Is my rusty axle safe?

[dsujen]

I bought a 16' carolina skiff deluxe. It is sitting on a home made trailer that appears to have a 2000lb axle. The axle had large chunky rust flakes on it. I beat the rust off. It has new 5 bolt hubs,tires and bearings. But the axle and springs are rusty. I tapped on it and it sounds solid. Is it safe?

 

[fisherguy123]

Re: Is my rusty axle safe?

Now that is a pretty broad question you asked ......It may be safe to use if you store the boat near a boat launch and only have to launch and retrieve the boat without going on a public road .......if you are asking if it is roadworthy then you may want to take it to an experienced mechanic or RV tech and get it inspected and get an expert opinion. A bit of flackey surface rust usually is not too harmful and can be cleaned up and painted .......I`d have a close look at the "U" bolts holding the springs to the axle because that is usually the weakest link in the assembly.......post some close up pics here and let us see what kind of rust you are talking about !

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Is my rusty axle safe?

Probabally OK by your description. Take a scredriver or a punch and hit it with a hammer in the worst looking areas to see if there are actually any soft spots.

 

[Jeff-in-PA]

Re: Is my rusty axle safe?

I thought my axle was in OK shape with a few rust flakes. On the trip to Canada ( 320 miles ) it developed a lean. Turned out the axle was rusted thru where the spring and the axle tube meet/touch. Luckily it was a month between trips so I could build a new axle and take it back up for the return trip.

Original axle was 1/8" wall, I used 1/4" wall for the new one. The replacement axle shafts were 1-1/2" long stubs into the axle. I drilled them 1/2", added an inner rod and added enough of the same diameter round stock to go under the spring perch. The extension was welded in place by our best welder at work.

If in doubt, replace it. Even purchasing a high priced axle will be cheaper than a high priced tow and possible damage.

 

[Harritwo]

Re: Is my rusty axle safe?

I would not risk the possible damage to the boat and a breakdown on the road. Axles are cheap, springs are cheap. Just replace teh whole thing, since if you are questioning it, you already have doubts as to its integrity.

http://www.easternmarine.com/3k-Square-Galvanized-Trailer-Axles/