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Posts: 1504
Location: Oregon | Curious what brand of hubs guys are running that have proven reliable. I want to convert my boat over from greased bearings to Oil Bath Hubs.
thx.
RM |
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Posts: 2894
Location: Yahara River Chain | I have been running Luqa-Lubes from K-Dee and am very happy with them. I did have one issue as they are basically maintenance free with the exception of changing oil each yr. You still should check for play each yr as well.
Keep in mind that the oil bath hubs are not new technology as semi-tractor trailers have been running them for yrs and billions of miles.
Also the oil gets throw to the outer part of the inner hub where the bearings are. They also run cooler than greased hubs and therefore will last longer as heat robs your bearings of extended life. |
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Location: Contrarian Island | i'd say don't do it...i converted my oil baths to grease! |
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| The liqua lubes are good. Make sure to get the see-thru hubs. |
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Location: 31 | BNelson - 4/4/2012 11:21 AM i'd say don't do it...i converted my oil baths to grease! Agree, on my last boat I had my grease converted to oil bath and it was an expensive pain in the butt. The first time around they leaked and had to be taken apart and new seals installed. They worked well after that but I was always leery of them. I would say the main difference is that when the oil hubs leak you have a problem that requires almost immediate attention, not so much with grease.
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Posts: 1504
Location: Oregon | I have had nothing but constant worry with the grease and really want to try something else.
For those with the liqualube system, is the cap relatively tough? Will it hold up to say driving on an occassional section of gravel road?
RM |
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Posts: 2894
Location: Yahara River Chain | RiverMan - 4/4/2012 3:42 PM
For those with the liqualube system, is the cap relatively tough? Will it hold up to say driving on an occassional section of gravel road?
RM
Yes to gravel, but may not if you brushing up against a tree. |
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Posts: 32886
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Liqua-Lube sells a stainless cover for severe use. |
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Posts: 5874
| muskie! nut - 4/4/2012 10:43 AM
They also run cooler than greased hubs and therefore will last longer as heat robs your bearings of extended life.
Properly greased and adjusted, bearings should not run hot at all.
Liqui-Lube makes a great product. Can relieve a lot of stress associated with towing long distances. I recommend it, especially for people who are not comfortable or capable of properly inspecting, repacking, and adjusting yourtrailer whell bearings on a regular schedule. And for those who just don't want to be bothered doing anything until they have a problem.
I had a bearing issue once, in 1983, on my brothers rig, on the way to Canada. Never again, I said then. And I haven't. I spend a lot of time each year inspecting, and servicing my bearings. I tow with confidence that I'm not going to have an issue. |
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| I had my oil bath hubs leak and it fried my bearings and a bunch of other stuff in my Ranger...I took it to a local boat service place and the owner said he sees LOTS of Rangers w the same problem...he converts oil bath hubs to grease all the time and says overall he sees less issues with the grease..if you are 250 miles from home and your seal breaks w the oil and you don't know it while trailering you are foobarred! so, I take the guys word and mine have been grease since 2008...zero issues...sure some with oil bath hubs might never have problems but they are also probably the guys who trailer their boats 500 miles a year and not taking many trips back and forth to the lake...for peace of mind I am 100% happy i went to grease...oil leaking out on a trip is nothing but a p a i n in the azz. |
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Posts: 697
Location: Minnetonka | This post is a nail biter. I just re-did my Cool Hubs this spring. The guy in the boat shop says THATS when they go bad because guys over-fill them and when the oil expands it blows the seal. Brad, how much did it cost to convert? |
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| if mine hadn't leaked out and fried a bunch of stuff I think it would have been 250 range? I think it ended up costing me 6-700 from what i can remember...?
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | Hammskie - 4/6/2012 9:03 AM
This post is a nail biter. I just re-did my Cool Hubs this spring. The guy in the boat shop says THATS when they go bad because guys over-fill them and when the oil expands it blows the seal. Brad, how much did it cost to convert?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UO9A4p1Qsvk |
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Posts: 697
Location: Minnetonka | LOL I hope my Ranger Trail does not "blow a seal" this summer. |
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Posts: 357
Location: Duluth, MN | I'm actually about to change the oil out in my hubs this weekend. Any reccomendations on oil weight/brand, and how full should they be?
Thanks! |
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Oil Bath Hubs