Trailer Axle / Inner BEaring Question

[CJPerry]

I recently aquired a boat and trailer and have had to replace the bearings twice already. Before replacing the bearings again I am trying to determine the cause for failure. It appears as though the axle has no inner flange for the inner bearing to press against. The entire spindle is 1 inch in diameter. I can install new bearings and mount the hub and all is well until I pull it. Once force is applied the inner bearing pushes the axle seal out and the hub becomes loose. It is difficult to explain but the axle seal is the only thing holding the inner bearing in the race. It appears as though I need some type of spacer on the spindle but everyone I have asked about this "missing part" has looked at me like I was crazy. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Trailer Axle / Inner BEaring Question

Hi Cj, welcome to i-boats!!<br /><br />I came across a similar problem last week on a customers trailer. Over the years the inner bearing had worn away the flange that it rests against - consequently it kept chewing out the seal. Ther whole mess was caused by over tensioning the bearing load.<br /><br />Easiest and cheapest way to fix it is to get a new axle, and tension correctly.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[Israel Hands]

Re: Trailer Axle / Inner BEaring Question

I wonder if it would be possible to drill a hole in the axil to insert a small dowel pin to act as a stop for the inner bearing's inner race? Would this be reliable?<br /><br />Israel Hands

 

[CJPerry]

Re: Trailer Axle / Inner BEaring Question

Thanks for the help! I was hoping that there was a part that would solve my problem, but it looks like a new axle will probably be my best option. The last thing I want is a trailer that I cannot trust.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Trailer Axle / Inner BEaring Question

Originally posted by Israel Hands:<br /> I wonder if it would be possible to drill a hole in the axil to insert a small dowel pin to act as a stop for the inner bearing's inner race? Would this be reliable?<br /><br />Israel Hands

No, it wouldn't. A replacement axle is the solution.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trailer Axle / Inner BEaring Question

Replacement axle stubs are also available. Cut the weld that secures the current axle stub to the tube. The new stub can then be welded in. It can be done with a hacksaw but a air cutoff tool works much better.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trailer Axle / Inner BEaring Question

After more thought, is this happening on both sides or just one side? If it happens on both sides, the wrong bearings are being used. One-inch spindles have a raised area at the back where the lip of the seal rides. Its that raised area that the inner bearing should butt against. It could also be possible that someone changed hubs and put the wrong ones on. Unless a bearing has spun on the spindle at one time or another, spindle wear is very rare.

 

[CJPerry]

Re: Trailer Axle / Inner BEaring Question

No, the axle is not worn, it just doesn't have the inner flange. I don't know much about axles so this might bot be an accurate diagnosis, but it looks like someone tried to fab an axle using a piece of round stock instead of spindles. Thanks for all of the help.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trailer Axle / Inner BEaring Question

Without that step on the spindle, there is nothing to keep the inner bearing in place. A new axle is not terribly expensive. Check your local farm store or some of the tool stores light Northern Hydraulics (Now called Northern Tool). Places that sell trailers and trailering accessories will have them. All you need to know is the track width (axle length) and whether its an overslung or underslung (spring on top or below the axle respectively). You may need to buy new bearings and in some cases, perhaps new hubs. However, take the numbers off the bearings and try to get an axles with 1-inch spindles.

 

[BillP]

Re: Trailer Axle / Inner BEaring Question

Ditto about spindles being available. If the axle is good it may be easier to have the old cut off and new welded on. Take your hubs along when buying bearings...sizes are "kinda sorta" standard between hub mfgs. Any good trailer store will mic the hubs and match bearings.