Replacing an axel. Any tips?

[Tacklewasher]

Lost a bearing in one hub. No idea why as I keep them greased and re-packed them earlier this year, but the hub is gone and the spindle damaged. Plus bearings were a bear to find as it isn't a standard spindle but a straight one.

Anyway, no biggie and I've got a replacement axle that has the same spring width and backplate measurements. $200 with hubs from Princess, plus the new bolts. Probably an upgrade as I think the old axle was 2000 lb and this is a 3500 lb.

Any tips on replacing this? It looks easy enough. Jack up both sides, cut the old bolts off, pull old axle out, slide new one in. Center on the spring pins and bolt it back down.

Am I missing anything?

 

[ReelPlumber]

Re: Replacing an axel. Any tips?

May want to measure from front of hub to front of hub on both axles. My old axle the rotor and hub was one peice and the rotor was on the back of the hub. The new one was two peice rotor and hub and the rotor mounted to the front of the hub wich pushed the wheels out 3/4" further. It still cleared the fender but its worth checking just incase.

Are you using the same leaf springs?

 

[rbh]

Re: Replacing an axel. Any tips?

No, that just about covers it.
Maybe double nut your u-bolts till you finally get them seated(you will have to retorque as they will work themselfs in over time)
did you get bearing buddies, theyre nice to have
thank god for princess auto

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: Replacing an axel. Any tips?

No, that just about covers it.
Maybe double nut your u-bolts till you finally get them seated(you will have to retorque as they will work themselfs in over time)
did you get bearing buddies, theyre nice to have
thank god for princess auto

I need to search through my garage as I'm sure I have a set of bearing buddies already that I haven't used. Bought them for a utility trailer but sold it before installing them.

And yeah, Princess is great. I bought the last axel that size, but I saw the wider one (80") was on sale for about $75. Kinda wished the narrower one was. Will have to keep an eye on the flyers to see if the one I bought goes on sale anytime soon.

 

[EddiePetty]

Re: Replacing an axel. Any tips?

...being as the trailer is already on jack stands, you might as well check your alignment before you mount your wheel assemblies.

Select a reference point on the underside of the coupler. Measure from a common reference point on each spindle. Shift the axle fore/aft until the measurements are the same. This will ensure that the axle is square to the hitch point.

And, as suggested before.....remember to re-torque all fasteners after the initial loaded road trip.

FWIW Ed in 'ol Virginny

 

[Beck]

Re: Replacing an axel. Any tips?

My tip is for naut, since you already have an axel.

When I need an axel I will go with a lube-hub or axel lube system from Champion trailers in Slidell LA. I had them on a 14' trailer I had to replace, then converted it to a utility trailer.

Beck

 

[Seon]

Re: Replacing an axel. Any tips?

I just replaced my axle and had to weld the spring pads on the axle. Be sure sure the one you're buying won't have to be welded but if it does, have a source.

 

[Jeff-in-PA]

Re: Replacing an axel. Any tips?

I made a replacement axle for my Load Rite trailer and the axle was oriented by a hole in the bottom of the axle tube and the bolt that held the spring pack together.

I extended the axle IN each side of the tube an addition 7" ( original was 1-1/2" ) and made the axle out of 1/4" wall tubing instead of the original 1/8" wall.

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Replacing an axel. Any tips?

After you put it on the road recheck your u bolts a couple of times as they have a tendency to loosen off.