Oil Bath verses grease

[Darol Wester]

What is the general consensus on the 'oil bath bearing lubrication system' compared to the grease method for wheel bearings? I've been reading about this oil method and it sounds like it just might be the better way to go. But, I'd like to hear some opinions from experience. Are there different parts to buy? I'm all ears!

 

[guy74]

Re: Oil Bath verses grease

This is just my opinion, from years of experience with all kinds of trailers. If you pull it everyday, or at least a few times a week, the oil hubs are nice. They roll easier, and you can visually check the oil level in them. But, in my experience, if they sit around alot, for long periods of time, the seals are harder to keep sealed, and the oil leaks out. I like grease hubs for trailer that sit alot, most boat trailers fall in this catagory, but some don't.
Just my $.02

 

[cannonman]

Re: Oil Bath verses grease

I've had mine since 2004. Oil level window is easy to use. Not one problem so far and no repacking needed.

 

[Darol Wester]

Re: Oil Bath verses grease

I've had mine since 2004. Oil level window is easy to use. Not one problem so far and no repacking needed.

How often do you use the trailer?

 

[JimS123]

Re: Oil Bath verses grease

I have no personal experience with oil bath hubs, but I'm an Engineer and I deal with failure modes all the time. In a factory that runs 24/7/365 ANY failure is unacceptable. To me when on vacation, ANY failure of the boat or trailer is worse than a catastrophy!

I have had rear seals leak and spray grease on the back of the wheel and make a mess. But, the bearings were still 95% full and I got home with no problems, even ran the rest of the Summer.

What if?......the rear seal leaks and all the oil comes out and you're on the highway at 65 mph? Will the bearing seize and snap off the spindle when it gets hot enough? As a matter of fact, last Summer on the way to the cottage, a guy passed me and that very thing happened. Fortunately, he was 1/4 mile ahead of me when the trailer sideswiped the guy he was passing!

Not saying that would ever happen again, but my ole' greasy hubs haven't failed me yet and if it ain't broke I don't fix it.

 

[elkhunter338]

Re: Oil Bath verses grease

Mine failed in 100 miles, oil came out the seal. New axles, new seals that came with the oil lube kit. Kodiak oil lube kit. Not a clue why I lost all the oil out the seal. I pressure tested the hub last night and it held a few psi of pressure all night, so I suspect the seal is ok. I see no way for the oil lube kit to vent pressure from elevation/heat other than via the oil seal. I can't imagine this is a design flaw.
I am back to grease at this time.