hub / spindle repair

kensul12

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Oct 17, 2016
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I pulled the hub off an older Escort trailer in order to bring parts to local trailer store for replacement. Take a look at the photo I have uploaded....I wasn't expecting to find this ' thick ring' at the end of the spindle (it's circled in red). It spins free, but after a couple tugs with pliers, it does not want to come off - nor can it unscrew. I guess I could bring this photo to the shop, but I am curious if it belongs there or will be replaced when I get the new parts....

Any input is appreciated...I have no trailer experience...learning online IMG_5174.JPG

Ken
 

southkogs

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Looks like the bearing race. Were all of the bearing pieces accounted for? Or did you have your bearings go bad?

Welcome aboard.:welcome:
 

kensul12

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Oct 17, 2016
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All pieces not yet accounted for - There are still parts 'jammed' in the hub. Everything was in pretty bad shape ( the lubricant turned to thickened paste).

I just bought the trailer for a steal thinking I would address new parts this winter - I didn't envision the bearings going bad on my first haul out. When I got to my driveway, the hub cover was gone and the bearings had just started to smoke.

this picture does it great justice compared to how it looked.

Thanks for the reply and the welcome !
 

Bondo

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Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... Both the inner bearin' races are still on the axle, Both need to be beaten off 1st,....
 

kensul12

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Oct 17, 2016
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Thnak you Bondo...when you say 'beaten' -- is there an effective method without damaging spindle.....or are we talking any means necessary...?
 

bruceb58

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Mar 5, 2006
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Sometimes, the best method is to partially cut the race with a dremel and cut off wheel and splitting them with a chisel.
 

kensul12

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Oct 17, 2016
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I appreciate the input guys.....just so I am clear ( and I don't cut/remove wrong item).....I have circled both races to be removed....

correct right? IMG_5175.JPG
 

bruceb58

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Mar 5, 2006
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correct.

You probably already know this but you shoudl be taking off the other hub to inspect it as well. It will also show you what it's supposed to look like if it comes off properly.
 

kensul12

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Oct 17, 2016
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Yup - planning on taking off, comparing and then re-doing both.....especially after this race tripped me up a bit
 

Starcraft5834

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Jun 2, 2013
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1,677
keep in mind to explore why your bearings blew up and broke apart like that...to heavy a load?, poor or no bearing maintenance? it's fairly common to have race collars like that stuck on the axle during extreme failure.... or bent spindle?
 

kensul12

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Oct 17, 2016
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Thanks Imperial - I literally bought it two weeks ago. The seller didn't have much to say. As I mentioned, the grease was non existent. Had I not been in a hurry the day I bought it, I would have explored things further. I bought it and went right to hauling my skiff ( with threat of hurricane coming). So yes, all incorrect steps in dealing with a used trailer.

Hopefully I'm on the right path, starting with fresh hardware.....
 

Starcraft5834

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Jun 2, 2013
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excellent!! welcome to iboats!!, some great knowledge found here. Wisdom can be gained here for sure. I too bought a boat/trailer 4 years ago, had more problems with the trailer than anything else.. a complete replacement of axle/hubs/ surge break install did the trick for me... I strongly recommend axle replacement with modern grease zerks.. modern spindles are milled for more precise bearing fit, less collar movement= less chance of wiggling and bearings heating up...grease zerks makes lubing a breeze.. highway bearing meltdowns are the worst.. and usually can be avoided... good luck
 

southkogs

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I had to beat my way through one a few years ago. Several fellas walked me through it in THIS topic. There might be a few cues in there you can work from.
 

harleyman1975

Ensign
Joined
May 12, 2003
Messages
959
I would get a cutoff wheel and very carefully cut a slot out of the races...without cutting into the axle itself. when you get almost through I would stop and switch to a chisel to finish the cut. (it should break the last few hundredths of an inch of material with one or two blows.
 

kensul12

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Oct 17, 2016
Messages
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You guys have been great with info - I hope to attack this weekend and will report back....Thanks !
 
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