Holes in the Axle Hub

backlash442 · 03-20-2006, 08:00 PM

Noticed today that the holes in the back of the axles which allows excess grease to come out is pretty large. No doubt water will enter the hub when submerged. My question is, isn't water supposed to be kept out and not good for the bearings?

fishingls · 03-20-2006, 08:08 PM

I used to own an EZ loader trailer with this design. Theory was the excess grease would vent from this hole. Problem was that when the air tempatures were hot and when towing, the grease would flow out. Had lots of bearing failures related to towing on hot days. Contacted EZ loader, they said this had turned out to be a bad design. They had me drill the holes out, tap them and install plugs in the holes. I then converted to bearing buddies-no more problems with bearing failures after doing this.

backlash442 · 03-21-2006, 05:59 AM

I've towed when it's been 115 degrees out in the desert. Didn't notice any difference but then everything was hot to the touch. Just pumped once or twice with the grease gun into each axle and was good to go.

I guess it's a matter of the benefits of not blowing the rear seal, out weigh the disadvantage of having water in the hub?

boater · 03-21-2006, 08:03 AM

i have the same setup, i plugged the hole and put bearing buddys on.

backlash442 · 03-21-2006, 08:22 AM

Forgot to mention I have bearing buddies.