SUBJECT: # 13075: '99 Ranger trailer with cool hubs

Submitted by Jeff C (75.32.5.147) from TEXAS on 5/14/2008 3:34:00 PM

Sorry for the stupid question but I just purchased a '99 Ranger with a single axle trailer and was concerned about the condition of the bearings. How do you add oil to the Cool hubs? Where is the port on these hubs for draining or adding new oil?
I know it's probably right in front of my face but in searching for it, I've been unable to find it.

1. 5/14/2008 3:53:00 PM Submitted by Jeff Hahn from OH says COOL Hubs
   Jeff C.: Do a search on this page using COOL Hubs as the key words and you will find a lot of info on how to maintain your hubs. As far as adding oil, you must jack-up the trailer, remove the wheel, and rotate the hub until the allen screw s on top. Remove the allen screw and add oil. The factory uses 50 weight Vavoline Racing oil, which you can buy at Wal-Mart. You will need a screw-on nipple type top for the quart oil bottle so that you can squeeze the oil into the hub. I got this kind of nipple top from a bottle of rear end gear oil I had in my basement. Anyway, once the hub is full of oil, use you thumb to press on the outside of the amber colored window on the cap. This will burp air out of the hubs. Add more oil, burp again, etc. Install the allen screw and put a dab of red high temp silicone or some Permatex on the upper threads of the screw and a dab around the edge when fully seated.

   Hope this helps.

   Jeff Hahn

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2. 5/14/2008 11:23:00 PM Submitted by STRETCH1 #11051 from IL says Question for Jeff Hahn
   Jeff,

   From the above post it sounds like the amber colored window is spring loaded to be pushed out and you can push in on the window to burp air out.

   I drained two of my hubs, both of them the window springed inward so it is flush with the metal piece.

   I have a small leaking problem with one of them so I ordered a spare part to be here next week but I was wondering in the meantime.

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3. 5/15/2008 11:00:00 PM Submitted by Jeff Hahn from OH says Stretch
   Stretch: Yes, the amber windows are spring loaded. This allow them to expand and contract as the oil heats and cools. They are spring loaded to expand outward, not inward, so that when fully inward they are flush with the metal piece that surrounds them. But, the window will flex just slightly to help burp the air out, even when at its most inward position.

   Jeff Hahn

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4. 5/16/2008 Submitted by STRETCH1 #11051 from IL says Thanks Jeff
   Mine is screwed in that case. It is fully flush with the hub and will not push inward at all. I can push outward on it from the inside and it springs back in after.

   Jeff, thanks for all your help. I got some new parts coming next week.

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5. 5/16/2008 2:24:00 PM Submitted by Jeff Hahn from OH says It shouldn't...
   Stretch: Remember, the amber window should not push inward past the metal that surrounds it, but be flush with the metal. However, it should be spring loaded to push outward (from the inside). If I recall, there is a rubber seal inside, which might be leaking the oil in your case. Or, you might have a piece of gunk on the seal that's causing the leak. If you take the window apart and clean everything it might reseal correctly. Or, since the cap is relatively cheap, buy a new one, but after disassembling and cleaning the old one, keep it for a spare.

   Jeff Hahn

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