replace spindle or entire axle?

[brusk]

I've been told by a few boat shops that I should replace the spindle I should just get a new axle. A few other boat shops said they could get the parts and do it. I've thought about getting the parts but I need (one side is complete trash the other side just needs freshened up) and doing it myself. I'm concerned with the horror stories I'm finding on the internet where shops didn't get the camber/toe correct and either pulled or wore tires. A new axle is about 350 bucks.

 

[joey nathan]

Re: replace spindle or entire axle?

After son-in-law saw fit to weld one failed hub/spindle I replaced entire axle on mine recently.

3,500 # axle w/ e-z lube bearings cost around $170 and, with the help of a friend, took about 30-40 minutes to swap out. Once you get around to it, replacement requires loosening/removing four nuts on the u-bolts and isn't difficult at all.

Good Luck...

 

[airshot]

Re: replace spindle or entire axle?

I would never just replace one side only, drop the axle out and take it to a good welding shop with certified welders. I replaced both of mine with new spindles, hubs and everything, cost of parts 150....cost to welder 50. I removed the old spindles myself and prepared the axle for new ones. A new axle for mine was 400.

Airshot

 

[sublauxation]

Re: replace spindle or entire axle?

Trailer Axles - Trailer Axle Kits

Save yourself the hassle and buy a new one. It will easier, quicker and cheaper than replacing a spindle, plus it will be pretty and straight so no camber issues and you'll have new bearings, hubs and EZ lube spindles. As a bonus, since most people think axles cost $350 you'll probably be able to sell your old one on Craigslist for $100.

 

[brusk]

Re: replace spindle or entire axle?

I went to a local trailer shop yesterday with dimensions they said they can have one for between 200-250 so I can't complain. Sucks that drop axles are so much more expensive than straight, would have been 80 bucks cheaper.

 

[stylesabu]

Re: replace spindle or entire axle?

don't ever try to weld a spindle you will never get it straight. when they make them they are in a jig. an average welder can do a good job. brusk if you don't mind how high the boat sits put a straight axle in

 

[Starcraft5834]

Re: replace spindle or entire axle?

Buy a new Axel, a good 3500 lb can be bought for $150, installation is not hard....... new spindles are milled to spec and bearings will ride where they are suppose to, as opposed to old spindles which I have found are smooth as a babies butt and bearings dont sit still,, buy a new one,,, Tie down makes easy lube,, with grease zerks,, get one!!

 

[TwoRivers]

Re: replace spindle or entire axle?

+ 1 New axel.