I've got a boatmate trailer that came with my 05 Supra 21V and just learned about the oil baths used for lubricating the wheel bearings. <BR>Right now I can't see the level of oil, the oil containers are either full or empty. All I can see is dark brown. <BR>1. How often should I change the oil (the book says SAE 50 but no word about frequency) <BR>2. Should I take the wheel off before checking the oil level? There are some dust caps around the baths. <BR>3. What should be the torque spec when I put the wheels back on?

Have no info for you, but glad you asked... because I've had the exact same questions. Mine also dark brown and you can't tell the level, but dealership has told me that's what they are supposed to look like...

Well, the dealer told me that I should see the oil level at half :-). I have much higher hopes from this forum.

do you have Trailer Buddy axles? <BR> <BR><a href="http://www.ufpnet.com/Axles/tabid/55/Default.aspx" target="_blank">http://www.ufpnet.com/Axles/tabid/55/Default.aspx</a>

I would say no, grease is not used for lubrication. Oil baths are different.

Cal, there is a fill screw on top, you can remove and see oil in there. I normally just touch my wheel bearings after a short drive. If there is little/no oil in there they will get very hot, very quick. Oil bath are pretty maint free IMO. also check inside/outside of your wheels...if ther is any oil on them, you have a leak from one of the seals.

the GOLD axles? sure? <BR> <BR><a href="http://www.ufpnet.com/Portals/0/PDFs/Trailer%20Buddy%20GOLD%20Axle%20Maintenance.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.ufpnet.com/Portals/0/PDFs/Trailer%20Buddy%20GOLD%20Axle%20Maintenance.pdf</a>

thanks a lot! that what it is, the GOLD Axles. IT answers almost everything I wanted to know. <BR>I also have the "Trailer Buddy Bra" for protection. I think I'll have to take the wheel off in order to access the fill/drain plug on the hub nose. <BR>"It is recommended that you change the oil in your GOLD system after 20,000 <BR>miles or unless oil becomes a milky color." <BR>Then I guess dark brown is normal color, and I should not see air inside.

One of mine cracked and got water in it. Replaced them all them all with bearing buddies

I've had mine checked every year (5 years) I go in for a tune up and the dealer always tells me the oil is perfect. This seems to be a very very low maintenance system and seems to never get hot or low on oil. My dealer must be topping it off...... <BR>I'm a pretty low miles traveler though.

Oil bath bearing systems are SUPERIOR to grease, especially for those high mileage scenarios (all tractor/trailers use them exclusively for that reason). It is good to change out the oil and bearings regularly (depends on your useage). It is tough to gauge bearing oil wear by just the color of the oil.

The site window will retract back toward the wheel if the fluid is low. Or at least mine did on my boatmate trailer.