Bearing problem or Spindle problem?

[RC]

I have an '89 Calkins dual axel trailer. I went in to replace the bearings in the front axel and found the inside bearing completely destroyed. All that was left were the actual rollers floating around and the part of the bearing that contacts the spindle was apparently fused to the spindle. I ended up removing that by tapping with a chisel from behind. I had to remove the hub from the rear axel so I could use that inside bearing to ensure I got the right one from the parts store. With the exact parts I easily redid the entire rear axel hub but when I went to complete the front axel hub it wouldn't slide all the way on to the spindle. (about a half inch short) There are definately some imperfections on the spindle. I've been trying to smooth them with emory cloth and have had a little luck but not much. Is my spindle damaged from the bearing being fused to it from the heat? Anyone seen anything like this before? Help!

 

[SlowlySinking]

Re: Bearing problem or Spindle problem?

Hi DeltaR, here's the scoop, it's pretty common. The bearing seized and spun the bearing race on the axle, likely from heat and lack of lube, you have two choices, replace the axle, expensive, or repair it, I've done many and they all lasted for years. Use a flat file and remove the real bad high spots on the axle where the bearing race seats, the race is the part you removed with a chisel, smooth the axle until the new race slides on with a hammer and a brass punch and some force, you don't have to drive it on with a 10 pound hammer, about as much force as the good axle did, if it slides on too easy remove it and then using a pointed punch make several light hits around the axle where the race sits, this raises some material which grips the race so it won't spin. Finish the assembly and you're done. Good luck.

 

[RC]

Re: Bearing problem or Spindle problem?

Thanks SlowlySinking, I'm not sure I understand though. The bearing assembly is going to be a part of the hub when I slide it all back onto the spindle. Am I going to file down the part of the spindle where the bearing was seated then slide on my hub assembly and give it a few decent hits with a hammer to get it fully back onto the spindle?

 

[ebbtide176]

Re: Bearing problem or Spindle problem?

amen<br /><br />i've done same with auto starters & generators, and some turn pretty high rpms. take your time and get a tight fit, so the race won't fit easily. you might be able to get a piece of electrical conduit to help seat it. and old starter bushings that went on worn out shafts- "nick" em with a straight punch. good luck and once you're done just pull it a few miles and put your hand on it to check for excessive heat. later you can pull the dust cap to see if the grease is liquified.

 

[SlowlySinking]

Re: Bearing problem or Spindle problem?

Hi DeltaR, you got it, the part you file down is the spindle where the race is installed, clean it up just enough to allow the race to be installed on the spindle with a punch and hammer or any other tool as ebb noted, the packed with grease rear bearing and grease seal will be installed in the hub, then slide the hub on the spindle, install the packed outside bearing, washer, nut, adjust the end play, cotter pin, and done. Then road test as ebb noted. This web link provides some images that may help, let us know how you do,,,,,, <br /><br /> http://www.championtrailers.com/techsup.html#packhubs

 

[RC]

Re: Bearing problem or Spindle problem?

Thanks SlowlySinking. I'll let you know how it goes. Appreciate your help.

 

[jlshields]

Re: Bearing problem or Spindle problem?

I'm confused. All wheel bearings I have changed (truck, auto, tractor or trailer) the inner bearing was a slip fit over the spindle, not a friction fit. The race is installed in the hub, then the bearing, and finally the seal (make certain it is double lip). The whole assembly then should SLIP right on the axle. If you drive the bearing and race on the spindle you cannot then install the seal.

 

[SlowlySinking]

Re: Bearing problem or Spindle problem?

jlshields, I see your point, but from his problem description it sounds like the race goes on the spindle rather than in the hub, DeltaR, hope you read this, when you did the other axle and assuming both axles are the same, what did <br />you see, was the bearing race installed in the hub with the bearing and then the grease seal or is the race installed on the spindle and the grease seal installs in the hub and rides on the lip of the race?

 

[RC]

Re: Bearing problem or Spindle problem?

My setup is exactly as Jlshields describes. When I did the rear axel hub the assembly slid onto the spindle without force. The inside part of the inner bearing that "hugs" the axel is the part that was fused onto the front axel when I removed the hub. That is the part I had to knock off with the chisel and hammer. My plan (as soon as the rain stops!) is to file down the rough areas of the spindle (where the inside bearing will sit) until the inner bearing will slide on smoothly. Then reinstall the completely assembled hub. What do you think? Will this work?

 

[jlshields]

Re: Bearing problem or Spindle problem?

Delta, you got it. The spindle wasn't discolored was it? Sure sign of extreme heat and need to replace axle. John

 

[RC]

Re: Bearing problem or Spindle problem?

No, the spindle wasn't discolored at all. Fortunately the trip when this bearing failure occurred was only about 10 minutes. Thanks John I'll let y'all now how it goes.

 

[RC]

Re: Bearing problem or Spindle problem?

Took my dremel with a grinding attachment and in about a minute had it where it needed to be. Slid the hub on and finished the job. Thanks for your help slowly sinking and John. Nice to have such a great resource.

 

[SlowlySinking]

Re: Bearing problem or Spindle problem?

DeltaR, glad it worked out, wish I could get my wireless web connection to stay connected, been off line for 30 hours, what a nuisance,,,,,,