Help on Trailer axle problem

[rogerwa]

my neighbor asked me for help in repairing his trailer. He has a 1990 tracker Trailstar single axle 2000lb trailer.<br /><br />He had absolutely no lube in the hubs and one of them went off as predicted on a recent trip. he was lucky he was able to limp home. Unfortunately the bearings and carrierrs were totally oblterated and he had real nice grooves in the spindle.<br /><br />I am thinking it would be best and most cost effiecnt to replace the whole axle as it would to have new spindles welded on. the axle is only held on by four u-bolts and it is a 2000lb rated axle.<br /><br />Is there anything I should be aware of before I go out and find a universal axle? Or should I go out and try to source a 'Trailstar' axle.<br /><br />Looks like a real simple job once I get the axle taken care of..

 

[tommays]

Re: Help on Trailer axle problem

http://www.easternmarine.com/em_store/tech_info/axles_tech_info.html <br /><br />this gives you all the inportant places to measure so it bolts in correctly<br /><br />tommays

 

[JB]

Re: Help on Trailer axle problem

Check out championtrailers.com, Roger.<br /><br />Very good service and excellent support.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[milkyway]

Re: Help on Trailer axle problem

There's nothing wrong with the U bolts installation. I have two torsion axels installed by Venture Trailers and they are on Ubolts. The Ubolts make it possible for you to adjust the axel's locations in case you need to reposition them for correct weight distribution.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Help on Trailer axle problem

The key to the axle replacement is to make sure the spring perches are spaced the same as the original. Otherwise buy an axle with the same spindle size so hubs and bearings can be used. Get the same length, but without spring perches. Buy the spring perches separately and have them welded on in the correct location. Generally you can't go any shorter on an axle, but an inch or so extra length will not hurt anything.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Help on Trailer axle problem

Originally posted by milkyway:<br /> There's nothing wrong with the U bolts installation. I have two torsion axels installed by Venture Trailers and they are on Ubolts. The Ubolts make it possible for you to adjust the axel's locations in case you need to reposition them for correct weight distribution.

I have the same system. Torison axles must be fastened by U bolts, the heat from welding would ruin them. And it's great to be able to reposition them.<br /><br />BTW: It's also possible to reposition them by hitting a pothole or curb so it pays to check the alignment from time to time. The easiest way to get them aligned is by measuring from a crossmember. Once you get them right, make a mark on the trailer frame where they are supposed to be.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Help on Trailer axle problem

Is there anything I should be aware of before I go out and find a universal axle? Or should I go out and try to source a 'Trailstar' axle.<br />

Figure out if this is a torison axle or one that uses leaf springs. There is no such thing as a "universal axle", you need to match the existing one.

 

[gss036]

Re: Help on Trailer axle problem

Go back to the orginal manufactor and see if they have a replacement. If it is Tracker Marine, they still do business through ProBass Shops, I think.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Help on Trailer axle problem

It has leafs. This axle has an existing lubrication system that wasn't working that ultimatley led to the failure. That and the fact that the owner never personally checked the condition of the bearing and the packing.<br /><br />I think I can get a replacement through the link listed above or through a local outlet. As I seaid it looks pretty straightforward for bolting it on.<br /><br />Thenaks for all the help..

 

[KM2]

Re: Help on Trailer axle problem

Locally Northern Tool, fleet farm or maybe the boaters outlet store in roseville would have a suitable replacement.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Help on Trailer axle problem

Northern was my first choice but they do not have the right size.. They have mostly utility trailer axles which are not long enough, and I don't beleive they are cambered.<br /><br />I have not been to the boaters outlet store..where is that located in Roseville??

 

[irishflies]

Re: Help on Trailer axle problem

I am about to purchase a new axle for my trailer.My trailer also has welded on spindles. My buddy bought a new trailer that has for bolts that hold the hub and spindle on to the axle. I am going to purchase this type and buy a spare hub and spindle package with bearings already installed. Next time I have a roadsideproblem, which is inevitable, I will be able to swap out the hub and spindle.Change the tire and drive away.Something to think about.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Help on Trailer axle problem

One additional question on sizing. The trailer is rated at 2000lbs and the axle is rated at 2500lbs.<br /><br />The only axles I can find are 2200 or 3500lbs. Can I safely go with the 2200lb?<br /><br />It is a 17 aluminum Tracker with a 70hp OB. I feel that the 2200 should be sufficient and that the 3500 would be too stiff..<br /><br />Opinions??

 

[milkyway]

Re: Help on Trailer axle problem

That all depends on the normal gross weight of the boat, loaded. Both trailer and axle capacity individually cannot be lesser than what it is carrying. Know the boat's weight.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Help on Trailer axle problem

Next time I have a roadside problem, which is inevitable, ............

Not if you maintain your trailer and inspect it on a regular basis.

 

[tommays]

Re: Help on Trailer axle problem

i dont no of anyone who pulls them once a year and repacks that has ever had a breakdown<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[KM2]

Re: Help on Trailer axle problem

The boaters outlet is on the north side of county C2 a little east of 35W. <br /><br />I'm not sure if the have what you need, but I have had good luck getting things for my I/O that the others stores don't stock.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Help on Trailer axle problem

Well I bought my supplies from eastern marine and had the spring clips welded on for a measly $25 and the whole thing went together in less than 40 minutes.<br /><br />I got my neighbor back on the road for under $200. To show his gratitude he is going to have my driveway sealcoated.. Not bad for 90 minutes worth of work..<br /><br />What I really liked was the pregreased hub assemblies. $26 for the hub, bearings, seal, etc prepacked. For that price it is almost not worth the time to install a bearing kit. <br /><br />Thanks for the advice..