Grease hubs into Oil

We did it all the time. Same with steer axles. If Stemco makes an inner seal and outer cap for that model hub and axle. Then converting is no problem. Pull the grease style seal out and install the oil type. Some kits well come with a steel ring that slips over the axle spindle for the seal to ride on. If bearings are still good reuse them. They do not have to be “special”
Only problem we encountered with older trailers was a lot of the cast iron hubs were more porous and the oil would have a tendency to “sweat” thru and keep them damp enough to constantly collect dirt on the outside surface.

 

I have heard that grease hubs are they way to go.
So why switch to the old style?
Just wondering not attacking.

 

If you pull your own trailer, keep the grease.
If you have drivers/drop trailers, use oil. Just maybe a driver will look under the trailer and see the oil leak. Maybe.

 

The consensus I've gathered is just the opposite, go with oil...but who knows*. I recently watched a YouTube video of a driver with grease style hubs who had a wheel bearing go, and it was really nasty. Almost a full blown fire, and afterward, because of scarring, he needed to get a new spindle welded on as well. Me, I recently had a leak on one of my oil filled trailer hubs originating at the site glass seal. Likely from from my rubbing it too hard to clean it (Don't Do This!)? I knew I was good the day before, so I just replaced the cap and everything seems fine. However I don't think I'll ever be able to fully trust that hub again until the bearing is replaced.

* I believe Great Dane uses grease, and Utility oil. So it seems there's a division of opinion even amongst the experts on this?

 

Both GD/Utility use grease and oil. Most are ordered grease.
If you're someone who isn't going to crawl under the trailer and get a good look at the seal, then use oil.
Oil hub will catch on fire, burn up the spindle if you ignore the leak.
Over 40+ years I've had enough drivers and O/O's who's idea of my trailer's VIR is to MAYBE walk around it, But they might see oil on the
wheel/ground without actually having to bend over and look. Grease doesn't do that.

 

Do they know the risk they are running by only walking around? Not only to themselves but other motorists.