Axle Tube Drain Holes?

[76SeaRay]

I notice now that I have disassembled my trailer for paint that there are two holes (about 1/2 inch diameter) on the top side of both my axles just above the spring purchases. I checked under the axles and there are no drain holes. Since these are welded square tube axles, shouldn't they have drain holes on the bottom? So, would those be drain holes and therefore would my trailer axles on upside down? Although this is a 1976 Shorelandr, it appears that everything is factory original so they were likely installed that way from the factory.

 

[Scott Danforth]

spring locating holes?

my last two shoreland'r trailers had foam filled axle tubes (to keep water out)

 

[Chris1956]

That hole is too large to be a drain. Those are more like 1/4".

I agree with Scott. Leaf Springs often have rivets holding the leaves together. These rivets can fit into matching axle holes, helping the locate and affix the springs to the axles.

 

[airshot]

Open holes and no drain ???? Sounds like a problem looking for a place to happen.....I would consider adding some drain holes and bigger than a quarter inch...

 

[76SeaRay]

Thanks. The holes are too large for spring locating holes and if I turned the axle over they would be partially covered by the spring and not centered. The top of the axles as they are now have the brake lines running across them with riveted little brackets to hold them so that's where they should be (on the top for protection). I don't want to simply turn them over so I guess I should drill a couple of holes in the bottom as I think the axles would fill up everytime the boat is launched and not have a way to drain.

 

[dingbat]

One has to ask themselves…….how did the axle make it 40+ years if it needed additional (drain) holes to keep from rusting out?

Don't fix someone that isn't broken….lol

 

[76SeaRay]

Well, there is that... I was just wondering the same thing.... Guess I will run a scope into the axles for a look see.... I don't remember any holes in the brake backing plate mounting brackets but maybe they drain there... Will have to see..

 

[Scott Danforth]

mu guess is there are axle holes somewhere, and teh holes on top are to prevent air from being trapped.

 

[76SeaRay]

Good point. I ran my hand under them but didn't feel anything so will flip them over and inspect for holes..