What Would Make My Wheel Sound Like This?

[FishingFool]

So I need to update this thread. I got a quote of just shy of $100 to inspect and replace the bearings. While thinking about this, I looked to see how much new hubs are. In my research, I stumbled upon TieDown's "Vortex" hubs. 6 years "no touch" they claim....

Came out to $100 or so for a pair. I liked the idea behind this, so I bought them, lol. Installed them with a quickness. Very easy. Both sides spin freely with no sounds.

I've taken the trailer out 2 times now. Once to get gas and the other to the lake. Short distance, but the hubs did not even get warm at all. If anything, it was cold to the touch. I also made sure my tires were inflated to the proper PSI, 50 in my case. My little cheap HF compresser comes in handy.

I will know for sure when I move my boat from Kent to Woodinville. It's about 31 miles and most of it on highway. We'll see how the hubs do.

[MotoBoat]

The Vortex hub kit has a interesting method of adding oil. Fills through a zert fitting, like on a bearing buddy. But the difference is the oil blows out the seal on the back of the hub/spindle when added to a bearing buddy. While on the Vortex, oil flow is in reverse and comes out the front. I always thought giving the grease gun a couple pumps, then having to peek behind the rim to see if grease was coming out, was a pain. Because the procedure of pumping and peeking repeated itself several times per hub. Plus I do not think the seal is supposed to endure that type of pressure, it is more of a dust seal.......isn't it?

FishingFool, did you have to install the "zert" fitting on the end of the spindle? Was your spindle threaded for a zert fitting? And was there a oil passage drilled into the spindle?

[FishingFool]

The Vortex hub kit has a interesting method of adding oil. Fills through a zert fitting, like on a bearing buddy. But the difference is the oil blows out the seal on the back of the hub/spindle when added to a bearing buddy. While on the Vortex, oil flow is in reverse and comes out the front. I always thought giving the grease gun a couple pumps, then having to peek behind the rim to see if grease was coming out, was a pain. Because the procedure of pumping and peeking repeated itself several times per hub. Plus I do not think the seal is supposed to endure that type of pressure, it is more of a dust seal.......isn't it?

FishingFool, did you have to install the "zert" fitting on the end of the spindle? Was your spindle threaded for a zert fitting? And was there a oil passage drilled into the spindle?

There's a little confusion in your post.

TieDown had a oil setup, but it's called "Turbo Lube" kits.

The "Super Lube" and "Vortex" are a grease system. With the "Super Lube", there's 2 version. One with the zerk on the end of the spindle like you're talking about, and the other version is the zerk is on the backside of the hub with no passage through the spindle.

Basicly the "Super Lube" and "Vortex" is the same thing. Except the "Vortex" has a threaded cap with an o-ring to prevent water from getting in. The "Vortex" also is using Lucas Marine Grease. Because of this combination, the Vortex is supposely 6 years, no touch.....


The original hubs you see in the video are the "Super Lube" hubs with the zerk behind the hub.

[MotoBoat]

That clears up my confusion. After visiting the website for the hub kit installed on your trailer. There was explanation of and a diagram, showing a zerc fitting installed in the end of the spindle. With arrows showing the oil path, down the center of the spindle, up into the rear hub between seal and rear bearing. Then through the rear bearing, and to the front bearing. I thought after seeing that, all spindles were pre-drilled for this type of oil delivery.

[hewesfisher]

I can do standard bearings, races, seals, blindfolded and with a hand tied behind my back. That said, I sure like my oil bath hubs, a quick peek at the cap, and down the road I go.

Sound to me you got a good deal on your new hubs!

[Bodofish]

I'm with you Phil!