Malibu Boats RESPONSE TXi 2021, Owner'S Manual

Page: 137 / 202

2021 OWNERS MANUAL | Trailers 123
Vault uses only Hybrid Oil
TM
lubricant, which combines the
benefits of oil and grease. The Vault protects the wheel bearings
in a sealed, pressurized chamber that is unaffected by outside
elements. For optimal performance, only UFP’s Hybrid Oil
Lubricant should be used in this system.
The system has several unique features not found on
conventional trailer axles. Every possible lead point on the front
and rear of the hub is sealed. (The slight pressure inside the hub
is needed to keep water out of the hub chamber when the hub is
submerged underwater during loading and unloading).
Inspection or replenishment of the lubricant is not required as
part of the routine maintenance.
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 preapproval during the warranty
period will void the warranty.
The wheel bearings have been precisely torqued 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. 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 ¾” 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 come off.
Follow these instructions for ensuring proper installation and
torque for the lug nuts:
• Use a torque wrench. No other wrenches or similar tools
are appropriate for use, except in an emergency.
• Keep a record of readings. If a lug nut or nuts routinely
NOTICE
Adding or changing the lubricant in the VAULT system is neither
necessary nor recommended during the first five (5) years of service.
After that time, the maintenance requirements should be undertaken
only by an authorized Malibu dealer and only the UFP’s Hybrid Oil
Lubricant should be used.
Check the lug nut torque after the first 50 miles of trailer use. Then
the lug nut torque should be checked every month afterwards that
the trailer is used, and always checked prior to use if the trailer has
been in storage or not used for a period of at least 2 weeks. Failure to
do so could result in lug nuts loosening or dislodging from the wheel
assembly. Such activity can have catastrophic results, including loss
of tow vehicle and/or trailer control, which could result in serious
injury or death.
DANGER
!
Lug nuts must also be correctly sized and specified for each trailer
wheel. Failure to properly install and maintain the lug nuts could
result in the trailer wheel coming off during operation. Such failure
can result in serious injury or death, as well as property damage.
DANGER
!