FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: I currently have Bearing Buddies, what difference will it make if I install Durahub Bearing Protectors?
A – By simply removing your Bearing Buddies, and installing the Durahub caps, you will be able to visually monitor (through the clear window) the condition of the rear seal. You will be able to look inside your wheel hub and check for water ingress without having to get your hands dirty.
Q: Where is the grease nipple located?
A – The Durahub Bearing Protector does not have a grease nipple. The wheel hub should be totally sealed, and if no grease is coming out, there is no real need to put more in. The proper way to grease wheel bearings is to hand pack them.
Q: What is the purpose of the window?
A – The purpose of the window is to allow you to visually check and monitor the condition of the rear seal. When your rear seal starts to fail and water begins to enter the wheel hub, you will be able to see the water on the inside of the window. This means that the rear seal needs to be replaced and the bearing re-packed BEFORE you have a bearing failure.
Q: Are the rubber diaphragms replaceable?
A – Yes. They are currently available from our eStore and sell for AUD$9.95 per pair plus freight.
Q: What is the purpose of the diaphragm?
A – When you are towing your boat to the boat ramp, the wheel hubs can generate heat from being towed. Once at the boat ramp, the correct procedure is to wait for the wheel hubs to cool down before launching the boat and submersing the wheel hubs under water. Unfortunately, this is not common practice. When the wheel hubs are hot, the air inside the wheel hub expands, when the hot wheel hubs are submersed into cold water, it suddenly cools the wheel hub down which causes the air inside the wheel hub to contract. This places both positive and negative pressures on the rear seal. The diaphragm counteracts the differences in both positive and negative pressure through expansion and contraction. Instead of loading up the rear seal with positive pressure when the wheel are hot, the diaphragm simply expands outwards taking up the extra pressure, and instead of loading the rear seal with negative pressure when suddenly cooled, the diaphragm simply contracts inwardly taking up the extra negative pressure. The diaphragm simply takes the extra pressure load, both positive and negative extending the life of the rear seal.
Q: Can I remove the Durahub cap once it is loctited in?
A – The Loctite 51517 which we recommend using is a flange sealant and the seal can be broken without damaging the Durahub cap.
Q: What lubricant should I use?
A – The emphasis should be placed on sealing up the wheel hub rather than the type of lubricant you use. The Durahub Extreme range allows you to grease, or oil, or a combination of a compatible grease and oil lubricant. The whole idea of the Durahub cap is that it allows you to monitor the condition of the rear seal.
Q: If I want to use oil, what type of oil do I use?
A – A High Grade 80/90W gear box oil.
Q: What sizes of Durahub Bearing Protectors are available?
A – Durahub Extreme Bearing Protectors are currently available in the following models and sizes:
- DURA1781 – 1.781″ or 45.24mm
- DURA1980 – 1.980″ or 50.30mm
- DURA2441 – 2.441″ or 62.00mm
- DURA2500 – 2.500″ or 63.50mm
Q: How often do I need to service my wheel bearings?
A – It is prudent to have your wheel bearings serviced annually.
Q: My rear seal is not sealing, what should I be looking out for?
A – The life of the seal can be shortened by one or more of the following reasons:
- The surface the seal is running on is not smooth enough.
- The axle diameter where the seal is running is slight over sized or under sized. (Holden axle diameter should be 1.434″ + or – 5 thou, Ford axle diameter should 1.75″ + or – 5 thou)
- The sealing lip has been damaged during the installation process. This can be easily caused by a sharp edge that the seal is pushed over stepping up to the seal area of the axle.