Can I Use Hubs with 3500-lb Capacity on Axle with 1750-lb Capacity If The Bearings Match Up?

Question:

Hi, Im looking to purchase a spare 5 on 5 hub with L68149 and L44649 bearings. I found your Item # AKIHUB-550-35-K hub but it says its for a 3500 lb axle. Another web site said this size hub with theses bearings on a tapered shaft was for a 1750 lb axle. I have no idea what axle I have. Can you help? Thanks,

asked by: Dave S

Expert Reply:

First things first; you can determine the specs on your current axle by checking for a sticker or plate attached to the axle itself (you'll usually find it close to the center of the axle). But with that being said, in the event that you can't find anything on the axle itself that would specify the capacity, you'll want to use the bolt pattern on your hubs and the bearings to provide you with a matching hub for your axle and spindle. I'll also say that the L68149 and L44649 are two of the more common bearings that you're going to find used, so it's possible that they're used on both a 1750-lb and 3500-lb axle.

If your current hubs have the # L68149 inner bearing and # L44649 outer bearing and a 5 on 5 bolt pattern, then the # AKIHUB-550-35-K are going to be the replacement hubs you'll want to use. The caveat with all of this is that even though these hubs may have a capacity of 3500-lbs, if your axle only has a 1750-lb capacity, you're going to be limited to the 1750-lb capacity. The reason for this is that when dealing with different components, you're always going to be limited by the capacity of the lowest rated component.

Long story short, as long as the bearings and bolt pattern match up, which they do- you can use the # AKIHUB-550-35-K as a replacement hub.

expert reply by: Erik B