How to Replace a Trailer Hub Quick and Easy

This is the EASIEST and QUICKEST way to replace a trailer hub! In this video I go over how to replace a trailer hub after the bearings have gone bad. Replacing trailer hubs is a very easy process that doesn't take much time or expensive tools.

[@ChrisG9978]

Thanks for posting! Great step by step video. Pro tip - When reinstalling the castle nut, it's better to tighten the nut firmly with channel locks...this seats the bearings properly inside the hub. Then back the nut back out and hand tighten to where there's no play in the hub.

[@paulkhoury3160]

Nice to see I'm not the only one who does mechanical work wearing flip flops. Proof we live in the South.

[@southernsalt]

😂 yessir

[@paulkhoury3160]

@@southernsalt In fact, I finished this job on my trailer last night wearing flip flops. Thank you for a good video!

[@gunnarj6630]

Lol facts.

[@williamfry6087]

I never thought about buying a new hub, I always thought I had to replace the bearings and seals. Thanks for the reality check

[@southernsalt]

Good deal! Glad it helped

[@MrGreeklion]

20 ton jack for a kayak trailer... love it! Thanks for the video, I need to do a couple axles.

[@leh3827]

I have to pipe in too to say you need to 'seat' the bearings first by tightening up the castle nut (I use a 10 or 12 inch crescent wrench for 'feel') pretty tight (some say 25 ft lbs others 40 ft lbs but you can feel it)while turning the hub, then back it off and then retighten until there is Very little torque on it, then back off so the castle nut lines up with the cotter pin hole in the shaft. Old style round bearings required 'preload'; roller bearings should have zero play after the castle nut is backed counterclockwise snug against the cotter pin. Too much preload type torque on a roller bearing will cause heat failure, and premature bearing failure. I hope I described this so it's easy to follow.

[@trustme7731]

Always a good idea to sit on the floor with your legs under the trailer. No wheel chocks, no jack stand.

[@akaCamo]

Thanks for posting. Somehow I didn't know or think you could just get a whole new hub. A few years ago I replaced the bearings in my trailer hubs which was a lot of work and I needed to buy special tools (brass punches and grease packers etc) not including the bearings and then figure out how to do it and hope I did it correctly. This is a much better option for a non mechanic and I now will be purchasing a spare trailer hub to carry with me when towing the trailer for the same reason I carry a spare tire "just in case".

[@elcubano965]

Northern Tools sells complete hub assemblies for about $179. I decided to go that route because my racers were toast and I was sure my existing hub was probably damaged from all the crazy wobbling

[@TopMetalWork]

It's great to see our hub in this video. If you see the logo with TMW, that's ours. We supplied Dexter, Rockwell, Tie Down and many others. A manufacturer is here.

[@southernsalt]

🙌

[@marcz239]

I'm converting from 4 lug to 5 lug hub today, figured I'd re assimilate myself with the configuration of trailer hubs, thanks for the short, quality video

[@southernsalt]

Thank you!!

[@TheRjb1987]

Thank you for showing me what I was missing I've watched your video multiple times I appreciate you going step by step thank you

[@southernsalt]

Thank you!!

[@mackjenkins7721]

Brother that was awesome to watch. There are some people that don't know how to do that. That's a good reminder I need to go check the kayak trailer Wheels since I have plenty of time now. Kayak camping trip got cancelled because of this big East Coast storm. 50 mile an hour winds & heavy rains & floods all day cancel the trip. I was really looking forward to this trip. My Adopted son Paul was going with us & this was going to be his first kayak camping trip for him. Again good video brother. Hope you and your family have a good weekend.

[@southernsalt]

Yeah man that storm was pretty bad when it came through here. Y’all be safe.

[@user-lc1yz2wd5g]

Thanks for posting this great video! Swapping out my hub doesn't seem so overwhelming now! Cheers mate!

