Replacing Oil Bath Bearings

mitchell2345

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jun 25, 2011
Messages
78
Hi,

I need to replace the bearings and races on my trailer. I have done it on standard grease hubs but my new to me boat has Oil Bath Hubs (Trailer Buddy UFP GOLD).

After reading i get the concept of draining oil, taking apart, etc. The only part I don't completely understand is packing the bearings. Do i just assemble the hubs and pour oil in or maybe put a little bit of oil on the bearings/races before assembly and then fill?

Thanks,
Mitchell
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,089
Re: Replacing Oil Bath Bearings

Hi,

I need to replace the bearings and races on my trailer. I have done it on standard grease hubs but my new to me boat has Oil Bath Hubs (Trailer Buddy UFP GOLD).

After reading i get the concept of draining oil, taking apart, etc. The only part I don't completely understand is packing the bearings. Do i just assemble the hubs and pour oil in or maybe put a little bit of oil on the bearings/races before assembly and then fill?

Thanks,
Mitchell

Ayuh,.... That's All there is to it,... No grease packin' the bearin's,....

When ya fill 'em, let 'em set so the oil flows across, maybe rotate the wheel abit to help the oil move,...
Once full,... yer Done,...
 

mla2ofus

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Dec 30, 2008
Messages
571
Re: Replacing Oil Bath Bearings

First I have to ask why they need replacing? The beauty of oil bath is unless the oil gets a metallic look to it the brgs are in good condition. If it gets milky it has water in it. As long as you fill the hub up to the bottom of the fill hole that's all it needs. After the initial fill, wait a few minutes for the oil to equalize thru the hub and add as needed.
Mike
 

mitchell2345

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jun 25, 2011
Messages
78
Re: Replacing Oil Bath Bearings

First I have to ask why they need replacing? The beauty of oil bath is unless the oil gets a metallic look to it the brgs are in good condition. If it gets milky it has water in it. As long as you fill the hub up to the bottom of the fill hole that's all it needs. After the initial fill, wait a few minutes for the oil to equalize thru the hub and add as needed.
Mike

I took the trailer in to get the breaks fixed. They called me back and said in addition to the break fixes the bears/races need to be replaced. They wanted to charge me $200 for parts and labor and I said no thanks. At first i was suspicious of why they decided to check them. I took the trailer in and asked for the breaks to be fixed! Now I am starting to think they are trying to scam me for extra money. I am picking up the trailer tomorrow I will ask them why they need to be replaced. If there was oil in there they should be fine? What else would you look for to determine they need replacement?

I'm a also going to review the bill. If they try and charge me for seals & oil i am going to raise an issue.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,089
Re: Replacing Oil Bath Bearings

I took the trailer in to get the breaks fixed. They called me back and said in addition to the break fixes the bears/races need to be replaced. They wanted to charge me $200 for parts and labor and I said no thanks. At first i was suspicious of why they decided to check them. I took the trailer in and asked for the breaks to be fixed! Now I am starting to think they are trying to scam me for extra money. I am picking up the trailer tomorrow I will ask them why they need to be replaced. If there was oil in there they should be fine? What else would you look for to determine they need replacement?

I'm a also going to review the bill. If they try and charge me for seals & oil i am going to raise an issue.

Ayuh,.... The Hubs are pulled, to get to the Brakes,....

Ya can't service the Brakes, without havin' a wheel bearin' or 2 in yer hand,....
 

mitchell2345

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jun 25, 2011
Messages
78
Re: Replacing Oil Bath Bearings

Ayuh,.... The Hubs are pulled, to get to the Brakes,....

Ya can't service the Brakes, without havin' a wheel bearin' or 2 in yer hand,....

I have disc brakes. you shouldnt have to open hubs to service those.
 

T_Herrod

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 1, 2012
Messages
349
Re: Replacing Oil Bath Bearings

Be sure to check the oil level in the hubs. I they took it apart the oil was most likely drained and the seal could have been damaged.
 

mitchell2345

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jun 25, 2011
Messages
78
Re: Replacing Oil Bath Bearings

Be sure to check the oil level in the hubs. I they took it apart the oil was most likely drained and the seal could have been damaged.

I am sure they are going to try and charge me for new seals and oil. I am going to contest it since they shouldnt have even been in there for checking disc breaks.
 
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