NT hubs are not all the same (update)

[les45]

I recently decided to buy an entire spare hub assembly for my NT trailer since they were on sale for $25. That is a good deal since it comes with the bearings, races and seal installed and includes new cotter pin and lug nuts (I did re-pack the bearings with new grease). It was the only 1" axle hub that my local store carried so I assumed that it would fit my trailer (1" bearings on both sides and 1 1/4" seal). When I got it home I found that the spare hub was about 1/4" shorter than the one on my trailer. Everything fits fine except the shorter length causes the castle nut to bottom out before it takes up on the washer and bearing (by less than 1/8"). It appears to be a simple fix of adding another washer or two as a shim except the washers are very hard to find. I've looked at every marine, trailer, and hardware store in my area and all the obvious sources online to no avail. I've emailed NT to see if they can provide them. I'll update this post when I find a source.

[Irmo Atomics]

I finally found spindle washers at etrailer.com. Here's a link: http://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and ... W1000.html
The auto parts stores didn't carry them and the hardware stores didn't have washers that big.
I also had a time finding a grease cap to fit a Harbor Freight trailer... I bought two that didn't fit before I went to HF and bought one of theirs.

[les45]

Thanks, Bob. I think that is exactly what I need. My axle has a 3/4" thread and a 3/4" washer. It looks like the stock washer itself is going to bottom out on the shoulder before it takes up on the bearing. The larger 1" washer will ride on the 1" axle to make positive contact between the bearing and the smaller washer. NT wrote back and said their washers are not currently available.
Larry S.

[CarlLaFong]

Can you use a 1/4 thick washer or spacer that goes on the spindle first, before you install the hub assembly?

[les45]

Can you use a 1/4 thick washer or spacer that goes on the spindle first, before you install the hub assembly?

No. I only need about a 1/16" thick spacer washer to do the job. A 1/4" washer will keep the castle nut from going in far enough to expose the cotter pin hole. Also, it would keep the seal from sealing on the rear shoulder. I actually found the same washers that were in Bob's link on Ebay and ordered a set of 4 for $5 shipped. That was way cheaper than the shipping alone at most of the online parts stores.

[CarlLaFong]

I wasn't thinking about the seal............DOH!!!

[les45]

Finally got around to checking out the new washers on the spare hub. The larger 1" washer under the stock 3/4" washer works like a charm. With one large washer as a shim, the hub is in place solid with no lateral movement and spins easily. If you are old school and like to tighten down until the hub binds slightly and then back off until it loosens, you would need two of the larger washers. The only problem is that it keeps the castle nut out too far to install the cotter pin. Apparently the critical point is right at the line between one and two of the large washers. I figure that if there is no lateral movement of the hub and it spins easily then it is good. BTW - you can center the larger washer by sticking it in the grease until it takes up over the 1" diameter portion of the axle. Otherwise, it tends to fall down off center while it is still over the 3/4" portion of the axle.