[@southernsalt]

🙌

[@JeremyMPearce]

Great video! You covered everything and didn’t waste any time! Thank you man!

[@southernsalt]

Thanks man I appreciate it!!

[@JonDunnmusician]

Well explained; and nice tool looks like a cordless impact driver

[@periodpop]

great video. simple and to the point. replacing mine very soon now!

[@southernsalt]

🙌

[@reececanode8909]

Awesome! I’m starting mine right now. I found a pair to replace both my hubs for $60 on Amazon. Not bad

[@rosskilpatrick934]

Yes a great easy to follow video. Well done .

[@southernsalt]

Thanks!!

[@FIOLEKTAX]

Thanks, dude. This is exactly what I needed.

[@southernsalt]

🙌

[@FishingwithCristina]

Thank you so much for this video. It's very helpful I just recently bought a trailer. The tires are messed up and so is the hub, I kept on looking online where I could find a good video. that would show how to remove Once again thank you so much

[@southernsalt]

🙌 awesome, I’m glad it helped!!

[@stompylee]

Nice walkthrough and convinced me to do it vs taking it to a shop.

[@southernsalt]

Awesome glad this helped

[@bradmcclendon4597]

Nice step by step summary! Thank you for the detailed video!

[@southernsalt]

Thank you!

[@bradmcclendon4597]

@@southernsalt I finally had time to replace my "faulty" trailer hub. The hardest part was getting the old cotter pin out :) Your instructions are spot on, and my new hub is in place. Thank you sir!!

[@Bigcas2000]

Thanks for sharing. This video help me out.

[@kleetus88]

fantastic content, thank you so much for taking video of this process for us.

[@southernsalt]

Thank you!!

[@Dickj203]

Finally someone not scared to place bottle jack under axle. In the PROPER location. It won’t bend people.

[@bayoubanditcharters]

Great job brother! Thanks for the shout out, lol!

[@johnjacobjinglehimerschmid3555]

Finally, been looking and looking and looking for the answer. I bought a Harbor Freight video and one of the points is to repack the bearings. But all of the videos nobody showed nor stated about greasing the hub after you put it on. Heck I've even asked a few mechanics hey when I put this hub back on do I need to add more grease and I'd been getting blank stares back. I've been sitting on the damn trailer in my garage since July trying to find "HUB" bearing greasing something actually talked about needing to continue greasing said hub after installation. I hate when I have a feeling that something is missing and you sure enough something was. Or maybe I just found an answer that is convenient to my thoughts. Thanks

[@johnjacobjinglehimerschmid3555]

Definitely, going to need a full size grease gun. Now I'm wishing I'd bought a powered one.

[@joeyfitzpatrickfishing]

Appreciate the video man!

[@carlosjuarez6368]

I got a problem with my utility trailer one wheel is sideways but the axle it not bent but the tire does not wiggle to the side what do you recommend to try?

[@runwayray]

Clear and to the point! Excellent

[@southernsalt]

Thank you!

[@minniegregonis2246]

Thank you Sir! My hubby complains hard with any maintenance on the boat or the trailer. This was a huge help. Taking it to the boat mechanic for new hubs would be robbery.

[@southernsalt]

🙌

[@mikewalker4134]

Good video on hub replacement. I have been doing axle repairs and maintenance for 40 plus years. The dust cap with the rubber insert will leak. I install buddy bearings with 19B covers.

[@southernsalt]

Thanks for the information!

[@ozelot250]

Buddy bearings rubber covers also leak

[@wutupbuk7502]

Simple easy to the point great job

[@southernsalt]

Thank you!!

[@lewisfarms8201]

Great video thanks

[@tommy74ism]

Excellent vid. Got right to it.

[@southernsalt]

Yessir, thanks!

[@patrickcotter945]

Awesome video, what size tires is that set up?

