Trailer axle seat holes

[moto-m]

Hello. I just installed a new axle on my jet skit trailer. The axle mounts on top of the springs and I had to drill holes for the spring seats. The spring seats are only about a 1/2 inch from each end of the square tubing of the axle, so the holes drilled are into the spindle portion of the axle. After I finished mounting everything, I thought maybe I should have put some sealant in the holes so no salt water would get in. My question is if I should have done this? Is the spindle portion sealed off from the rest of the axle? Should I just leave it and maybe drill a drain hole in the center of the axle as well? Thank you.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Trailer axle seat holes

Don't know about anyone else here but I don't think I would have been drilling any holes into the axle.

 

[moto-m]

Re: Trailer axle seat holes

Don't know about anyone else here but I don't think I would have been drilling any holes into the axle.

That is how the old axle was, so I just tried to match it. It was mounted on top of the springs with holes for the seats. Although, the old axle seat holes did not go all the way through to the inside of the axle, almost like it was manufactured solid at the ends for this reason. That is why I am thinking maybe I should seal up the holes on the new axle.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Trailer axle seat holes

the axle tube should not be drilled.... you are missing spring perches that go between the axle tube and springs

 

[moto-m]

Re: Trailer axle seat holes

Apparently, this trailer was manufactured like this. If I added perches I would not have enough clearance under the fenders. I am just going to take it off and seal it up and reinstall. Thanks.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Trailer axle seat holes

the perch can be as simple as a 3/8 plate under the axle tube with a hole in it for the center pin of the spring.... my concern is that you have reduced the strength of the axle tube substantially... I personally wouldn't run it that way but it MAY be ok.... if you choose to run it, keep a CLOSE watch on it... if you get any warning at all before an axle breaking it will likely be the top of the wheel leaning in a bit.

 

[moto-m]

Re: Trailer axle seat holes

It's a 500 lb ski on a 54" 1.5" axle. I think it will be fine but I will certainly keep an eye on it. Might seal it up with some JB Weld and slap it down wet on the seats for additional strength. By the time this axle goes bad the springs will be shot as well. Thanks.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Trailer axle seat holes

I thought maybe I should have put some sealant in the holes so no salt water would get in.

Ayuh,.... I'd drill a drain hole in it...

No matter what you do, it's Gonna leak in...

 

[moto-m]

Re: Trailer axle seat holes

Ayuh,.... I'd drill a drain hole in it...

No matter what you do, it's Gonna leak in...

You mean they all leak in general? Even when it is a sealed axle? Where do they leak through?

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Trailer axle seat holes

he means that you will not succeed in sealing the hole.... the jb will crack.... the only reliable way to seal that hole is with a welder

 

[moto-m]

Re: Trailer axle seat holes

he means that you will not succeed in sealing the hole.... the jb will crack.... the only reliable way to seal that hole is with a welder

Yeah, I thought about that. I could use some 5200 on it. I was just looking at the same axles for sale online and they say to drill a 5/16" drain hole in the middle. They also say it is the customer's responsibility to drill spring seat holes so it seems this is pretty common. I'm wondering if the drain hole is for if you drill spring seat holes. Otherwise, I see no reason to drill a drain hole either. I will probably just drill a center hole and be done with it. It's a $70 axle and the trailer will be garaged kept and won't see much use. I may be worrying too much.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Trailer axle seat holes

well there ya go.... if the manufacturer says to drill then they must have made it with a thick enough wall to hold up... drill the drain and go with it.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Trailer axle seat holes

It's a 500 lb ski on a 54" 1.5" axle. I think it will be fine but I will certainly keep an eye on it. Might seal it up with some JB Weld and slap it down wet on the seats for additional strength. By the time this axle goes bad the springs will be shot as well. Thanks.

Something for you to think about. I work in the food industry were everything is stainless steel. We use a kettle for mixing liquids that has an agitator that looks like a 3 bladed propeller attached to a solid 2" stainless steel shaft. That shaft kept slipping in the attaching collar so one of the mechanics drilled it and put a 3/16" pin through it. Guess what. 2 weeks later that solid shaft sheared off right were the pin was.