Is this an issue?

samagy16 · Jun 5, 2011

Below I have posted pictures to better show my dilemma.

Two weeks ago while trailering I completely blew out one of my bearings.

I bought a complete hub assembly to just replace the whole thing and make things easier but after I disassembled everything and cleaned up a bit I saw that the underside of the spindle was pretty roughed up.

Do I need to replace the spindle?

Can anything be done to not have to replace this one?

Any help would be appreciated.

roscoe · Jun 5, 2011

Re: Is this an issue?

replace

wifisher · Jun 5, 2011

Re: Is this an issue?

x2 Replace. There is absolutely no way to fix that spindle. Some light scratches can be polished out, but yours is destroyed.

samagy16 · Jun 5, 2011

Re: Is this an issue?

roscoe said:
replace

Is it just a matter of taking off the cotter pin and nut on the inside?

Will it easily come off if I do that?

How do I find the EXACT size replacement? Are there so many that buying the wrong one is a real possibility?

Thanks again.

Thalasso · Jun 7, 2011

Re: Is this an issue?

You might have to remove the axel to have it welded. Call the trailer manf.as to what spindle you need.You will need new bearings and races.

oldjeep · Jun 7, 2011

Re: Is this an issue?

If it is not a bolt on spindle (most are not) It'll be cheaper to just replace the whole axle unless you are capable removing and welding the new spindle yourself.

Thalasso · Jun 7, 2011

Re: Is this an issue?

Thalasso said:
You might have to remove the axel to have it welded. Call the trailer manf.as to what spindle you need.You will need new bearings and races.

Do not let Joe Shmo weld it on. Get a certified shop to do it. Spindle about $60.00? welding probably another 75.00

oldjeep · Jun 7, 2011

Re: Is this an issue?

Thalasso said:
Do not let Joe Shmo weld it on. Get a certified shop to do it. Spindle about $60.00? welding probably another 75.00

If you can get a certified welder to do it for $75 that would be quite a deal. I do mostly roll cages and frame splices (My own stuff and I'm not certified) and probabally wouldn't screw around with that spindle (even if you could find one that matched) for what a whole new axle would cost.

Hal Ray · Jun 10, 2011

Re: Is this an issue?

I had the same thing to happen recently. Still have not been able to figure out what caused the failure. Had plenty of grease, etc.

Was it possible to install the new hub assembly over the existing spindle?

Silvertip · Jun 10, 2011

Re: Is this an issue?

If this is a torsion axle then the spindle may be a bolt on style. You need to look at it on the back side. If it is a welded axle then the existing stub must be cut off and a new one welded on. And yes -- you can buy the wrong spindle. You need to look at the bearings. If both are 1-1/16 inch then you have a 1000# spindle. If the outer bearing is 1-1/16 and the inner is 1-3/8 then you have a 1750# spindle. You might consider a new axle as the least expensive repair.

bigdee · Jun 10, 2011

Re: Is this an issue?

I noticed the zerk fitting on your axle,that is an easy way to grease the bearing BUT it is also any easy way to destroy a hub and spindle. Too much grease can lock a tapered bearing to the inner race causing it to spin on the spindle shaft and cause this type of damage. Pre-load on castle nut (there should be some play) can cause this too.

H20Rat · Jun 10, 2011

Re: Is this an issue?

bigdee said:
I noticed the zerk fitting on your axle,that is an easy way to grease the bearing BUT it is also any easy way to destroy a hub and spindle. Too much grease can lock a tapered bearing to the inner race causing it to spin on the spindle shaft and cause this type of damage. Pre-load on castle nut (there should be some play) can cause this too.

And to go along with that, at least in my experience with the axle zerk ones like that, once you start to see it squish out it is already too much grease, making it REALLY tough to not overshoot how much should be in there.

oldjeep · Jun 10, 2011

Re: Is this an issue?

Silvertip said:
If it is a welded axle then the existing stub must be cut off and a new one welded on.

And the most important and difficult part - making sure the new spindle is aligned before welding. You can't really count on the spindle being aligned with just a press fit into the axleshaft, when they make these things it is set in a jig to ensure that everything is straight.

sublauxation · Jun 10, 2011

Re: Is this an issue?

If it's not a bolt on spindle I would look into buying a new axle instead, there's a good chance it will be cheaper than welding on a new spindle. try abctrailerparts or tractor supply.

FAC · Jun 10, 2011

Re: Is this an issue?

I just went through this about two months ago and I ended up going with a new axle, it came out to about $300.00 for a new axle with hub assemblies and new u bolts.

gozierdt · Jun 11, 2011

Re: Is this an issue?

Replace the axle- way too much damage to trust this one, even if you got it round enough to
fit a new hub/bearings on...

Is this an issue?

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