Hubs, Wheel Bearings, Axles
And Lubrication
Trailers equipped with Tie Down Engineering actuators are also
equipped with Vortex hubs and spindles. The hubs are pre-greased
and assembled at the factory. As a result, they should not require
any additional adjustments. The Vortex hub uses tapered roller
bearings adjusted to a maximum .006 end play. The twelve-sided
castle nut easily maintains this maximum .006 end play. The config-
uration requires a minimal amount of end play that is factored in at
the time of assembly.
The rear seal rides on a stainless steel wear sleeve. This provides
longer life for the seal as the surface does not corrode. Corroded or
rusted seal surfaces act like sandpaper on the seal, causing prema-
ture seal failure, which is why every reasonable attempt has been
made to avoid that.
Vortex lubrication makes changing or adding grease easy because
the hub does not need to be removed. Most axles have a threaded
grease cap, and it is easy to remove and replace.
Vortex requires Lucas Oil Marine grease, a premium lithium-based
complex grease that is fortified with rust and oxidation inhibitors,
and high- pressure additives that provides a high degree of mois-
ture resistance and wash-out properties.
Use only Lucas Oil Marine Grease when adding or replacing grease
in the Vortex hub. Using any other grease will void the warranty.
Adding Grease Or Removing Hubs
The Vortex hub/spindle is designed to be a no-maintenance hub for
six (6) years. Remove the Vortex grease cap, unscrewing threaded
caps in a counterclockwise rotation. On the press-in style caps, sim-
ply remove the rubber plug in the center to grease the bearings, or
knock gently with a hammer, preferably a rubber mallet, if removing
the entire hub. gently with a hammer, preferably a rubber mallet.
• Use a standard grease gun loaded with Lucas Oil Marine Grease
to pump the grease into the zerk fitting located on the end of the
spindle.
• Pump the grease into the zerk fitting while slowly rotating the
wheel. Grease will flow out of the hub around the front bearing.
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