[@stevesantagati2264]

Love this video for so many reasons: 1. it's 2 years old and your fingers should just about be clean. 2. you do things like I do > no nonsense< and 3. using basic tools. (except the one to take off the tire). How often would you say they need changing? thank you again

[@souljahtite17]

Thank you .... GREAT VIDEO!!!

[@southernsalt]

Thank you!!

[@DOOBERtv]

Thank you sir!

[@activeseasons]

Good job.

[@rabbidmonkey7237]

Thank you u helped me a lot

[@southernsalt]

🙌

[@annetteo2718]

Great video, thank you!!

[@southernsalt]

Thank you!

[@jorgeizamora776]

awesome video my brother

[@southernsalt]

Thank you

[@jamesbosarge6837]

Great video man. I don't even need to watch.

[@southernsalt]

Thanks.

[@trustme7731]

Bearing Buddies are a joke,like the video and your skills.

[@bobbyh177]

What hub did you end up going with? Brand? Great video man!

[@larrystolzman9337]

Basic question: how do you know what to order for the replacement hubs? Thanks in advance for your help.

[@Mad-i134]

Looking for an impact drill. What do you have?

[@vanadis139]

great job

[@southernsalt]

Thanks!

[@charliegregg9447]

Nice video !

[@southernsalt]

Thank you

[@BrianMagnafici-mw5xh]

Just wondering if the spindle is bad or wore out is that fixable? Thanks let us know 1🤔🤔🤔🫡🏴‍☠️🙏💚😮🇺🇸🧐✌️

[@anthonylale1142]

Thank you

[@ItsMe-by4fs]

excellent

[@rodmakermagazine7117]

Castle nut should be tightened a good bit while rotating the hub. This seats the bearings. Then back off the nut and adjust lightly by hand. Seating the bearings is a very important part of the process. It takes about 30 to 40 foot pounds of torque to get them seated.

[@zeropoint546]

100% right.

[@jeffreyharley1480]

Also, you should have bent the end of the cotter pin over the top of the castle nut.

[@jamesmetcalfe8788]

Where is the jack stand. Goodby footsie.

[@luissonoma6255]

Got on here to ask something similar.

[@DonavansMobileDetailing]

@@jamesmetcalfe8788it’s hooked up to the truck

[@richardt2905]

Thanks!

[@StartVisit]

I lost whole cap assembly, also would need to order these

[@floridazefishingcharters1641]

Is there a link to the assembly that’s already packed?

[@TheSkymtb]

Good job, definitely a job for rubber gloves.

[@southernsalt]

Lol yes it is.

[@mikehenry9044]

You need to rotate the hub assembly while adding grease to keep from blowing the rear seal out

[@williamhunter1959]

Nice video!! What size spindle is on your axle and is your hub assembly rated for 2000 or 3500 pounds?

[@jaxsynfada2175]

What diameter is your spindle (Shaft) I need to fix my hub assembly and I’m trying to order the right parts

[@MrNoneURBusiness]

What's the part number for the pre-greased hub? Thanks

[@pjfan173]

Step One - put on rubber gloves 😂 Great video and thanks for posting it.

[@johnharrison712]

Would've been great to put the part number or the link you bought this one from.

[@davidplathe]

Agreed.. the hub is the way to go over packing bearings

[@southernsalt]

Definitely

[@Fishboy68]

Thank you, is that a good place to put the jack? I thought it could cause the axle to bend?

[@PalmerRidgeRoadRescue-wt7zy]

Yes, he placed it right under the leaf spring. So there’s no torsion on the axle because the jack is lifting right where the weight of the load is sitting on the axle.

[@mikedemaria3695]

Thank you.

[@southernsalt]

Thank you!

[@user-cc9nc5mr6p]

Terrific job. The only thing I'd point out is that you spent so much time pumping the jack before it reached the axle. I'm thinking that you aren't aware there is a screw end and you unscrew the round part to just about meet the axle before you start pumping it. This way it's taking the load by the 2nd or 3rd pump.

