Any updates on experience with oil filled hubs esp Liqua-lube

[Celeb92]

Just been doing a little reading on oil lube trailer hubs. Searched the net for more info (including this forum) but could not find anything newer than about 2003-2003. Anybody have any experiences with oil filled hubs that you care to share? For example, a number of posts mention the concern about rapid lubricant loss if a seal fails or the plastic cap is damaged -- ever really happened to anyone? I am on the verge (as soon as the weather stays above freezing for a while) of changing out the grease in my hubs in favor of the oil filled and would appreciate any advice based on real experience.

 

[burp]

Re: Any updates on experience with oil filled hubs esp Liqua-lube

I know of one trailer manufacturer that went from the "Sure-Lube" flow thru grease hubs, to the oil bath hubs and now to a different type grease hub. Must be some reason why they moved away from the oil bath hubs......

 

[CatTwentyTwo]

Re: Any updates on experience with oil filled hubs esp Liqua-lube

I installed the Liqua-Lube hubs 3 years ago when I converted to disc brakes and have been very satisfied. When you order the kit, you will need to measure your spindle to get the proper sleeve for the oil seal to ride on. So far, mine have not leaked 1 drop of oil. Most negative comments seem to be concerned about loss of oil and very soon to follow bearing failure. My hubs are held on with 3 screws, so they can't really fall off like some of the other bearing protectors do. I guess that you could knock one off on a high curb or something, but I try to be careful.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Any updates on experience with oil filled hubs esp Liqua-lube

i'm old school, but sure seems like a mess, when you service your trailer.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Any updates on experience with oil filled hubs esp Liqua-lube

Just been doing a little reading on oil lube trailer hubs. Searched the net for more info (including this forum) but could not find anything newer than about 2003-2003. Anybody have any experiences with oil filled hubs that you care to share? For example, a number of posts mention the concern about rapid lubricant loss if a seal fails or the plastic cap is damaged -- ever really happened to anyone? I am on the verge (as soon as the weather stays above freezing for a while) of changing out the grease in my hubs in favor of the oil filled and would appreciate any advice based on real experience.

I would stick with the tried and trusted grease filled with bearing buddies. Minimal maintenance and many thousands of miles trouble free. The oil filled are too much of an unknown for me !!!!

 

[CoachPotato]

Re: Any updates on experience with oil filled hubs esp Liqua-lube

Oil bath wheel bearings are (were?) very common, and in my experience trouble free, on big rigs when I drove truck back in the 70s. I haven't paid attention in a long time, but I'll be looking now that we're discussing such things.

I have oil bath on my little trailer for my 15' Klamath, but it's new to me and haven't any experience to speak of. I can say that the wheels are a bit oily from what I assume is seeping oil.

Dale

 

[rndn]

Re: Any updates on experience with oil filled hubs esp Liqua-lube

My concern with the oil bath type is if you crack the plastic hub then the oil will leak out. How long do you think the bearings would last with no oil or grease left in them? At least with the grease version you can see the spun grease on the wheel and still be able to get somewhere without worrying about running the bearings dry.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Any updates on experience with oil filled hubs esp Liqua-lube

My concern with the oil bath type is if you crack the plastic hub then the oil will leak out. How long do you think the bearings would last with no oil or grease left in them? At least with the grease version you can see the spun grease on the wheel and still be able to get somewhere without worrying about running the bearings dry.

Good Point !!!

 

[CatTwentyTwo]

Re: Any updates on experience with oil filled hubs esp Liqua-lube

I am kind of new to posting here and I hope I don't come across as a wise guy. But, does anyone that uses or knows someone that uses oil filled hubs ever had a bearing failure from loss of oil? A quick visual inspection will tell you if the oil level is okay. I do carry a spare cap, oil, and bearings, just like I did with greased hubs, but have never had to use them.
I have been using the oiled hubs and disc brakes for 3 years now and would have to say that the maintenance on my saltwater trailer has been cut by 50% over the greased hubs and drum brakes.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Any updates on experience with oil filled hubs esp Liqua-lube

I agree with ryoung, Many of our trailers at work run oil bath hubs with no problems.The clear caps makes it easy to check the oil level.About every tractor trailer on the road has oil bath hubs that last for hundreds of thousands of miles with no issues.
The caps are screwed on and you would really have to hit something pretty hard to bust them.If that was the case the driver of the tow vehicle needs better mirrors or driving skills.

 

[Celeb92]

Re: Any updates on experience with oil filled hubs esp Liqua-lube

Hey guys -- thanks for all of the replies. Sorry for the delayed thank you but I've been away for business. Anyway, an interesting topic with a range of opinions offered but -- in a positive view -- no one reporting any personal experience with a catastrophe caused by failure of an oil lubed hub. I've already installed the oil hubs that came with my new Kodiak disc brakes on the rear axle of my tandem trailer but haven't moved the rig more than needed to reposition it on my driveway. The front (idler) hubs are the original grease lubed and I'm trying to decide whether to redo the Kodiak hubs as grease or the idlers as oil filled. I suppose I could run the rig that way on my next 500 mile tow and see which hubs run cooler, etc. or -- horrors -- which ones break down first. One way or the other, I carry a spare hub, bearings, grease, oil, and lug nuts. Maybe I'll finally lead this rig to water soon and I'll repost with my experience.