2015 Z118C is the boat, question about hubs.
Are these the "Vault" hubs, and if they are I've read that the plastic button should be protruding 1/4-1/2" and these are not they are flush with the metal on both sides. No grease is leaking, seems I should add some?
I have the same boat and did some research. They are not Vault from what I was told. Had my boat out at the dealer and asked them about servicing them and was told they’re sealed and you don’t service them which seems totally ridiculous to me but��*♂️
Check out the Ranger Maint. Tips and Tricks stickies on the top here on the Ranger page, they have all the info you need. And I believe those are VAULT hubs.
Spanky
First rule of trailer hub maintenance..."If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"
"The man of system is apt to be very wise in his own conceit; and is often so enamored with the supposed beauty of his own ideal plan of government that he cannot suffer the smallest deviation from any part of it…He seems to imagine that he can arrange the different members of a great society with as much ease as the hand arranges the different pieces upon a chessboard.” Adam Smith, The Theory of Moral Sentiments
I believe they are UFP/Dexter. Call brakes4trailers and they should know. Great people
to deal with.
Dexter/Vault. There is a filling procedure for these, but also requires Loctite "flange" sealant. Regular red loctite isn't flange sealant. I can email the instructions if you would like. Its always handy to print it off and throw it in the tow vehicle in case you have a roadside issue.
07 Legend LE-21__Sold.
16 Phoenix 921 Pro xp
flange is green from loctiteOriginally Posted by Facemelter
2022 z519 cup 225 merc 4s ser # 3B210484. 2--hds12 live units. 2 poles, atlas plate, ghost, hamby's, active target, merc digital gauges
2002 basscat pantera 3 (dad bought new) sold 8-2-22
2000 stratos 20 ss (bought new) 200 hp Rude ficht great boat/motor sold 11-21
pulled by a 2500HD Denali will all the BANKS upgrades
MAGA 45-47
ASE/GM Master tech before tools
Thanks guys. I’m the third owner so I don’t know how many miles on it. But the motor only had 80hrs when I bought it 4 months ago. Getting ready to do 100 hours service. And thought I should inspect them. All my research is no indicating if there aren’t any leaks on them to just let them run.
thoughts?
likely fine but watch the rear seals every trip
2022 z519 cup 225 merc 4s ser # 3B210484. 2--hds12 live units. 2 poles, atlas plate, ghost, hamby's, active target, merc digital gauges
2002 basscat pantera 3 (dad bought new) sold 8-2-22
2000 stratos 20 ss (bought new) 200 hp Rude ficht great boat/motor sold 11-21
pulled by a 2500HD Denali will all the BANKS upgrades
MAGA 45-47
ASE/GM Master tech before tools
They are Vault hubs. The purpose of the spring loaded plastic button is to keep positive pressure inside the hub in order to prevent water intrusion when the warm hub is submerged into cold/cooler water. If the button is protruded out of the cap as intended there should be a little play/wiggle in it. If not, it is likely bottomed out and not applying the correct/if any internal hub pressure. They can be rebuilt. Vault suggests not rebuilding the spring loaded cap and replacing it with a new one. There isn't much to the caps and can be rebuilt rather easily. The grease that is used is a type of hybrid grease. While cool it is like grease. Once warm it is more like gear lube. If it were me, I would rebuild the hubs or convert them over to regular marine grade grease. An ounce of prevention now my save you from some trouble later. Just my thoughts.
Thanks otdrsman, for confirming and suggesting. Im gonna open them up and have a look and put new rear seal if needed and rebuild the cap with new grease, but will probably opt to go with conventional high performance red grease. At least I know they are fresh for next few years and I will know how they work should there ever be a problem in the future.
When I converted mine over to regular marine grade grease (Lucas) I installed Bearing Buddies in place of the Vault spring loaded caps. The Bearing Buddies and rear seal will allow trapped air in the hub to escape. You can then add additional grease through the grease fitting on the BB. Once the hub is full of grease and no air present, the spring loaded plunger on the BB will stay extended applying the correct amount of internal hub pressure. Just a thought.
Jack up there boat and check bearings for excess play and to see if the bearings still roll nice and smooth. If there isn't any excessive play or rough spots noted then leave in service. You can add additional grease (special lubricant NOT normal grease) through a zerk fitting on the end of the spindle then addd more to the cap and press it back into place. There are many Youtube videos that clearly explains the service process. IF you choose to disassemble the hubs for inspection, plan on replacing bearings, races, and seals since you already have them apart.
Phillip "Wade" Norris
2015 Ranger Z520C
250 Merc Optimax Pro XS (S# 2B113454)
25P Fury - 4 blade all holes open
I would not recommend reusing the Valut caps. from my experience, it is nearly impossible to get them to stay on after reinstalling them even with the Locktite flange sealant. I learned that the hard way a couple of hundred miles from home. I have a great trailer shop that now does mine every 5 years or so, he refuses to reuse them also.
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