[@StartVisit]

could you please clarify location of the screw, is it at the trailer side?

[@user-cc9nc5mr6p]

The screw I'm talking about is inside the piston which raises when you pump the jack. You can unscrew it a couple of inches to be just under your lift point. In the video the piston was maybe 2 inches below the trailer, it was put into fast forward, but it appeared to be 20 or so pumps just to make contact before it would even start lifting. By extending the piston with the screw it would have been lifting by the 3rd pump.

[@StartVisit]

@@user-cc9nc5mr6p got it, thanks. do you think i can use factory suv car jack to replace boat trailer hub?

[@armyfazer1410]

I was thinking the same thing as he kept pumping away. And it would have been nice to see a jack stand. Just in case...

[@lvsaltwater]

Where you buy that hub assembly at ?

[@southernsalt]

I got it from Yellow Hammer Kayaks which is where I purchased the trailer.

[@matthewsalvador9783]

Where would I find a hub assembly for trailer ? First time owning and replacing a hub on trailer. Good video thank you and I will subscribe

[@southernsalt]

Northern Tools has them.

[@matthewsalvador9783]

@@southernsalt I’ve never heard of that place. I’m from northwest Arkansas. I’ll google that Thanks for the suggestion.

[@matstanley9635]

Tractor Supply has trailer hub assemblies for sale

[@matthewsalvador9783]

@@matstanley9635 yes thank you. I found them like a month ago… lol it’s a slow process but my trailer is coming together nicely… definitely worth the 55”tv trade and 400$

[@branorataj7194]

Could you share the hub product, link/name?

[@kevinmetcalf6371]

How do I order the correct hub for my trailer ? And where are they purchased ?

[@1390BigMike]

I have same question?

[@carlosumana5804]

Hello great video can I buy that exact hub on Amazon or where can I buy at please provide information Thanks.

[@southernsalt]

I get mine from Northern Tools

[@lastking2114]

Any idea where I can get the seal and the cover that your were hammering off while rotating?

[@lastking2114]

Somewhere in central California also where’d you get that wheel hub assembly lol

[@southernsalt]

I get everything from northern tool

[@davidgonzales9591]

I know Bro but I wouldn't take those lugs off stuff completely like that then jack it up because if the tire shifts under the weight, you could end up with broken studs or worse bent studs or even worse yet the tire falls or POPS out to a knee bar or on your or someone's hand or foot to cause a sprain. Best to just crack those open on a Sure Town Loose but still close to the edge then lift those things up Man. Instead of hitting the hub with a hammer even lightly will dent up the metal, just use a thin Flat Head screw driver at the seam... Cheers !

[@michaellifefacts7869]

Where did you get the part?

[@southernsalt]

A local dealer had them but northwest tool also has them.

[@Meadowsmowing]

Thanks

[@southernsalt]

You bet!

[@brianbarringer7486]

How do you determine which exact hub assembly fits a particular trailer?

[@southernsalt]

Bolt pattern and measurement of hub.

[@jaxon112]

What stores sell hub assembly

[@southernsalt]

Northern Tool is where I get mine

[@Moneymaking443]

Are there some trailers that don't have a collar pin?

[@southernsalt]

Not that I’m aware of. The cotter pin keeps the castle nut from backing off

[@tommyrq180]

Take it out for a drive, jack it back up and check it again. Good chance it will require tightening since you didn’t torque down the castle nut before backing off and hand-tightening. NBD. Just check it again after a quick drive and you’ll be OK. 😊

[@moblack5883]

Need to check my trailer. Its a little over a year old. Probably needs some grease added too.

[@southernsalt]

Definitely, I add grease every quarter

[@dougbell512]

Where did you buy your prepacked hub?

[@southernsalt]

Northern Tool

[@a1seniorcareadvisors728]

How do you find out what hub to order?

