Minor Pitting on Axle

[imported_Warren]

Hello......Need some suggestions....<br /><br /> I have a small trailer for my 12 foot boat.....The right side bearing seal keep going bad and I think its the small pitting on the axle......<br /><br /> Its going to be very uncomfortable laying on my back upside down sanding on it......What should I use???.....800 grit then 1200??????<br /><br /> Will I need to go smaller on the inner seal after the small pitting is removed??????<br /><br /> Need to figure something out because my trailer has little 8 inch tires and 3/4 in 3/4 outer bearings.....The guy at the trailer shop said the axles were like those on a wheel barrow........Thanks for any suggesions.....Warren

 

[NathanY]

Re: Minor Pitting on Axle

Use emory cloth and wd40 to sand it. It will polish it up giving you a very smooth surface.

 

[demsvmejm]

Re: Minor Pitting on Axle

You could try a "Ready" or "Speedi" sleeve. Used to repair seal lands on expensive or non-replaceable parts. Check with a local parts store.

 

[imported_Warren]

Re: Minor Pitting on Axle

Well.....Took the wheel and hub off and started with the emory cloth........<br /><br /> Sanded on it for about an hour and it feels smooth but can't get rid of the discoloration (brown spots)......Went to the auto body shop and got some 1000 grit and sanded another 20 minutes for the same thing.........<br /><br /> Popped out the bearings and re-packed em and checked the seal......The spring was out of it and stuck to the bearing....not sure how long its been like that....May have happened when I popped it out......<br /><br /> Should I keep sanding or just put it back together???????......Do the brown spots mean there is pits there or can it be smooth???....Can't tell with my fingers because I don't have fingerprints anymore??????.....Gonna get new seals from Napa tomorrow afternoon and get back to work.....<br /><br /> Took some pics but left my camera in my buddy's garage.........Warren

 

[gewf631]

Re: Minor Pitting on Axle

Warren,<br /> For the time/travel/supply expense you've got in this, you should have taken David's recommendation.<br /> Champion Trailers carries them here, and they're only $12 (and come with new seals).<br /><br /> But, I wouldn't worry about the brown spots, and if you pick-up double lipped seals, you should be fine.

 

[BillP]

Re: Minor Pitting on Axle

The part your are sanding on is called the spindle. Invest in the spindle seals. They are a stainless steel sleeve that slides over the pitted spindle. The new seal rides on the smooth ss sleeve. It doesn't get better. I use the ones made by Bearing Buddies.