Troubleshooting Replacement Hub/Drum Fit on 1962 Airstream

Updated 04/22/2019 | Published 04/19/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 2,200-lb Axles - 5 on 4-1/2

(873)

$110.75

Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - 15123

(2074)

$9.82

Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - 25580

(2074)

$21.85

Dexter Trailer Axle w/ Electric Brakes - E-Z Lube - 6 on 5-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 89" - 5,200 lbs

(227)

$694.41

Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 5.2K & 6K Axles - 12" - 6 on 5-1/2 - Pre-Greased

(1711)

$165.46

Question:

Got electric brakes convert and hubs from you, for a 62 airstream. Seems too narrow for the spindle? Shoes rub front edge of drum Bearings are too big on the innner...sloppy on the spindle. Guessing different bearing set? Thanks.

asked by: Russell B

Expert Reply:

In order for replacement hubs to fit on your existing spindles the new hubs need to use the same inner and outer bearing parts. The hub/drum assembly you selected # AKHD-655-6-EZ-K uses inner bearing # 25580 and outer bearing # 15123 and it is intended for a 5200-lb or 6000-lb axle with number 42 spindles. The bearing inner diameters are 1.75-inches for bearing # 25580 and 1.25-inches for bearing # 15123. The hub's included grease seal has an inner diameter of 2.25-inches.

If these bearings do not fit your spindles you'll want to check the original hub bearings to get their part numbers. If the part numbers do match then your spindles may be too worn and also need replacement by a trained welder who has the correct equipment to weld on new spindles. The other option is to replace the entire axle with a new kit like # 8327820-EB which includes the 89-inch axle, spindles, hub/drums, bearings, races, seals, and mounting hardware. This particular axle has an 89-inch hub face dimension (A in the diagram) and 74-inch spring center spacing (B in the diagram).

If you can tell me your original inner and outer bearing numbers and your wheel bolt pattern I can help you find hubs that will fit your spindles.

As for the brake shoes rubbing on the drums this could be a result of the bearing size being incorrect for the spindles or the brake being mounted on the wrong sides of the trailer. Trailer brakes are specifically left or right; the longer shoe should face forward on the trailer.