Can't get wheel off

webmania30

Recruit
Joined
Sep 26, 2022
Messages
1
I have a very old boat trailer with 8" wheels on it and we can't get the wheel off to check the bearings. There's no dust/grease cap on it, removed the cotter pin and the castle nut but the wheel won't pull off. The wheel spins freely. Help please
 

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harringtondav

Commander
Joined
May 26, 2018
Messages
2,439
You've got serious rust between the hub and wheel rim bore.
Start by jacking up the wheel and removing the six lug nuts and see if the wheel loosens. If not spray between the spindle hub and rim with a penetrating chemical. Take a wood block and a large hammer and whack the rim close to the tire bead. Rotate 180 degrees and repeat. Rotate 90 degrees and repeat and continue until the rim loosens.
If the doesn't work use a propane torch and heat the rim hub until the penetrant smokes and repeat with the hammer and block.
Once the tire is off you may need to continue with the block and hammer on the spindle hub face to get it to move. Could be the outer bearing inner race is rusted to the spindle. Penetrant, heat and whacks will eventually get it off.
 
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