Help Reducing The Chances Of Water Getting Inside The CE Smith Hub Assembly # CE13511

Published 11/21/2023

Products Featured in This Question

CE Smith Trailer Hub Assembly w/ Carrying Case for 3,500-lb Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased

(289)

$66.65

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

(2710)

$9.39

Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 1980A w/ Auto Check - Chrome Plated (Pair)

(1444)

$31.18

Grease Cap - 1.988" Outer Diameter - Drive In

(2165)

$3.11

Question:

I have 13511 hubs on my boat I installed this past spring with bearing buddies,,I checked my hubs for winter storage and one hub had creamy grease,must of got some water in through seal or bearing buddy,,,,,,my question,would I be better off with dust cap and rubber plug , and forget about using bearing buddies ,,,thanks

asked by: Dave B

Expert Reply:

First be sure to check your Grease Seal # 58846 for any signs of damage on your CE Smith Hub Assembly # CE13511. The Grease Cap # F001518 would be a better option than the one with a rubber grommet since it is another part which can fail.

Personally I prefer the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors # BB1980A which have the auto check feature. The addition of the spring allows you to easily see the hub is full of grease and the tension the spring puts on the grease helps to keep water from having a place to go inside the hub. You cannot get this by just using a standard cap.

expert reply by: Bud M