Why Are My Oil Bath Hubs On A Ranger Boat Trailer Running Hot

Published 10/12/2021

Question:

I have a 1998 ranger boat tandem axle trailer and have trouble with the drivers side rear hub getting hot not all the time, but about 75 of the time. I have replaced everything with the brakes from the tongue of the trailer to the caliper and pads and bled the lines. Spindle is in good shape, bearings have been replaced. It is a cool oil bath hub. What else could I look at?

asked by: Jason H

Expert Reply:

With what you have replaced, it can only be one or two things that is causing your issue.

First will actually be the spindle. It may look good, but very minor imperfections can cause friction and may be what is going on. I would make sure the bearings are seating properly on the spindle and not "rocking" back and forth at all.

I also highly recommend making sure the bearings are seating in the hub properly as well. If the races that the bearings sit in are a little off or if there is any corrosion on said races, it could also be causing the bearings to heat up.

The only other thing it could be is if the pads on either side are not the same level, it could be causing one side to brake harder and heat up.

If the spindle is looking like the cause, which I am fairly sure is the issue, you can either cut the spindle off and weld on a new one, or replace the axle. Replacing the axle is the way I would go, but this will require measuring a few things to make sure the replacement is the correct one. I included a picture of what you will need as well, but keep in mind that the measurements are just an example.

expert reply by: Lazer S