How to Identify Compatible Hubs for Vintage Utility Trailer
Question:
I am trying to find the correct hubs for a trailer that I have. Someone built it years ago and the old hubs are out dated and the wheels are obsolete. The spindle I have is tapered and measures on the wide end, 1.1875 and the narrow end is .75. It is 3.75inch long from wide end to the start of the threads. I am looking for 5 bolt hubs and the bearings to match, can you help? I dont want to replace the spindles unless I absolutely have to as they are in great condition. Thanks
asked by: Brett S
Expert Reply:
Thank you for the photo of your vintage utility trailer's spindle. The simplest and surest way to identify a compatible trailer hub is to identify the inner and outer bearings and the grease seal it uses. Matching up those components along with the axle weight rating and the hub bolt pattern is pretty much it.
However, in your case I can tell you up front that we have only one hub that uses a bearing whose inner diameter is as small as 0.75-inches, hub # AH15450ECOMP. It uses outer bearing # LM11949 (0.75-inch ID) and inner bearing # LM67048 (1.250 inch ID). If your hub uses these same bearing parts then this hub will fit the spindle. Note that these hubs are rated for use on either 2500-lb or 3000-lb rated axles and has a wheel bolt pattern of 4 on 5, instead of the 5 bolt pattern you were looking for.
If this hub isn't suitable then I do not recommend changing spindles; that process is definitely not a DIY type job since it requires special alignment jigs and an experienced welder to ensure perfectly straight and concentric installation of the new spindles. Instead I suggest replacing the entire axle with a new one that includes hubs, or hubs and brakes if you prefer. Since these axle/hub kits include new bearings, races and seals you will have the peace of mind knowing that the whole axle assembly has all new parts that are in good order, and those parts will be industry standard, therefore easy to replace in the future.
To choose a new axle from among those shown on the linked page you will want to determine the axle weight capacity needed, its spring seat and hub face dimensions and the specific wheel bolt pattern you want for the trailer wheels. Please refer to the linked axle diagram and to the linked article on wheel bolt patterns.
For example, the axle kit # 35545I-EZ-89 is a 3500-lb axle with idler hubs that have the popular 5-on-4-1/2 bolt pattern. Overall axle length is 89-inches and the spring seat spacing is 74-inches. This kit includes the axle beam, cast iron idler hubs, bearings, races, seals, grease caps, wheel studs, lug nuts, and marine-grade wheel bearing grease included.
Please feel free to tell me more details about your axle and hubs and I will be glad to assist further.
Products Referenced in This Question
Dexter Trailer Axle w/ Idler Hubs - EZ-Lube - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 89" Long - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Axles
- Leaf Spring Suspension
- EZ Lube Spindles
- Idler Hubs
- 3500 lbs
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- 74 Inch Spring Center
- 89 Inch Hub Face
- No Drop or Lift
- Dexter
more information >
Trailer Hub Assembly - 3,000 lbs Axles - 4 on 5 - Agricultural
- Trailer Hubs and Drums
- Hub
- Agricultural
- LM67048
- LM11949
- For 3000 lbs Axles
- 1/2 Inch Stud
- 4 on 5 Inch
- TruRyde
more information >
Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - LM11949
- Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
- Bearings
- Standard Bearings
- .750 Inch I.D.
- Bearing LM11949
- Race LM11910
- 3000 lbs Axle
- etrailer
more information >
Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - LM67048
- Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
- Bearings
- Standard Bearings
- 1.250 Inch I.D.
- Bearing LM67048
- Race LM67010
- 5000 lbs Axle
- 6000 lbs Axle
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Square #84 Spindle for 3,500-lb Trailer Axles - 1-1/2" Wide
- Trailer Spindles
- Standard Spindle
- 1-1/2 Inch Wide
- Square
- For 3500 lb Axle
- TruRyde
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Can Harbor Freight Haulmaster Hub Be Replaced with Standard Hub
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Kenda Karrier ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire with 15" Black Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D
- Search Results: swivel jack trailer jack
- Shop: Dust Cap Driver Tool - Small - for 1.986" Grease Caps
- Shop: Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 3,500-lb Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 - Galvanized
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Idler Hub Assembly - 2,000-lb and 2,200-lb E-Z Lube Axles - Pre-Greased - 5 on 4-1/2
- Shop: Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 2,000-lb Axles - 5 on 4-1/2
- Shop: Loadstar ST235/75R15 Radial Off-Road Tire w/ 15" Aluminum Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D
- Shop: Westlake ST205/75R15 Radial Tire w 15" Margay Aluminum Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D - Glossy Black
- Search Results: 205/75/15
- Video: Let’s Check Out the Americana Baby Moon Trailer Wheel Center Cap
- Q&A: Why Do Hitch Extenders Reduce Hitch Capacity but Long Ball Mounts Do Not
- Search Results: wheel chock
- Search Results: chocks
- Search Results: level jacks
- Q&A: What Height is Recommended When Setting the Fender Height Above the Trailer Tire?
- Search Results: race l68111 trailer bearings races seals caps
- Search Results: timbren trailer axles
- Q&A: Which Idler Hub for Timbren Axle-Less Suspension System
- Q&A: Dexter Torflex #9 1000-2200 lbs Axle Hub and Bearing Kit Replacements
- Q&A: Replacement Trailer Axle For Dexter #9 Torflex 2,200LB Torsion Axle
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Can a 205/75R15 Trailer Tire fit a 15 by 6 inch Trailer Rim
- Video: In-Depth Review of the Easy Grease Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 3.5K Axles
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Replacement Race for LM11949 Bearing
- Video: Spindle Grease Seal Set for L44643 Inner Bearing and 1.980 Bearing Buddy Spec Review
- Video: Feature Breakdown: Kenda Karrier ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire with 15" Black Mod Wheel
- Video: Checking Out the Replacement EZ Lube Drive-In Grease Cap
- Article: Replacing the Bearing, Races and Seals on a Trailer Hub
on Trailer Spindles
