/2" wheel studs your...
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• Replacement Hub Drum for 7000 lb Dexter Nev-R-Lube Axle
  You will want the Trailer Hub & Drum Assembly - 7,000 lbs Axles - 8 on 6-1/2 - Nev-R-Lube # 8-385-81SP or # 8-385-82UC3 which also includes the lug nuts and grease cap. Both assemblies include the bearings and there is not a hub that comes without them. The bearings are not pressed in but rather have a snap ring. I recommend keeping your current bearings as a backup or removing the new bearings to keep until needed.
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• Replacement Dexter Nev-R-Lube 8K Drum with 5/8 Inch Studs
  The part that you're looking for is the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 8,000-lb Nev-R-Lube Axles - 8 on 6-1/2 # DX87XR. This is the same as the part # 8-385-81SP that you mentioned with the 9/16" studs except the DX87XR has the 5/8" studs that you're needing.
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• How to Avoid Over-Filling Hubs with Grease
  The most common cause for wheel bearing grease to leak onto drum brake components is accidental over-filling. Once grease gets onto the brake pads it is neither easy nor a terribly good idea to clean the grease off them. They really should be replaced if they become fouled with bearing grease. The best ways to prevent over-filling your hubs are to use caution when pumping grease into a spindle zerk fitting, such as the one on spindle # TRU37FR if this is what spindle you have. Pump too...
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• What Is the Torque Spec for a Nev-R Lube Spindle Nut
  The Dexter Spindle Nut # 6-183 used with your 50mm Nev-R-Lube bearing # 31-71-3, requires 145 to 155 ft/lbs of torque, according to the manufacturer's specifications. See attached diagrams for step by step instructions.
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• Replacement Hub and Bearing for Dexter Nev-R-Lube Axles
  Normally you would go by the bearing numbers stamped into the sides of the bearing. If you do not have those bearings though then the spindle will have to be measured. Since you have Nev-R-Lube axles though there are not that many options. If the spindle is 50mm in diameter then # 8-385-81SP or # 8-385-82UC3 would be correct. If the spindle is 42 millimeters then you would need # 8-388-80UC3 which has a 6 on 5-1/2 inch bolt pattern.
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• Measuring a Trailer Brake Hub and Drum Assembly to Select a Replacement
  There are usually identifying marks and other information on the outside of a trailer brake drum that indicates what it is. But if you go by the inner width and diameter and select the correct bolt pattern to match what you have then the part number of the old hub is not needed. I have included a picture showing where the measurements are taken. I have also included a link to our help article on determining bolt pattern.
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• Bearings for the Dexter Nev-R-Lube Hub and Drum for 7000-Pound Axles
  The Dexter Nev-R-Lube Hub and Drum for 7000-Pound Axles, part # 8-385-81SP, utilizes a different kind of bearing system than traditional hubs and drums. This hub and drum comes with the bearings and snap ring already assembled into the drum. In other words, if you replace the hub and drum with this part, you will get the bearings and snap ring assembly with it. I've linked to a video review of this hub and drum for you to see. However, if you do not want to get the whole assembly and would...
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• Does a Trailer Hub have a Specific Torque Spec
  The general rule is to use channel locks to tighten the castle nut, back it off some, tighten it again (should go a little further), back it off again and repeat this process until the hub is seated where it should be. Then you would back off the castle nut one notch if it had a pin or tang washer, or no more than a 1/4 turn if it doesn't.
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• Correct Braking Assemblies for Dexter 7K Nev-R-Lube Trailer Hub & Drum Assembly
  The correct braking assemblies that match up with the Trailer Hub & Drum Assembly part # 8-385-81SP are the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes part # 23-464-465.
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• Comparing The Electric Trailer Brake Kit # AKEBRK-7-SA To 7K Dexter Brake Assemblies # 23-465/23-464
  The Electric Trailer Brake Kit - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 5.2K to 7K # AKEBRK-7-SA are the equivalent of the Dexter 7K assemblies # 23-465 and # 23-464. They are actually a little nicer than the Dexter assemblies in my opinion because the brake shoe material is cut instead of scored and broken off so there is a cleaner line for less wear and tear at the edge of the material. They are absolutely compatible with the Trailer Hub & Drum Assembly - 7,000 lbs...
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• Spindle Nut Torque for Installing Trailer Hubs
  When installing the castle nut on the end of the spindle to install a hub like the part # 8-385-81SP, there is no specific torque rating. The nut is ran down until there is no side to side play in the hub, and then backed off to the next notch in the castle nut so the tang washer or cotter pin can secure the nut. Over-tightening the castle nut can damage the bearings, races and spindle. If you click on the video link I provided, and fast forward to the 4:45 minute mark, you can see how...
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• Are Dexter Trailer Hubs Sold Individually or As a Pair
  The trailer hubs we offer like the part # 8-385-81SP that you referenced are sold individually. So if you needed enough for a trailer axle (two) you'd need to order a quantity of 2.
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• Dexter Nev-R-Lube Hub with 8 on 6-1/2 Bolt Pattern for 5,200 Pound Trailer Axle
  I did some checking and what you have is a derated 6 or 7K axle that uses the 7K Nev-R-Lube hub # 8-385-82UC3. It takes the 50mm Nev-R-Lube bearing # 31-71-3. I have included links to videos on both of these parts for you.
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• Can I Put Different Hub Assembly on 5th Wheel
  It looks like your 5th Wheel currently is a Nev-R-Lube Hub and Drum Assembly for 7,000 lbs Axles with an 8 on 6-1/2 bolt pattern # 8-385-81SP. This is the assembly that you will want to order for your 5th Wheel. I have included a video review of this assembly for you to check out. I spoke with my contact at Dexter and she said you cannot replace your Nev-R-Lube assembly with a standard hub and drum assembly because the bearings and spindle are different. For an electric brake assembly...
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