Broken Spindle?

[six50joe]

I trailered our boat into the driveway a month ago after pulling it for the season, and noticed the left rear wheel's grease cap was missing, and the wheel was tilted inwards at the top, as if it weren't completely attached to the axle. Over the past 12 years I only use it twice a season, once to launch and once to pull it, only about 2 miles away. Never had to do any trailer maintenance before other than putting a new jack on it, so I'm a complete newbie when it comes to wheels, axles and bearings.
It's a 2005 double axle Sea Lion, loaded with a 23' Hurricane.
I removed the wheel, cotter pin and nut off the spindle, but not sure what I'm looking at. I'm wondering if the spindle or something on it is broken.
I'm wondering if maybe something may be sheared off at the part next to the threads?

 

[Scott06]

Looks like you have had inner and outer bearing failure and the bearing races are still on the axle , may need to be cut off the axle . Buy new bearings, with a cutoff wheel and chisel take these inner races of the axle. You may need to clean up the axle with a file But as long as the inner race didnt turn on the axle you are ok. May need to put a speed I sleep on inner seal surface,
take your other hub off clean and re pack the bearings replace bearings if they are rough.

there are only a hand full of bearing sizes based off axle capacity can buy at any place selling trailer parts like tractor supply or Walmart etc

 

[GA_Boater]

Looks like you have had inner and outer bearing failure and the bearing races are still on the axle , may need to be cut off the axle . Buy new bearings, with a cutoff wheel and chisel take these inner races of the axle. You may need to clean up the axle with a file But as long as the inner race didnt turn on the axle you are ok. May need to put a speed I sleep Speedi-Sleeve on inner seal surface,
take your other hub off clean and re pack the bearings replace bearings if they are rough.

there are only a hand full of bearing sizes based off axle capacity can buy at any place selling trailer parts like tractor supply or Walmart etc

Had to auto-correct the auto-correct.

Excellent advice BTW.

 

[Scott Danforth]

I trailered our boat into the driveway a month ago after pulling it for the season, and noticed the left rear wheel's grease cap was missing, and the wheel was tilted inwards at the top, as if it weren't completely attached to the axle. Over the past 12 years I only use it twice a season, once to launch and once to pull it, only about 2 miles away. Never had to do any trailer maintenance before other than putting a new jack on it, so I'm a complete newbie when it comes to wheels, axles and bearings.
It's a 2005 double axle Sea Lion, loaded with a 23' Hurricane.
I removed the wheel, cotter pin and nut off the spindle, but not sure what I'm looking at. I'm wondering if the spindle or something on it is broken.
I'm wondering if maybe something may be sheared off at the part next to the threads?

maybe you should do some preventative maintenance....... its much cheaper than repairs

 

[dwco5051]

. Never had to do any trailer maintenance before other than putting a new jack on it, so I'm a complete newbie when it comes to wheels, axles and bearings.

Never had to do any trailer maintenance before other than putting a new jack on it, so I'm a complete newbie when it comes to wheels, axles and bearings.

For those of us that have done this 50 or a hundred times this is a fairly simple job. This link has some good pictures and shows all the steps. https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/repacking-trailer-wheel-bearings/

The same goes for removing the frozen races but it maybe a little tricky the first time. Do you have a boating friend with a little experience who can walk you through it? A little grinding and a cold chisel is all it takes but knowing when to switch from one to the other is the trick. Bearing races are hard steel and will possibly shatter so safety glasses are a must. Good luck.

 

[bruceb58]

Looks like a 15 year old trailer with the wheels never removed to check or pack the bearings. Wonder what the front axle looks like.

Problem is this is a torsion axle. Trying to find one to match the front may be tricky to get the exact same model and the exact same tension.

 

[six50joe]

You may need to clean up the axle with a file But as long as the inner race didnt turn on the axle you are ok.

Is this because the race turning on the axle would mean the axle is scored and would then require replacement? Also, am I using the wrong term when I call what's in the first picture the spindle? What part is considered the axle?

Problem is this is a torsion axle. Trying to find one to match the front may be tricky to get the exact same model and the exact same tension.

I'm assuming this is the worst case scenario (axle needs replacement), correct? Does that look likely based on what's in the photos?

Re: preventative maintenance- guilty as charged. I'm on top of everything else I own, especially if it has a motor. It was a little too easy for me to take the trailer for granted, given that I only pull it at low speed 4 miles a year to and from fresh water and garage it indoors during the off season. I guess it finally caught up with me and I must face the consequences now .

Next step is study the advice given here. Hoping it's in my DIY range, on the surface seems less complicated than other things I've done

 

[dwco5051]

Next step is study the advice given here. Hoping it's in my DIY range, on the surface seems less complicated than other things I've done

It is not that complicated unless the races have got so hot that they welded to the spindle. From what I see in the pictures and the short distance hauled I don't think that is the case, First clean every thing up and wire brush any rust. Then spray WD40 or PB Blaster around the races to soak in. Go to the internet and check out a half dozen or so videos on removing stuck races. Don't forget the other half of the bearings that may be still in the hub. They can be removed with a hammer and punch. Keep alternating side to side when punching them. If you only hit on place they can become wedged. If you have to grind and bust the races be sure to not mar the sealing surface on the inboard part of the spindle. A dremel tool with a cut off wheel(s) will be slower than a larger grinder but you may find it easier to be accurate with it. Cut down close to the spindle about 180 degrees apart and the split with a cold chisel. If all goes well grease and assemble. Than buy 3 more sets of bearings and seals and since you are now an expert on wheel bearings redo the other 3. It will probably take you less time to do them all than you spent on this one.

 

[six50joe]

Thanks dwco, yes- I'm sure after doing one it will be silly not to do the other three. Won't be able to get to it for the next three weeks, but I cleaned it up and WDed it for now.

 

[Scott06]

Is this because the race turning on the axle would mean the axle is scored and would then require replacement? Also, am I using the wrong term when I call what's in the first picture the spindle? What part is considered the axle?

the spindle is the end of the axle, two spindle get welded to the ends of a tube to make an axle assembly. You’re good on terms I’m using them interchangeably...yes if the race turns on the spindle and scores it up bad You would either need to have the old spindle cut off the ale and new spindle welded on at a trailer or RV shop Or buy a new axle that fits. If it’s not beat up too bad you may be able to file down any damage and get a new bearing to go on ok...

I'm assuming this is the worst case scenario (axle needs replacement), correct? Does that look likely based on what's in the photos?

cant tell until you get the inner races that are still on the spindle off But yes worst case take It off and to a trailer shop and have a new spindle welded on

Re: preventative maintenance- guilty as charged. I'm on top of everything else I own, especially if it has a motor. It was a little too easy for me to take the trailer for granted, given that I only pull it at low speed 4 miles a year to and from fresh water and garage it indoors during the off season. I guess it finally caught up with me and I must face the consequences now .

yeah live and learn at least you were going slow. Pull the caps off every year and look at the grease you’ll see water getting in