Axle sleeve time

[Drcoffee]

This old 1995 trailer is new to me. Bought it with the boat and I did a quick bearing change last summer just so we could go boating a few times before the season ended. Today I started to replace my surge brakes, backing plates setup, and brake lines. Once I cleaned off the grease, I found this scoring on both axles And water in the grease again. I am going to try these sleeves from national bearing. 99171 is for nominal diameter of 1.17” to 1.25”. The seal fits tighter but they say to use the same seal as before. I guess I will find out in the Fall when I repack them again. It also says to use a non hardening sealant on the inner surface of the sleeve. Anyone use these before? $26 each its not cheap, just cheaper than new axles.

 

[dingbat]

This old 1995 trailer is new to me. Bought it with the boat and I did a quick bearing change last summer just so we could go boating a few times before the season ended. Today I started to replace my surge brakes, backing plates setup, and brake lines. Once I cleaned off the grease, I found this scoring on both axles And water in the grease again. I am going to try these sleeves from national bearing. I is for nominal diameter of 1.17” to 1.25”. The seal fits tighter but they say to use the same seal as before. I guess I will find out in the Fall when I repack them again. It also says to use a non hardening sealant on the inner surface of the sleeve. Anyone use these before? $26 each its not cheap, just cheaper than new axles

Speedi-sleeves work well but you must use the correct size for it to work properly. Wasn’t until I mic’ed journal for a sleeve that I found out I was using the wrong seal for all these years.

#2 permatex is the non-hardening sealer

 

[Drcoffee]

Yup. Mine measured 1.715”. Its offered in ranges. Pick the one that fits your axles.
* sorry the measurement is wrong above (see pic)

nobody carried the NSK speedi sleeve locally, o’Rielys had them at the warehouse. Weather is promising this weekend so no time to wait. Had to makeshift an installation tool. Used an exhaust 2” to 1 7/8” transition and 1.5” pvc pipe. I used the small end to install it and the large end to flex the flange away from the drum hub. I show it inserted into the axle seal in the picture.

the next step is to replace the brake lines with NiCup lines. Super easy to work with. Bends easily without kinking and flares smoothly.

 

[dingbat]

Yup. Mine measured 1.715”

Impressed...someone who can read vernier calipers...lol

 

[Drcoffee]

The flex line finally arrived from etrailer.com and got installed this morning. I cut the old line in half to see its condition. It looks like the steel core is rusting but the lumen is still open.

I got lucky on costs on this project. I found the new marine grade drum brakes on offerup for $75 shipped (retail $175), nickel copper line 25’ kit $20 ebay, flex line $26 etrailer, 2 sleeves $58. The Atwood surge brake $125 ebay (new). $300 +/- for entirely new brakes.

 

[Drcoffee]

Sleeve installed

 

[76SeaRay]

I haven't used a sleeve on an axle before but my experience comes from a sleeve on a crankshaft damper. It worked for a while but the sleeve eventually wore through causing a new leak. Just check it periodically make sure you have a good seal.

 

[Drcoffee]

Agree. The difference is the use each is under. A crankshaft is spinning 1000-4000 rpm continuously. Whereas a trailer axle is turning slower for shorter durations. Should last longer but certainly check each year when greasing bearings.

 

[TyeeMan]

When I picked up my new to me rig 3 years ago I thought I'd go through the bearings on all for wheels. The trailer is a Shorelander, come to find out that a sleeve on the parts list for all 4 wheels. I found that interesting. I always thought they were just for use when your sealing surface gets damaged.