Is 1.25" ID Bearing Too Large to Replace 1.19" ID Bearing?

Updated 09/04/2025 | Published 08/28/2025

Question:

need new hubs old inner bearing is 15118 1.9 id you sell Dexter Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 2,500-lb Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 Part Number: DX22XR inner bearing 1.25 id is that too much difference? also how do i know if hub will fit ref. space between bearing centers, do all hubs use same spacing, i have 2.5 between bearing centers. spindle total length = 5 3/8 - 5 1/2 seal area width = 1/2 inner bearing area 1/2 taper area 2 outer bearing area 1/2 threads 1.5 long 1 dia does this match with any standard spindles, unk the axles looks to match dexter pictures seal area diameter = 1.675 no part number on old seal inner cup part num = 15250 inner cup/race diameter = 2.5 inner bearing part num = 15118 1.1895 inner bearing area measured diameter= 1.19 1 3/16 inner bearing area measured width = 1/2+ outer bearing part num = 09074 outer bearing area width measured 1/2+ outer bearing measured inner diameter = 3/4 outer bearing cup part num = 08194 outer bearing cup diameter = 1.938 15 inch tires 5x4.5 rims thanks

asked by: Ralph

Expert Reply:

Hey Ralph, thanks for reaching out and providing all of the information!

The Dexter Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 2,500-lb Axles # DX22XR is close, but the inner bearing/race combo will be too large and will cause issues. Unfortunately, there aren't any bearing/race combos that will fit in place of it either.

You might be able to custom order a hub through a local shop, but it sounds like you have an older setup that you might need to replace. What trailer is this used on?

expert reply by: Jon G

Ralph

8/29/2025

appears to be possible diy trailer build in searching for solutions, photo's = maybe a dexter axle axle is at least 30 years old is there a resource that lists specs for all the standard spindles? so maybe i could identify my spindle. ex #84 hub on trailer now is the type with a drum for brakes, but it has no brakes, small utility trailer. i am assuming i can replace with non brake hub do all inner bearings use the same angle? roller bearing to cup/race could i buy a 1 1/4 or 1 3/8 x 3/4 hub for tapered spindle then use the correct 1 3/16 bearing with the already installed cup/race? i did find correct size bearings thanks

Jon G.

8/29/2025

@Ralph They do use the same angle, and I had found an alternative bearing that would match your spindle specs, but the cup/race wasn't large enough to fit in the hub. I don't have a chart with everything lined up, but I do have a helpful article our team put together that I'm linking to this comment. You're more than welcome to do a deep dive and see if something would happen to work, but from what I was able to research and look into, there isn't something that will work directly with your current setup.

Helpful Links

faq-popular-wheel-bearings.aspx

Ralph

9/4/2025

@JonG i appreciate the info, thanks i am still researching and searching for a replacement hub set none of the hubs i have looked at list the spec of space between bearings. am i wrong in thinking not all tapered spindles are the same length? if spindles are not all the same length, that makes be believe the flat spots on a tapered spindle where the bearing should ride may be seperated by different distances, and it would be crucial to get a replacement hub where the bearings are going to line up on the correct locations. since this is not a spec published, my thinking may be incorrect please inform me on this issue the space between bearing centers on my hub/spindle is 2.5" can spindles be replaced or are they a permenant part of the axle? thanks

Jon G.

9/4/2025

@Ralph Spindles can be replaced, but you'll want to make sure it's a welder who has done that type of work before, because the spindle will need to be installed pretty exact. Axles and spindles prior to about 1990 were in this weird category of kind of standard but also not really, but after 1990 everything pretty much became standardized as far as the size and dimensions of the spindles and hubs. Does your axle have any kind of tag on it? The ID tag will be in the middle of the axle.