Trailer Idler Hub Assembly # AKIHUB-545-35-EZ-K Will Not Fit on Spindle

Updated 08/04/2017 | Published 08/03/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Easy Grease Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 3.5K Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased

(1058)

$56.46

Grease Seal - Double Lip - ID 1.719" / OD 2.565" - for 3,500-lb Axles

(2774)

$8.76

Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - L44649

(2147)

$22.82

Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - L68149

(2147)

$18.41

4" Carbon Fiber Digital Caliper

(26)

$12.23

Question:

I received the referenced pregreased HUB. The exterior of the HUB is excatly the same as the old hub from my trailer. The trailer is over 15 years old. The old HUB is a DEXTER. As a novice at this type maintenance, I do not know how to slide the pregreased HUB onto my tapered spindle. It wont slide on. What are the install steps of this HUB?

asked by: Robert W

Expert Reply:

There really are no special instructions for installing a hub, like part # AKIHUB-545-35-EZ-K that you referenced. You will simply remove the caps on the end and slide it onto your spindle. You will then just need to take off the old washer or nut and reinstall it to secure the hub to your spindle. I have attached a video of a hub being installed that you can use as a reference (start at the 3:20 mark).

Since you are having trouble fitting the hub onto your spindle it leads me to believe that you have the wrong size hub for your spindle. Even though this hub uses the standard bearings and grease seal that a typical 3,500 lbs axle would have, since your trailer is 15 years old it might need a different hub.

You can verify this by looking at the Inner and Outer Bearings of your old hub as well as the Grease Seal. Look for any indication of a part number on the bearings and seal. The # AKIHUB-545-35-PG-EZK hub that you purchased uses an Inner Bearing # L68149 Outer Bearing # L44649 and Grease Seal # 58846 which has an inner diameter of 1.719".

If you cannot find the numbers on your old bearings and seals then you can simply measure your spindle using a Digital Caliper # PTW80157 to the 3rd decimal place, for example 0.725. If you look at the attached photo you will want to measure the B, C, and D locations on your spindle.

If B measures 1.719", C measures 1.378", and D measures 1.063" then the # AKIHUB-545-35-PG-EZK hub that you purchased should fit. Otherwise just let me know what those measurements are and I can see if we have a hub that is compatible with your spindle.