Most Popular Trailer Wheel Bearings

The easiest way to determine which bearings are used on your trailer axle is to take the hub off and check for the numbers stamped into the bearings. If the bearing numbers cannot be read, the next best solution is to find the bearings' inner diameter. Aside from the actual part number, the inner diameter of a bearing is the best place to start identifying the bearing.

Table of Contents

1,000 - 2,200 Pound Axles
2,300 - 3,500 Pound Axles
4,000 - 4,400 Pound Axles
5,200 - 7,000 Pound Axles
Nev-R-Lube Bearings
Don't Know Your Axle's Capacity?

1,000 - 2,200 Pound Axles

For axles in the 1,000 - 2,000 pound capacity, there are two common bearing combinations. Depending on the spindle that was used, your hubs and axle could require two L44643 bearings or two L44649 bearings. There is only about 1/16 of an inch difference in the spindle diameter that these two bearings fit, so it is important to make sure you choose the correct replacement bearings.

There are two ways to do this:

1) Look for the bearing number on the bearing itself.

2) Use a caliper to measure the diameter of the spindle where the bearings ride. A spindle that uses bearings L44643 will measure 0.99 inches and a spindle that uses L44649 will measure 1.06 inches.

We do not recommend trying to use a tape measure or ruler because there is only a fraction of a difference between these two diameters.

Full Bearing Kit: BK1-100

Inner bearing: L44643

Outer bearing: L44643

Race: L44610

Grease seal: 34823

Grease cap: Standard | EZ-Lube | Bearing Protector*

Hub: 4 or 5 bolt

Brake Size: 7" x 1-1/4"

Full Bearing Kit: BK1-150

Inner bearing: L44649

Outer bearing: L44649

Race: L44610

Grease seal: 10-9

Grease cap: Standard | EZ-Lube | Bearing Protector*

Hub: 4 or 5 bolt

Brake Size: 7" x 1-1/4"

*Note: An alternative to using a grease cap is to use a bearing protector, such as those made by Bearing Buddy or Kodiak. A bearing protector makes it easier to grease the bearings on a standard trailer axle by featuring a grease zerk and works similarly to EZ Lube axles. Keep in mind that these are not designed for use on axles with EZ Lube fittings. For a set of Bearing Buddy bearing protectors that have a 1.98 inch outer diameter, you will want #BB1980A. For a bearing protector from Kodiak that offers a 1.98 inch inner diameter, you will want the Red Eye #KREB1980AC.

2,300 - 3,500 Pound Axles

For 2,300 - 3,500 pound axles, it is much easier to identify this size axle by its inner and outer bearing numbers. The most common bearings used on this size axle are the L68149 for the inner bearing and L44649 for the outer bearing.

For the L68149 bearing, the L68111 race is commonly used. It is important to note, however, many boat trailer manufacturers use this bearing with a L68110 race, which has a larger outer diameter of 2.327 inches. Checking for the part number stamped into the side of the race or measuring the outer diameter will help determine which race your axle uses.

Full Bearing Kit: BK2-100

Inner Bearing: L68149

Outer Bearing: L44649

Race: L68111 (Inner) | L44610 (Outer)

Grease Seal: 58846

Grease Cap: Standard | EZ-Lube | Bearing Protector*

Hub: 4, 5, or 6 bolt

Brake Size: 10" x 2-1/4"

*Note: If you have a standard axle you can upgrade the grease cap to a set of bearing protectors, such as Bearing Buddies or Kodiak's Red Eye. Bearing protectors feature a grease zerk fitting that makes it much easier to grease your standard axle's bearings. Keep in mind that these are not designed for use on axles with EZ Lube fittings. For Bearing Buddy, you'll want #BB1980A. For Kodiak, you'll want #KREB1980AC.

4,000 - 4,400 Pound Axles

While 4,400 pound axles are much less common than 3,500 pound or 5,200 pound axles, they are available. These axles also only use one common bearing combination for the inner and outer bearings. For the inner bearing, a 4,400 pound axle will use L68149 and for the outer bearing it will use LM67048.

