Trailer Help needed - Bearings

[77SceptreOB]

Well the last scheduled trip of the year started off well.



Great time on the water!



Then on the way back I blew out a bearing...





So I hiked the axle up and secured it and successfully limped on home... and so the "repairs" start



Here are some pictures of the axle spindle after I got the hub assembly off.






The spindle has some scratches and small gouges in it, but nothing too severe.

So, can I just buy some new bearings and put the hub back on this spindle?

[gofastsandman]

Yikes. Is that an unintentional welded ridge?

[Old'sCool]

What size bearings? I have 4 new sets looking for a home...complete w/seals.

[77SceptreOB]

Originally Posted by Old'sCool

What size bearings? I have 4 new sets looking for a home...complete w/seals.

Not sure yet, but I'll keep you in mind! Thanks.

[77SceptreOB]

After closer inspection, it appears the larger inner bearing and race seem to be intact.

BUT, the outer bearing and race are a different story. the outer race is chipped, gouged, and cracked. The outer bearing is in hundreds of little pieces, totally discentigrated.

[Ed]

You may want to get yourself some speedy sleeves. They will provide the new bearings a smooth surface to ride on.

[DonV]

Jim a new axle with flanges is about $175, http://www.sturdybuiltonline.com/Tra...c_146-1-1.html , your spindle looks good enough to save. Your SS inner seal ring looks perfect. Had the same thing happen to me on Alligator Alley and the hub wore down the outside bearing's mounting surface about 1/16". Took some emory cloth and worked on the outside bearing surface until the inner race would slide on smoothly, put on a new hub, with new bearings and used it for another five years.

To answer Conner's question, yes it can, I've done it, however I can't remember if it was on an axle with a brake flange! The weld can be cut with a metal cut off wheel, the old spindle removed and a new spindle slid back in and welded in place. However the welding will burn off about 1" to 2" of galvanizing on the axle and we know what will happen in the saltwater world the trailer is dunked in.

[77SceptreOB]

Thanks for all the responses and helpful knowledge guys!!

I agree with almost all of the suggestions.

A couple of my thoughts:

1) I think I could get away with and it is possible to cut off the existing spindle off the existing axle and weld on a replacement spindle. But I think that would be a royal PITA, and provide a marginal longterm result. The brake assembly may also cause a problem on that retro fit. I also agree with Don that the galvanized part will be compromised.

2) I think a new axle (as Terry and CDavisdb) suggest is the "best" long term fix, although the most expensive at this time.

3) I like Don's thoughts and suggestions best. I think it is the easiest and cheapest "attempt" to fix the problem. The bearing surface on the spindle isn't that bad. I think a good light sanding/honing of the axle spindle will produce a very smooth riding surface. I'll then get a new set of bearings and press, grease and pack everything back together and just see how it goes. I don't use my trailer much, as I generally keep my boat at a high-n-dry marina at the local lake.

4) If solution #3 doesnt work, I'm not out much money and then I can go for a total axle replacement.

[77SceptreOB]

Originally Posted by Old'sCool

What size bearings? I have 4 new sets looking for a home...complete w/seals.

PM sent...

[Islandtrader]

I don't know the cost factor...but my mind set is always get rid the old part and start new. In the long run (for me) I have found this to be the cheapest way out.