Air-Tight hub kits

[fishingdan]

Anyone use these on your trailer? I installed a set today and we'll see how they do. I decided to move a fairly new set of trailer brakes from one trailer to another. While I had everything apart, I intended to install an oil bath type kit, but couldn't find any locally. I saw the Air Tight kit and decided to give it a try.

I usually do some research on these types of things, but I wanted to get the job done and rolled the dice.

 

[rndn]

Re: Air-Tight hub kits

These are new to me, so please post your results.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Air-Tight hub kits

Here is a link to the manufacturer. They may sell them on iboats, but I'm not sure.

http://www.airtighthubs.com/products-sport.php

I just finished up the installation yesterday. The instructions leave a bit to be desired, but I found a set of installation videos on the company website that were helpful. Given that the kit is a universal fit type kit, it includes a bunch of parts for different size spindles. In the end, I didn't need to use any of them.

The first wheel took about 90 minutes to complete because I wasn't sure what I was doing. The second wheel took about 20 minutes.

Today, I will put some air in them and keep track of how well they work. I'll post a follow-up here in the future.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Air-Tight hub kits

Argh....I may have to remove the nicely installed Air-Tight hubs. When I mounted the brake caliper, I didn't pay enough attention the lack of space between the spring and the frame when the trailer was off the jacks. The result...I sheared off both brake lines by the time I got to the end of my driveway.

I'm going to try to move the caliper brackets without removing the rotor, but I may not be that lucky.

So far the air-tight hubs are holding air and look good.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Air-Tight hub kits

Fortunately, I was able to move the position of the caliper mounting bracket without removing the newly sealed hub/rotor. I'll report on how well the air-tight seal system works over time.

 

[pecheux]

Re: Air-Tight hub kits

This kit you got is somewhat similar to the "bearing-buddy" kit I installed today on my boat trailer. Installation time (including filling with grease) = 15 - 20 minutes total for both sides.

 

[45Auto]

Re: Air-Tight hub kits

Looks like they work on the same principal as a "bearing buddy" except using air pressure to hold the water out instead of spring pressure on the grease as in a bearing buddy.

Keep a close eye on them, I can't think of anything I've ever owned that used air pressure that didn't leak!!!!

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Air-Tight hub kits

I understand what you are saying about the principle of bearing buddies. I don't think that is an accurate comparison. These are more like an oil bath conversion kit except you use regular wheel bearing grease instead of liquid oil. As part of the installation, you actually bond the seals in. When done, they are supposed to hold something like 5 pounds of air pressure. There are two versions of this product available. One actually has a pressure gauge in the outer cap. The version I have is the sport kit which has a rubber nipple like cap. When proper air pressure is in the hub, it sticks out about 3/4". I have only pulled it on two trips so far, but so far so good.

Time will tell. I decided to try these on a whim. We'll see how they hold up.