Properly storing a spare hub

[srothfuss]

Hey everyone..

I'm still hard at work on my boat but the trailer is complete. I replaced both of my hubs (single axle) and have one original hub assembly that is still in good condition. The original one was removed intact with all the bearings and grease and I would like to keep it as a pre-assembled "spare" in case something bad happens on the road.

I would like to seal this extra hub up, toss it in my tool kit for travel and never need it. Assuming it'll be in storage for a long time, what would be the best way to keep it, and the grease from going bad?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Properly storing a spare hub

big tupperware container. like one of those cake thing.

 

[woosterken]

Re: Properly storing a spare hub

I seen once on extrem 4x4 that they had spare bearings and u joints.
they sealed in one of those food vaccume packing machines
it sucked all the air out and formed around the parts.

woosterken

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Properly storing a spare hub

the problem is if you store it in the boat, the bag won't last long. bouncing around.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Properly storing a spare hub

Actually the vacuum bag idea isn't bad if it's protected from banging and bouncing around like TD mentioned. I'm going to try this, then wrap the parts in bubble wrap and store them in an old plastic tool box.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Properly storing a spare hub

Airtight plastic, shrink wrapped or sealed container will work just fine.

 

[TBarCYa]

Re: Properly storing a spare hub

You could always mount a spindle to the trailer, mount the hub to the spindle and then have a nice place to hang a spare tire and extra lug nuts. Then all you have to store in the toolbox is a tube of grease.

 

[srothfuss]

Re: Properly storing a spare hub

I have access to the wifes vacuum sealer if she's not looking. I'll try that approach and then find a plastic tupperware container to store it in.

Airtight - I suppose I should have known that before posting.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Properly storing a spare hub

I keep my ready-to-go spare hub double-bagged in ziplock freezer bags (1 gallon or 2 gallon size? I can't remember), then wrapped in bubble wrap and packing tape. It's been under the seat of my pickup for 5 years running so far, kicked and banged around on occasion, and the plastictape/bubble wrap s just starting to look a little ratty. Still well protected and clean though. I will unwrap it at the end of the season, repack bearings if they look dirty, and wrap it up the same way and stuff it under the seat again to hopefully ignore for the next 5 years...

Don't overthink this. The fact that you even OWN a spare hub makes you more prepared than 98% of the trailer-owners out there. Chances are excellent that you and I will NEVER need to use them because we actually maintain our rigs...

 

[j_martin]

Re: Properly storing a spare hub

You could always mount a spindle to the trailer, mount the hub to the spindle and then have a nice place to hang a spare tire and extra lug nuts. Then all you have to store in the toolbox is a tube of grease.

That's brilliant!!!

 

[DRIFTER_016]

Re: Properly storing a spare hub

You could always mount a spindle to the trailer, mount the hub to the spindle and then have a nice place to hang a spare tire and extra lug nuts. Then all you have to store in the toolbox is a tube of grease.

Definately the best way. You then have new hub, pre packed bearings, lug nuts and a place to hang your spare.

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: Properly storing a spare hub

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You could always mount a spindle to the trailer, mount the hub to the spindle and then have a nice place to hang a spare tire and extra lug nuts. Then all you have to store in the toolbox is a tube of grease.

u becha