Alko unbraked trailer hubs

[HDAV]

So after years of using 4”pcd trailer hubs with the grease nipple I now have a newer trailer with Al-KO sealed bearings I used to grease and repalce the 4” regularly £25 a side for a complete hub… the alko I understand are much better but I can’t find much online except £95 for a hub and £40 for a set of bearings ?

But after a long trip the wheels were a little warm it was hot out 35c ish during the day….. but got me thinking is there anything I would or could do? A friend said wait until they get noisy but not keen on doing that really….

Can’t find much online except you need a press to change them?

[Pikey Dave]

I had an SBS trailer with the Al-Ko sealed hubs, it felt wrong not changing the bearings every year. I changed them after 2 years & the ones I binned were perfect. After that I didn’t bother, they were still going strong 6 years later when I sold the boat. If you do change them, make sure you use the proper Al-Ko waterproof ones, not the cheaper non-waterproof ones.
I now have a box trailer with the SIB in, this has similar sealed bearings, but not waterproof. Not an issue as the box trailer doesn’t get dunked. I carry a complete hub/bearing as a spare, just in case.

[HDAV]

Does the black cap just pry off? For years have carried a spare hub and replaced one side each year so never more than 2 years old and stripped and inspected every year….. feels weird…

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by HDAV

Does the black cap just pry off? …

Not sure which hub you have, got a pic?

[HDAV]

Not very good but here is one https://ibb.co/94j9vWZ

[spartacus]

Alko bearings don’t need renewed unless there’s definite play. If they are warm, but not hot to touch after a journey they are fine. You can prize off the seal cap and dismantle, inspect and re-grease. The Alko fit once nuts, I’ve sourced from Taunton Trailers, nip up, back off slightly, then use a cold chisel to secure.

If you do a lot of miles each season and want peace of mind, then swap out the taper bearings and race. I didn’t use a press. Hammer and chisel carefully to remove. Use light mineral oil to lube and use oversized socket to hammer in. If you have access to a bench press, all the better.