What is the Axle Capacity of My Horse Trailer, What Size Grease Seal do I Need?

Question:

I have a horse trailer that Im repacking the wheel bearings. Im looking for the grease Seals. The axles 2 are Dexter 8 bolt. The drums are 12 and the brake pads are 2. Can you tell what capacity the axles are and do you have the grease seals?

asked by: Bill

Expert Reply:

Hello Bill,

I am happy to get the right seals for you, but without knowing the axle capacity I can't suggest the right part. I do see an order from you back in 2017, if that was the bearing kit that you ordered for that horse trailer with a 3,500 pound axle then you will want the Grease Seal - Double Lip - ID 1.719" / OD 2.565" - for 3,500-lb Axles # 58846, but since you have a 8 lug it is probably a higher rated axle. If that was not for that trailer then there are other ways we can figure it out. You mentioned that you were repacking the bearings, you don't happen to have the bearing numbers off them do you? That would help me find the axle capacity. If you got those greased up and packed back in then you could always measure the axle. I included a chart and what the measurements mean.

Let me know if that was the right bearing kit, and if it wasn't then just send me the bearing numbers or the axle diameter and I will get you the right part number. You can hit the "REPLY TO KATE F" below to comment.

expert reply by: Kate F

Chart of measurements of axle diameter and the capacity it is.
(click to enlarge)

Bill B.

1/28/2025

Thanks Kate. This is a different trailer. The axle measures 3.5"

Kate F.

1/28/2025

@BillB Thanks for the measurement Bill! Since you have a 8K axle on there you will need the Grease Seal - Double Lip # GS-2250DL which has a I.D. of 2.250" and an O.D. or 3.376". It is important to keep the trailer running smoothly, don't need to be upsetting your horses during transport. How many horses do you have? Do you have a favorite horse? I had a lot of animals growing up, my show horse Turbo was my favorite, our Arab Maria not so much as she was too high strung.

Bill B.

1/28/2025

@KateF thanks. I don t have any horses, my wife does. She has a buckskin, paint mustang. She has a friend that keeps her horse at our place. My b wife does a lot of trail rides with her old lady friends. I just fix everything that brakes. Thanks for the seal info. I'll order when I get further into that repair.

Kate F.

1/28/2025

@BillB Sounds like it keeps you busy and your wife happy, that would be a win win in my book. Hope you have a great rest of the week, and good luck with your project.