The Vault Hybrid Lub System help needed.

[tflradio]

I have the Vault Hybrid Lubrication System on my EZLoader Trailer. The trailer was made in 2010. I am the third owner and I have no indication that anything has ever been done to the system from previous owners. The trailer sticker says no inspection, maintenance or service needed. Does that Hybrid oil need to be changed and the bearings ever repacked in this system?

[nukemustang]

I have a 2007 Phoenix tandem and overhauled the brakes completely (new bearings, brake calipers/pads, bearing buddies, inner and outer seals). The grease wasn't in the best shape when I pulled the covers off, but the brake calipers dragging are what caused me to do all that work. I think excessive heat from the brakes dragging may have caused that problem, but at the end of the day I then knew what actual condition of the whole axle assembly was vice wondering.


http://www.planetnautique.com/vb5/fo...rakes-question

[scottparris99]

On my previous trailer I had what looked to be a leaking outer seal on the vault system. I basically had the grease/oil that is used sprayed all around inside of the wheel. I called the manufacture and they maintained that it was nearly impossible for this to occur and that no maintenance (repacking bearings/changing grease) would be needed for 10 yrs. finally after sending pics they agreed that the seal had failed. They sent me new outer seals and bearings at no charge. My point to all this is that technically they do not need regular maintenance per the manufacturer but I would always check for potentials failures/leaks. Also you need to be sure to use the specific grease designed for the vault system.


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[tflradio]

On my previous trailer I had what looked to be a leaking outer seal on the vault system. I basically had the grease/oil that is used sprayed all around inside of the wheel. I called the manufacture and they maintained that it was nearly impossible for this to occur and that no maintenance (repacking bearings/changing grease) would be needed for 10 yrs. finally after sending pics they agreed that the seal had failed. They sent me new outer seals and bearings at no charge. My point to all this is that technically they do not need regular maintenance per the manufacturer but I would always check for potentials failures/leaks. Also you need to be sure to use the specific grease designed for the vault system.


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Thanks, Scott. Helpful. So in other words, check it regularly even though it doesn't "require" maintenance.

Bob

[hondaprlud]

Thanks, Scott. Helpful. So in other words, check it regularly even though it doesn't "require" maintenance.

Bob

I have the same system on my trailer, When I called, they said the same, but I watch it close because I trailer about 2 hours to each way to the river.

Where do you boat? I was on West Branch for 15+ years.

[tflradio]

I have the same system on my trailer, When I called, they said the same, but I watch it close because I trailer about 2 hours to each way to the river.

Where do you boat? I was on West Branch for 15+ years.

Yes, West Branch is our main location, which is about 50 minutes for us. We've been to Lake Milton too, but West Branch is not as busy and is deeper throughout. May also try Mosquito Lake some time. We will also trailer about 8 hrs for vacation each summer up to Adirondacks, so I want to make sure all is well. All the best.

[scottparris99]

Thanks, Scott. Helpful. So in other words, check it regularly even though it doesn't "require" maintenance.

Bob

Right. From what they told me a small amount of grease is suppose to leak out of the rear seal to keep it lubricated. If the seal breaks you will certainly notice it though. When I replaced the seals on my old trailer it was about 6 yrs old, at that time the bearings looked to be in great shape even with the leaking seal.


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[tflradio]

Right. From what they told me a small amount of grease is suppose to leak out of the rear seal to keep it lubricated. If the seal breaks you will certainly notice it though. When I replaced the seals on my old trailer it was about 6 yrs old, at that time the bearings looked to be in great shape even with the leaking seal.


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Again - helpful, Scott. I'll keep an eye on it and maybe have the oil replaced this Fall, if not before.

[hondaprlud]

Yes, West Branch is our main location, which is about 50 minutes for us. We've been to Lake Milton too, but West Branch is not as busy and is deeper throughout. May also try Mosquito Lake some time. We will also trailer about 8 hrs for vacation each summer up to Adirondacks, so I want to make sure all is well. All the best.

I'll keep an eye out for you. I'm in Kent, about 20 min to the west boat ramp at WB. If we go out, it's typically early Sat or Sun for barefooting.

Usually we now head south a few hours a lot of weekends to avoid the crowds.

[Nautique Fan]

Found this older post and wondered if anyone has ever had the end cap come off. After trailering for an hour to the lake I noticed the axel was leaking oil. All of the oil. The whole cap was missing. It happened close to the lake because there wasn't oil all over the rim. I couldn't find the end cap. Luckily my dad was close to a trailer shop that knows the vault system. He brought me the new end cap and the grease/oil so I could get home. Having the shop inspect the whole trailer next week. It's a 2007 EZ loader trailer.

Any advice on preventing this again or any possible causes?




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[gary s]

Never have with the vault system but have with bearing buddies on other trailers. What I have been told it's because the wheels have not been balanced. Trailer wheels have a larger hole in the center than a car or truck,the smaller hole on a vehicle wheel lines it up on the wheel hub. A trailer uses the lug nuts to center the wheel. The larger hub of the trailer wheel will not center on the new style wheel balance machines so they just don't do them. Are your's balanced?

[Nautiquehunter]

I have been trailering boats for 35 years and have never had as many problems with wheel bearings as I have had with the Vault system . The idea is when the wheel rotates it heats up and the grease liquidizes and flows around the bearings . When the wheel enters the water the oil solidifies back to grease and prevents water from coming in.The problems I have had is when the hub heats up it builds too much pressure and blows the cap off or leaks out of the rear seal all over the wheel. I have removed all the Vault grease and repacked the bearings with a quality marine bearing grease I reused the Vault caps as covers only. I would rather have to repack the bearings every 3-5 years than to have a cap blow off on the expressway on a long trip.

[Nautique Fan]

Never have with the vault system but have with bearing buddies on other trailers. What I have been told it's because the wheels have not been balanced. Trailer wheels have a larger hole in the center than a car or truck,the smaller hole on a vehicle wheel lines it up on the wheel hub. A trailer uses the lug nuts to center the wheel. The larger hub of the trailer wheel will not center on the new style wheel balance machines so they just don't do them. Are your's balanced?

The wheels have some weights on the inside of the rim, so I believe they are balanced. I'll have the shop re-balance the tires. That's good advice. Thanks.

[Nautique Fan]

I have been trailering boats for 35 years and have never had as many problems with wheel bearings as I have had with the Vault system . The idea is when the wheel rotates it heats up and the grease liquidizes and flows around the bearings . When the wheel enters the water the oil solidifies back to grease and prevents water from coming in.The problems I have had is when the hub heats up it builds too much pressure and blows the cap off or leaks out of the rear seal all over the wheel. I have removed all the Vault grease and repacked the bearings with a quality marine bearing grease I reused the Vault caps as covers only. I would rather have to repack the bearings every 3-5 years than to have a cap blow off on the expressway on a long trip.

I agree. I don't mind the extra work for a better system. I'll look into something similar. Thanks for the advice.