Oil Bath Lube: Maintenance??

[bobo1]

My EZ Loader has the oil bath system. Does this require maintenance? Thanks for any help...Bob

 

[wellsc1]

Re: Oil Bath Lube: Maintenance??

I have a spare hub that works with oil bath for lube. It seems easier to have as a spare to avoid dealing with grease while changing out a hub/bearing system on the roadside in an emergency.

I'm interested in reply posts. Depending on the maintenance schedule versus greased bearings, I may convert my hubs the next time bearings need repacking or certainly when bearings need replacing. The hub was an open box special (reduced price). By the time I find another one of the same on sale, it may be time to consider changing the system.

 

[DABS]

Re: Oil Bath Lube: Maintenance??

Bob, the manufacturer recommends changing the oil every 2 years or 20,000 miles. You probably have the UFP GOLD series protector that looks black in the center. This indicates the hub is full of oil. If it looks milky, that is an indication of water intrusion. The hub originally came with synthetic oil which has an agent in it to help eliminate moisture. You can also use 50w motor oil such as Valvoline or Kendall. Be sure to refill the hub completely and seal the threads on the plug with RTV sealant or permatex and torque to 10 ft lbs. Don't use teflon tape on the plug as it has a history of failing after repeated heating and quick cooling, causing the tape to stretch, allowing the plug to come loose and leak oil as well as take on water. Go to www.ufpnet.com and click on axles, find the pdf file for GOLD Series and you can download and print the booklet.

 

[bobo1]

Re: Oil Bath Lube: Maintenance??

Dabs...Thanks for the reply. Upon further inspection, on the plastic see through cover, there's what I think is the brand name: Reliable. Also embossed on the cover are directions for filling: fill up to the logo or half-full , oil wt: 50, and torque specs for the plastic cover.
When I went to the website you shared, it showed a drain/refill screw on the hub. I couldn't find a drain/refill plug on mine previously. Tomorrow I'll check that similar location and mine is probably in that same spot.
Even though mine is of a different manufacturer, your website was helpful. Thanks...Bob