Bent Spindle or Axle?

[Parrot6909]

Hi all. I purchased a boat and went to take it out of the driveway on Saturday....Much to my dismay, I got about 100' before the left wheel made a 45 degree angle with the road thus, ending my trailering adventure. The boat had been sitting in the same place for about 2.5 years....the tires had gone flat etc....I noticed when I put the new tires that the back left tire was slightly tilted, and the flat tires had sunken into the blacktop in the driveway (more on oneside then the other, that being the left side). I need to get this thing out of the driveway it is at as soon as possible. It looks like the bend is right after the leaf springs (toward the outside, right before it meets with the bearings).Now the questions.....to me, it looks like it might just be the spindle, but I don't know, I know without seeing it you can't really say, just looking for opinions. The trailer is a 1989 Karavan, roller trailer, I dont' have a model # for it. The right side looks fine, so i am thinking/hoping its just the spindle. Do you think that the boat is too much for the trailer? It fits fine and had been used for years, but I don't know what to think anymore. Any suggestions, comments etc would be great....The boat is an 18' Bowrider from 1966 (weight unknown) and has a 68' evinrude sport four on it....thats about all the info I have!

[DJ]

Parrot,Typically, spindles are welded onto the axle tubes or beams.You're going to have to remove it to really see what happened.

[Parrot6909]

Thanks for that.....Upon further inspection, you are correct, it is all one piece....Ok, so here are a few more questions.....A) What would cause it to bend? Is the boat to heavy for the trailer? B) When replacing the axle, should I also replace the leaf springs? (they are rusty, just wondering if I should try to tackle that or not) and C) If the leaf springs do need to be replaced, how hard is it to do so?Thanks in advance!!!!

[JB]

Howdy, Parrot.Your axle has almost surely failed from rust. The springs will soon follow. Replace both.Raise your tongue jack as high as it will go. jack up each stern corner and put a jackstand under it.This is a pretty simple job if nothing is rusted together, but you will probably need to cut the bolts mounting the springs to get them off.Don't bother seperating the springs from the axle. You are going to dispose of both anyway. Remove the hubs and wheels and trash the rest. Carefully inspect the inner mounting surface of the wheels for deep rust. If they are flaking, replace them, too.Go to www.championtrailers.com to identify your axle and springs. The new ones will assemble easily.Good luck.

[Parrot6909]

Thanks JB....What kind of tools do I need for this? Do the springs just mount on to the trailer with the bolts? Someone had told me that you needed to weld the springs.....I am handy, but not with a torch. If this is a fairly easy job (i.e. not going to take me 10 hours to do) then I am all for it......Just want to get an idea of the degree of difficulty.

[JB]

Hacksaw to cut the rust frozen bolts.Selection of box or socket wrenches.Hammer and maybe a cold chisel and a punch to drive cut off bolts out of spring ends.Grease to reinstall hub bearings.Good luck.