Full Bearing Kit: N/A

Inner Bearing: L68149

Outer Bearing: LM67048

Race: L68111 (Inner) | LM67010 (Outer)

Grease Seal: 58846

Grease Cap: Standard | EZ-Lube | Bearing Protector*

Hub: 6 bolt

Brake Size: 10" x 2-1/4"

*Note: To make it easier to grease a standard trailer axle's bearings, a bearing protector is a great solution. Keep in mind that these are not designed for use on axles with EZ Lube fittings. For a bearing protector set, you will want the Bearing Buddy #BB2441.

5,200 - 7,000 Pound Axles

Axles with capacities from 5,200 pounds to 7,000 pounds are commonly used on larger trailer that have tandem axle or triple axle setups. These axles all measure 3 inches in diameter, which is why they can easily be mistaken for each other. The part that differentiates axles in this range from each other is the outer bearing. The outer bearing is different in 5,200 pound, 6,000 pound, and 7,000 pound axles and determines which hub each size axle requires. When looking at axles in this weight range, it is important to know the axle capacity and the outer bearing number to ensure the components are the right ones for your axle.

5,200 Pound Axles

Getting into larger axle capacities, the identifying bearing will be the outer bearing. A 5,200 pound axle will use a 25580 inner bearing and an LM67048 outer bearing.

To choose the correct bearing kit for a 5,200 pound axle, it is important to know which grease seal your axle and hub require. The correct kit for a 5,200 pound axle is determined by the Inner Diameter needed for the grease seal. The spindle used will either require a 2.250 inch inner diameter grease seal or a 2.125 inner diameter grease seal. To determine which seal is the one needed for your trailer, you will want to use a digital caliper and measure the grease seal seat. If the diameter of the spindle is slightly over 2.25 inches you will need the kit that includes the 2.25 inch inner diameter seal, and if it is slightly over 2.125 inches then you will need the kit with the 2.125 inch inner diameter seal.

Full Bearing Kit: BK3-310

Inner Bearing: 22580

Outer Bearing: LM67048

Race: 22520 (Inner) | LM67010 (Outer)

Grease Seal: GS-2125DL

Grease Cap: Standard | EZ-Lube | Bearing Protector*

Hub: 6 bolt

Brake Size: 12" x 2"

Full Bearing Kit: BK3-300

Inner Bearing: 22580

Outer Bearing: LM67048

Race: 22520 (Inner) | LM67010 (Outer)

Grease Seal: GS-2250DL

Grease Cap: Standard | EZ-Lube | Bearing Protector*

Hub: 6 bolt

Brake Size: 12" x 2"

*Note: For a bearing protector, you can use the Bearing Buddy bearing protectors #BB2441. These fit a 2.441 inch hub bore and work with the LM67048 outer bearing. Keep in mind that bearing protectors are not designed for use on axles with EZ Lube fittings.

6,000 Pound Axles

The inner bearing for a 6,000 pound axle is the same as that for a 5,200 pound axle, the 25580 bearing. For the outer bearing on this size axle, the most commonly used size is 15123.

Additional Components

The grease seal needed for your axle will determine the correct bearing kit for your 6,000 pound axle, same as the 5,200 pound axles. The two different size seals are the same for this size axle. It will either require a 2.25 inch inner diameter seal or a 2.125 inch inner diameter seal.

Full Bearing Kit: BK3-110

Inner Bearing: 25580

Outer Bearing: 15123

Race: 22520 (Inner) | 15245 (Outer)

Grease Seal: GS-2125DL

Grease Cap: Standard | EZ-Lube | Bearing Protector*

Hub: 6 bolt

Brake Size: 12" x 2"

Full Bearing Kit: BK3-100

Inner Bearing: 22580

Outer Bearing: 15123

Race: 22520 (Inner) | 15245 (Outer)

Grease Seal: GS-2250DL

Grease Cap: Standard | EZ-Lube | Bearing Protector*

Hub: 6 bolt

Brake Size: 12" x 2"

*Note: If you want to upgrade to a set of bearing protectors, you will want Bearing Buddy #BB2441. These fit a 2.441 inch hub bore and work with the 15123 outer bearing. Keep in mind that bearing protectors are not designed for use on axles with EZ Lube fittings.

