cdail28590

iTrader: (2)

I am planning on redoing my hubs this winter and adding disk brakes. I have heard good and bad on the oil bath hubs and obviously if there is a issue on the side of the road grease bearings might be easier to fix. My question is what are everyones thoughts on the oil bath hubs? I have a tandem axle trailer with 8,000 lbs dexter axles and the boat weighs 9,000 lbs. I will probably tow about 400 miles a year max. I have also heard of using the oil bath seal because it is double lipped and using grease. Any help is appreciated.

fordf350

I have never switched to oil hubs mainly because how would you know if they are leaking. At least with grease you can see it splattered all over the place. Maybe they are better I am just more comfortable with having grease in the bearings. But the disk brake conversion, Go for it. Check out EasternMarine.com prices.

cdail28590

iTrader: (2)

The oil bath hubs you can see the oil level on the side of the hub cover. The ones I have seen leak there was a puddle of oil around the tire on concrete so pretty easy to see. I am also comfortable with the grease bearings but other than the occasional seal leak that you have to replace the o-ring the oil bath hubs have had great reviews. I'm torn on which way to go.

AllDodge

iTrader: (1)

Have oil bath Dexter axles on my 10 ton tag and after reading other posters, might drain the oil and grease the hubs. There pretty good until there not. If grease starts to leak it will not all leak out, oil is another story

Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

Do a search, this has been discussed before. General consensus for the masses is not ideal for our type of use.
Now, I am a big fan of using the rear seals from oil bath hubs, but still continue with traditional grease.

cdail28590

iTrader: (2)

Thanks everyone for the replies. Kinda reinforced what I was thinking. Get oil bath seals but stay with the grease.

underpsi68

The seals on my Dexter 3500lb axles are double lip. What is the difference with an oil bath seal?