[@southernsalt]

The easiest way to make sure you get the right one is to either reach out to the manufacturer and get your hub specs or pull the bad hub off first and take it with you to the parts store.

[@gregesqueda738]

where did you buy your hub at?

[@southernsalt]

Northern tool.

[@Piero-ke5eq]

The hub you took off looked ok

[@southernsalt]

It wasn’t

[@rickylove619]

Dam man that’s super simple. So buy the prepackaged

[@southernsalt]

🙌

[@klatuveradanikto]

Always replace the cotter pin with a new one.

[@patrickcotter945]

I have play from the new hubs but not the old ones, can’t figure it out

[@southernsalt]

Make sure hub is all the on and castle but is tightened down all the way and slightly backed off. How much play?

[@chadbishop7506]

Tapperd hub on a straight spindle

[@rwjustrick]

Where to get trailer hubs

[@southernsalt]

I get mine from northern tool.

[@noahgamingvideos1584]

esay can change it out

[@southernsalt]

Huh?

[@ricardocampos2361]

Ah

[@southernsalt]

Yep lol

[@MrMurdamass]

My hub and wheel came off a trailer I bought brand new from the dealership. Less then a year old and 1k miles 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@southernsalt]

Well dang man!

[@ericstoner8635]

First, never re-use a cotter pin on a trailer. The hub dust covers should also be replaced while you’re there. Cheap insurance. There’s no need to fill that hub with so much grease. The hub came pre-greased/packed. Grease zerks for hubs are a waste because you don’t know how much you’re putting in. Lastly, clean the castle nut and washer of the old used up grease before replacing it so you don’t contaminate the new grease.

[@southernsalt]

🤦‍♂️

[@ericstoner8635]

@@southernsalt problem with anything I said?

[@dawitt53]

Chock the opposing tire next time! You're lucky it didn't roll around and fall off the jack

[@southernsalt]

It was hooked to my vehicle lol

[@timr86868]

@@southernsalt invisible vehicle 3:10

[@WhiteWidowHerb]

Why wouldn’t you use marine grease on a water trailer smh 🤦‍♂️

[@southernsalt]

It’s apparent that you don’t pay attention to anything lol

[@dalewells9491]

Yeah way ro go man , do you recommend putting grease all over the drive way as well , ha ha nice

[@kevkamo6289]

Did you just remove lugnuts before jacking it up? lol sketchyyyy

[@southernsalt]

🤦🏻‍♂️ I did it exactly how your supposed to do it. What’s sketchy about that?

[@eli-we7uf]

your supposed to 💀 or your wheel jus gon spin on you

[@kevkamo6289]

@@eli-we7uf he’s using an impact gun.. it ain’t gonna spin on him. The fact that you don’t see a potential safety issue with completely removing all lug nuts before jacking it up is what’s actually funny.

[@kevkamo6289]

@@eli-we7uf even if you don’t have an impact gun you should do your toes the favor of getting in the habit of just cracking them loose first then jack it up then take them off.. at the very least leave a few threads on a couple of them. Sure it’s a small boat with not a lot of weight on that wheel but try that with a bigger boat and you’ll be replacing your tail light with a broken toe

[@herosyndrome68]

Informative video, but unsafe. Might think about chocking the wheel on the other side, or hooking the trailer up to a vehicle so it doesn't roll and come off the jack. Or maybe use some jack stands?

[@pixelpatter01]

LOL He take lug nuts OFF before putting a jack under the axel.

[@southernsalt]

🤦🏻‍♂️

[@trustme7731]

Geez, get a fricking plastic hammer.

[@southernsalt]

😂 😂 nothing better to do with your life than troll videos lol. Thanks for the multiple engagements you helped this video reach more people 😂 thank you 🙏

[@trustme7731]

@@southernsalt Yeah, criticize me when it's you that doesn't know what he's doing instead of admitting you're wrong.

[@trustme7731]

@@southernsalt Actually, many will now see that you don't have the best methods.