7,000 Pound Axles

For 7,000 pound axles, the inner bearing used is again the 25580 bearing. The most commonly used outer bearing for this size axle is 14125A.

Additional Components

As with 5,200 pound and 6,000 pound axles, 7,000 pound axles will use one of two different grease seals, either with a 2.250 inch inner diameter or 2.125 inch inner diameter, and this information is needed to choose the correct bearing kit.

Full Bearing Kit: BK3-210

Inner Bearing: 25580

Outer Bearing: 14125A

Race: 25520 (Inner) | 14276 (Outer)

Grease Seal: GS-2125DL

Grease Cap: Standard | EZ-Lube | Bearing Protector*

Hub: 6 bolt

Brake Size: 12" x 2"

Full Bearing Kit: BK3-200

Inner Bearing: 25580

Outer Bearing: 14125A

Race: 25520 (Inner) | 14276 (Outer)

Grease Seal: GS-2250DL

Grease Cap: Standard | EZ-Lube | Bearing Protector*

Hub: 6 bolt

Brake Size: 12" x 2"

*Note: For a set of Bearing Buddy protectors, you can use #BB2717, which fits a hub bore of 2.717 inches and work with the 14125A outer bearing. Keep in mind that bearing protectors are not designed for use on axles with EZ Lube fittings.

Dexter Nev-R-Lube Bearings

For some of their hub and drum assemblies, Dexter used an alternative bearing style to traditional tapered roller bearings. The Nev-R-Lube hub and drums are specifically designed to work with Nev-R-Lube bearings. These self-contained bearings come pre-lubricated from the factory and do not need to be re-greased like regular bearings. Nev-R-Lube bearing assemblies are shaped and designed differently than typical bearings, so the two are not interchangeable. Additionally, Nev-R-Lube hub and drum assemblies cannot replace standard hub and drum assemblies.

These bearings are available in 3 sizes. The size is determined by the inner diameter of the bearing assembly in millimeters. The 35mm bearing fits the 3,500 pound Nev-R-Lube hubs, the 42mm bearing fits their 5,000 - 6,000 pound Nev-R-Lube hubs, and the 50mm bearing fits their 7,000 - 8,000 pound Nev-R-Lube hubs.

Nev-R-Lube Hub Assembly (6,000 Pound Axle): 8-388-80UC

Nev-R-Lube Hub Assembly (7,000 Pound Axle): 8-385-81SP | 8-385-82UC3

Nev-R-Lube Hub Assembly (8,000 Pound Axle): 8-389-81UC3

Don't Know Your Axle's Capacity?

If you don't know your trailer's axle capacity, there are a couple ways to find out. The easiest way is to look for a plate or sticker somewhere on the axle that provides information such as the part number, lengths, and axle capacity.

If this label is long gone, another indication is the size of the axle tube.

Typical Axle Capacity

Round, 1-3/4 inch diameter = 2,000 pound axle
Round, 2-3/8 inch diameter = 3,500 pound axle
Round, 3 inches in diameter = 4,400 - 7,000 pound axle

Measuring for Bearing Size

To be sure you find the correct wheel bearings for your axle, you will want to use a digital caliper to measure the spindle at the bearing seats. This will tell us the inner diameter of the bearings to determine which bearings are used on the spindle. If possible, it is best to measure the spindle out to 3 decimal places to allow for as specific of a measurement as possible.

Measuring both the inner and outer bearing seats on the spindle as well as the spring seat guarantees that we find the correct kit for the trailer axle. This bearing and seal seat information along with the diameter of the axle beam work together to confirm the capacity of the axle.

Updated By: Jacob J

Last Updated On: 11/17/2023

8/6/2024

Thank you for this article and extremely helpful information! I have been on a wild goose chase for a few days before stumbling across this article which answered every question I had so I could properly inspect and re-pack the bearings on my 2004 R28BHS travel trailer.

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