New hubs - grease leaking out of back. Problem?

[Xspook]

Hi all,

I am in the process of "refurbing" a Triton trailer and recently installed all new hubs/bearing kits with bearing buddies, wheels and tires.

See this thread from Ericruiz911

After a 40 mile ride on I-95, there is evidence of grease leaking from the rear.

There is a very minor amount of "wiggle" with the wheel, too.

Is this normal?



There is a very minor amount of "wiggle" with the wheel, too.

[K447]

If you have grease slinging out from the hub then it is likely the grease seal has failed.

Probably a good idea to replace the bearings at the same time.

[Xspook]

If you have grease slinging out from the hub then it is likely the grease seal has failed.

Probably a good idea to replace the bearings at the same time.

But these are both brand new (although the axle is from 2007)...I must have not installed them correctly?

Could this be due to pumping too much grease in there and the Bearing buddy pushed out the excess?

[K447]

If you have grease slinging out from the hub then it is likely the grease seal has failed.

Probably a good idea to replace the bearings at the same time.

But these are both brand new (although the axle is from 2007)...I must have not installed them correctly?

Could this be due to pumping too much grease in there and the Bearing buddy pushed out the excess?

Could be, but excessive grease pressure could damage the grease seals.

The axle is from 2007, prior to installing the new hubs did you inspect the axle surfaces where the grease seal rides to ensure the metal surface was not pitted or grooved where the seal sits?

Are you sure you have the correct size grease seals installed?

[Xspook]

If you have grease slinging out from the hub then it is likely the grease seal has failed.

Probably a good idea to replace the bearings at the same time.

But these are both brand new (although the axle is from 2007)...I must have not installed them correctly?

Could this be due to pumping too much grease in there and the Bearing buddy pushed out the excess?

Could be, but excessive grease pressure could damage the grease seals.

The axle is from 2007, prior to installing the new hubs did you inspect the axle surfaces where the grease seal rides to ensure the metal surface was not pitted or grooved where the seal sits?

Are you sure you have the correct size grease seals installed?

I guess I'll have to pull them apart and give it another inspection. I don't think I pumped too much grease in there, but I'm new to this.

As far as I recall, the spindle was OK, but I wouldn't call it smooth as glass.

[Guest]

I am guessing you got the hubs without the bearings assembled and lubed. You are going to have to pull them out and check the rear seal. The bearing buddy helps keep pressure on the grease but too much and you can damage the seal like k447 said. You just have to change out that rear seal. How does the other one look?

[Xspook]

How does the other one look?

They're both leaking.

While I was finishing the new SS bunk hardware this weekend, I wiped the grease off the rear of the wheels/hubs, checked the bearing buddy piston by pressing on the side and there was no movement.

I added grease with a grease gun until I saw the piston expand outwards. Pressed on the edge and it rocked back and forth a bit.

Checked the rear and grease had already leaked out.

[R-Doo]

When you slip the hub back on the shaft, you have to be gentle (she said) as the lip on the axle can catch and tear the seal.
The dealer did that to one of mine and it leaked just like your picture. After replacing the seal, all is well.

[Guest]

Head to your local trailer part supply and pick up a new rear seal. Unfortunately, you should pack the bearings when you're installing them, install seals on hub, then lube the shaft, slide over shaft and spin while filling with lube and then attach buddy bearing and fill just enough to fill the rest of the hub. Anyways, its an easy fix and a learning experience.

[flying dutchman]

I have a 2005 Zeiman Trailer with a "Trailer Buddy Axle" (similar to bearing buddy).
I had grease coming out the back and was replacing seals once a season with SKF 13557 seals (single lip).
After considerable research I found that bearing buddy style axles really need a double lip seal to properly retain the grease that is under pressure.

I have since purchased OEM Trailer Buddy Grease Seal # 07026 (1.98 x 1.38 ) double lip seal from Trailer Parts Superstore.
I installed it today and only time will tell if this cures the problem.

My axle has a Stainless Steel wear ring for the seals and you do need to check to make sure the seal wear area of the spindle is smooth.

Good Luck

[Guest]

Found this: http://www.easternmarine.com/spindle-seal-kit-5

You mentioned you have wiggle. How much are we talking? All wheels will have a very slight wiggle. I believe you need the 1 1/16" hubs and if you got one for 1", you will have a slight wiggle. A loose castle nut is another possibility you can easily check. I am finishing mine this weekend hopefully.