If the bearings need to be adjusted or replaced, the work should be done only by an authorized Malibu Trailer
dealer. Failure to contact Malibu for pre-approval during the warranty period will void the warranty.
The wheel bearings have been precisely torque-set at the factory. To assure the bearings are in good working
order, check the bearing adjustment at least once a year by following this procedure:
• Jack up on one side of the trailer. (Be certain to use jack stands and chock the trailer wheels to keep the trailer
from moving during the inspection.)
• Grip the edge of the tire and see if it can be rocked or moved.
• If the outer edge of the tire moves more than 1/8”, the bearings may need to be readjusted.
A slight amount of oil seepage at the rear seal is normal and necessary to lubricate the wiper lip of the seal for
long life and for sealing protection from contaminants out. If excessive leakage is occurring, however, contact an
authorized Malibu Trailer dealer.
Wheels and Hubs
Because the wheels and hubs will be submerged in
water at times, they require more attention than those
found on a tow vehicle. Wheels should be regularly
washed with mild soap or detergent to retain the
finish and remove any corrosive elements. Never use
harsh detergent or scrub brushes that can damage the
appearance.
If your boat is stored in an area that experiences
snow or ice, Malibu highly recommends periodically
checking and cleaning your wheels during the winter.
Even following inclement winter weather, salt and
chemical treatments used to remove snow and ice
from roads and parking lots can settle on the wheels
and cause damage to the finish. Such damage is not
covered under warranty.
Lug Nuts
Prior to each outing, check that the lug nuts have retained the correct torque. It is critical to use the correctly
sized wrench when tightening or loosening lug nuts. (At present, Malibu is using three-quarter-inch (3/4”) lug
nuts on all trailers.) The wrong size wrench can cause the lug nuts to become rounded off, which can make them
impossible to use.
Never tow a trailer with a missing lug nut or lug nuts. Having the complete number of lug nuts, properly
torqued, is critical for both long-term use of the product and for road safety. Even one fewer lug nut can apply
stress to the remaining lug nuts and the hub, which could result in failure.
Do not replace lug nuts, even missing ones, with lug nuts other than those available through an authorized
Malibu Trailer dealer. The lug nut seat angle must match the wheel seat angle. The assembly uses a specified lug
nut selected for the kind of use the trailer will need. Even if the threads match, unapproved lug nuts may not
hold the wheel securely enough. Lug nuts on each wheel should always match.
The torque applied when securing the lug nuts is also extremely important. If it is under-tightened, a lug nut
can work loose under operation and come off. An over-tightened lug nut can strip the threads and also come off.
2020 Malibu Boats LLC • Owner’s Manual • Page 195
Summary of Contents for 21 VLX
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Page 134: ...Engine and ...
Page 135: ...Drive Train ...
Page 156: ...How It Works ...
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Page 227: ...Get Ready ...
Page 238: ...Care and ...
Page 239: ...Maintenance ...
Page 278: ...Warranty ...
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