New bearing covers

What do you guys think about these bearing covers? They show you what is going on inside the hub without having to crack it open.
Tuck

I saw something about them.??
But are they not a complete liquid system..and not just a cover????????
They look cool

Looks cool!

But I have a strong suspicion that they will “cloud” over and after a few long road trips, you will not see anything in there. In the picture , it appears that the bearing is hot, and the grease is a bit more “liquified”. Unless this type of hub/system uses a liquid oil for lubrication???

Still, once the oil gets hot ( or grease for that matter ), I would still think that the glass will get stained and discolor.

I would like to see one that has about a year on it, with about a 1000 miles.

Here is another look…

Here it is when water gets in…

Are they for liquid oil, or grease???

I’m not bashing the product here, but past experience has shown that grease gets dirty and will stain. Even oil, when it gets hot.

If the system works, it is a million dollar idea!!!

Thanks to Chris for posting these.

I have almost two years on the prototypes at this point. They use 5W40 Mobil 1 oil for lub. At just over under 900 miles on the trailer there is no discoloration of the Lexan lenses. I replaced the prototyes with production units this month and found no signs af wear or heat on the bearings or races. I’m going to attempt to post a JPG that shows one of the prototypes that has a very small amount of water in the oil. The effect is dramatic. The second JPG is some of the extra weight that we added to the trailer on Vanvouver Island. For testing purposes only.

Robert Johnston
Fixture Engineering
Bellingham WA

OK I screwed up the JPG post. I’m new at this.
This is the prototype with a bad axle seal.

one more try

Al right I give up. This photo is just not going to post. I will see if Tuck can post it.

Robt J

How are these different from liqualube bearing covers? Liqualube Webpage

John

Rob you pic is there just click on the word “Attachment” in your post. I do not know why the pics come out this way sometimes, maybe James can answer that for us.

Quote:

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Al right I give up. This photo is just not going to post. I will see if Tuck can post it.

Robt J

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Here is that picture. It was in .bmp formant and needed to be in .jpg format.

Rob,

Tell us more about the product. When will they be available for purchase? How much?? I’ve been looking at the liqua hub for my boat and this is the first alternative I’ve seen.

Thanks!!

John

Rob;
Sounds like you have the total scoop on this system.

I have a ton of questions, because if this works the way it should, it would be a very good system.

Are you using synthetic oil?

How often are you suppose to change the oil?

The oil in the picture looks like it is contaminated (milky color), is it?

With this system, is it a bolt on, or is it a complete kit?
If it isn’t a complete kit and only an outside bolt on, do you have to replace the seals on the back side to prevent oil leakage/seeping?

Normal rear-end lube is a 90W, why the thinner oil? Trailer tires are normally smaller than a regular wheel on a vehicle, thus making wheel rpm much higher on a trailer wheel than vehicle wheel.

Does this type of system require a different type of bearing?

With factory test, what was the life difference between the thinner oil and the regular grease?

Sorry for sounding like a pain, but I have a ton of questions here. But I do like this!!!

I haven’t been exposed to the liqua lube product before so I found thier web sit and checked it out.

It appears that they work on the same principle with a few differences.

The FEI oil adapters do not require a new hub or a proprietary oil.

Regarding the previous questions. We have been using 5W40 Mobil 1. Its pinch point pressure (think bearing point of contact), and its heat resistance are higher than standard bearing greases or heavy weight oils. In addition it well not discolor with heat unless you really smoke it.

The adapter is not a kit. It is a tap fit into the hub much like a hub cap, except that it has an o-ring seal. You should install new lip seals n the hub when you install them. If you are not using double lip seals already you should get them. Any bearing supply can get them for you. Salt water users, like me usually have stainless seal rings or speedy sleeves.

It is important to clean ALL of the grease from the hub when you install these or it will discolor the oil.

While heavier weight oils will work they tend to foam at road speed. This tends to look like water in the oil until it settles. We found no advantage with heavier oil. (see above)

Use standard bearings.

I can’t speak definitively to bearing life at this point as we haven’t worn out any bearings. With this, or any other system. All of us however have lost a number of bearings to rust. The oil bath system both indicates water in the oil and protects the bearings if any gets in.

The adapter size is determined by the ID of the nose of the hub. (same as a bearing buddy)

The will be available from Fixture Engineering, Bellingham WA in April. Price is expected to be $33 to $35 each.

Your comments are all appreciated. We have to know how to respond to all of these comments. And questions.

Robt

I’m looking forward trying out a set!!! Thanks for answering so promptly!!!

Looks similar to the Cool Hub lubricaton system that I have on my Ranger boat trailer. I have about three thousand miles on mine no problems. I don’t miss having to grease the wheel bearings. The viewing window on the hub does not stain so you always have a clear view.

that looks great where and when can we get thses?

They may be for sale here on IDA soon.
Tuck