ECO Plus hubs have been proving their highest quality for 15 years in over 14 million BPW axles used on roads in Europe and around the world. ECO Plus perfectly achieve the goals set at the design stage: they will ensure operational reliability and savings in operation.
The design of the ECO Plus hub is based on the use of two independent tapered roller bearings of different sizes. Both the larger inner bearing and the smaller outer bearing are standardized according to DIN-ISO. This type of solution is durable and economical to use. The highest quality of the BPW axle is confirmed by the BPW ECO Plus warranty, granted for 5 years with the option of free extension for another 3 years without mileage limits.
ECO Plus hubs are maintenance-free for the first 5 years of on-road operation. This means that during this period the manufacturer does not impose the obligation to wash the bearings and replace the grease. At the factory, the bearings are lubricated with high-durability BPW ECO Li Plus grease. It is blue in color and is characterized by excellent lubricating properties and a wide operating temperature range.
ECO Plus hub cross-section: Two separate tapered roller bearings in the hubs are very durable and ensure low operating costs.
Basically, checking the hub comes down to checking the play in the bearings, e.g. during a technical inspection. If excessive play is found in the bearings, it can be reset. Play in the hub does not mean that the bearings need to be replaced. Removing the play is possible thanks to the fact that the ECO Plus hub is mounted on two single bearings. To remove the play, remove the hub cap and unlock the axle bolt pin. Then, using a manual – not impact! using a SW 46 socket wrench, tighten the axle bolt. You don't need a torque wrench for this, because the BPW axle bolt is integrated with the tightening torque limiter. This means that it should be tightened until it stops. After reaching a tightening torque of approximately 150Nm, the torque limiter will "jump" signaling the optimal preload of the hub bearings.
Replacing ECO Plus hub bearings is simple. The hub can be removed from the axle journal without using a puller. The axle bolt flange is secured in the hub with a retaining ring (Segera). Thanks to this, when unscrewing the axle bolt, the collar acts as a puller and allows for quick disassembly of the complete hub assembly. The standardized tapered roller bearings used in the ECO Plus hub are generally available on the spare parts market at very attractive prices. By using original BPW bearings and high-durability grease BPW ECO Li Plus, we ensure safe use of the trailer for a long time.
