Replacement Hubs for Dexter 8-147 Brake Drums on a 1978 Terry Trailer

Updated 06/27/2026 | Published 06/22/2026

Products Featured in This Question

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

(2878)

$9.72

Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - L44649

(2192)

$23.99

Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - LM48548

(145)

$7.56

Question:

Hi, I have a 1978 Terry model M trailer 24. It currently has the Dexter 8-147 hubs/brake drums. Im looking to replace the drums which I know arent made anymore. I was wondering what a replacement hub would be and maybe even a replacement kit for the brake internals as well to replace it all. Im just not sure what size the spindles are

asked by: Kyle M

Expert Reply:

Kyle, thanks for providing the Dexter hub number. Unfortunately, the Dexter 8-147 hub and drum assembly has been discontinued for quite some time, and there isn't a direct replacement hub available today that matches those spindle dimensions closely enough for me to recommend. We do carry a hub that's very close, but the bearing fit is off by about three thousandths of an inch. That may not sound like much, but it's enough to affect bearing fit and hub alignment, so I wouldn't feel comfortable recommending it.

The good news is that you can still service your existing hubs if they're in good condition. The bearings and grease seal are still available. Your Dexter 8-147 uses an part # LM48548 inner bearing, an part # L44649 outer bearing, and a part # 58846 grease seal. Replacing those components will often get many more years of service out of the original hubs if the bearing races and braking surface are still in good shape.

If your drums are worn beyond their service limits, your best option will likely be to locate replacement Dexter 8-147 hubs through a salvage yard, secondhand parts supplier, or online marketplaces such as eBay. If you're unable to find a usable set, the next step would be replacing the spindles by having new ones professionally welded onto the axle, or replacing the axle assembly altogether. I know that's probably not the answer you were hoping for, but I'd much rather point you toward a safe, compatible solution than recommend a hub that could damage your spindle or create braking issues. Let me know what direction you decide to go and I can help find a new axle if needed.

What do you mainly use your Terry for these days, weekend camping or longer trips?

expert reply by: Heather A

Kyle M.

6/25/2026

Yea not quite the answer I was hoping for but understandable it is 50 years old almost and stuff change. It's mostly a weekend once a month or every other month, nothing more than 300 miles round trip. Do you know if there are any shops that resurface the drums?

Heather A.

6/25/2026

@KyleM I know, I really wish I had better news for you. Keeping a 50-year-old trailer on the road can definitely take a little extra creativity since some of those original parts just aren't made anymore. The good news is that there are still machine shops and brake shops that can resurface trailer brake drums as long as they're still within the manufacturer's maximum diameter specification and don't have any cracks or other damage. That may be a great option if your current drums still have enough material left. If you don't mind sharing your ZIP code, I'd be happy to help see if I can find a reputable machine shop in your area that offers brake drum resurfacing.

Kyle

6/25/2026

@HeatherA That'd be great if I could find a shop, I'm in Tacoma, Wa Zip 98404. Willing to drive a distance if needed

Heather A.

6/25/2026

@Kyle I would start by trying these places in Tacoma, I do not have any personal expereince with these places but they mention hub repair. Parkland Performance Auto Machine - Specializes in front hub bearing press work, R&R, axle bearing services, and general driveline press work. Axle Surgeons of Seattle / Alignments Northwest - Located at 2323 E Q St, Tacoma, these spindle and axle replacement specialists are well-equipped to handle complex heavy-duty hub and axle issues. McGuire Bearing Company - Located at 915 Center St, this local institution has a full machine shop and carries a massive inventory of industrial bearings and power transmission parts