Need help with Spindle

[thisusernamevalid]

Trying to find a spindle for a 1985 Shorelandr Challenger. I contacted the Shorelandr and they sent me the bright shiny one shown in the pic. The nasty buggered up one on the bottom is what I need.

Their 'parts team' is investigating to see if they can provide the correct one. I pretty much know where this is going, since they sent the wrong one to begin with. The problem is the slots for the U-bolts to clear. I can find a lot of similar spindles, but none with the recesses. Spent hours on the internet.

Even a good used one would be ok. Without the spindle the trailer is scrap. I've considerd trying a square shank, but the ends of the C-channel axle would need too much modification.

Any thoughts?

 

[orbanp]

Re: Need help with Spindle

If the shafts diameters for the bearings and seal are correct, you can make the slots for the U-bolts with a round file! If one of the slots is in the right place, use it and make the second notch, if none of them are in the right place just rotate the spindle 90 degrees and make your own slots at the right places.

Peter

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Need help with Spindle

Trailer is not scrap. You can buy an entire aftermarket axel with spindles welded on for around $150

 

[thisusernamevalid]

Re: Need help with Spindle

If the shafts diameters for the bearings and seal are correct, you can make the slots for the U-bolts with a round file!

Peter

I doubt it. I would imagine you could file on that hardened steel for about 12 weeks and never dent it. Probably need a new file afterwards though!

I've considered a new axle, but think I'd rather just pick up a used trailer for about the same money. Only this time, I'd look at the axle/spindle setup and make sure it's more common. If i went that way I'd strip this one of everything usefaul, like the winch, hubs, rollers, etc and CL them, then scrap the remaining steel.

Still hopeful someone will say they have a used one, or knows where I can get it.

 

[etracer68]

Re: Need help with Spindle

You should have no problems useing a carbide burr to cut the groves in, or take it to a machine shop and they can mill them in. Milling them in shouldnt take more then 15min. Im in the Milwaukee Wi area, and if your close by I could do it for you.

 

[orbanp]

Re: Need help with Spindle

I doubt it. I would imagine you could file on that hardened steel for about 12 weeks and never dent it. Probably need a new file afterwards though!

...

Did you try?
This is not a working surface of a bearing, chances are that it is not hardened!

Peter

 

[thisusernamevalid]

Re: Need help with Spindle

Thanks. I'm SE MI.

Looking at the shaft where the bearing rides on the old spindle, you can see where it's buggered up. Do you suppose that portion could be cleaned up on a lathe? Other than some rust that I could take care of with emery paper, the rest of it is ok.

 

[etracer68]

Re: Need help with Spindle

By your pictures, I couldnt say for sure, as I think where it is damaged, is a thrust shoulder for the bearing. If thats the case, I wouldnt think it will work. There should be alot of places (small machine shops) in your area, even a engine repair/rebuild shop should have a small milling machine. Or a carbide burr, air tool.

 

[batman99]

Re: Need help with Spindle

I would simply buy a normal spindle (for 2000-2200 lbs axle) and using a 4.5" or 5" electric hand grinder, make my own horizonal groves across it. Simply place the old spindle beside the new "normal" round shaft spindle, mark location of cross groves and grind away. Go slow using a hand grinder. And remember the slotted goves don't need to be 100% perfect. They only need to be "close enough" fit.

re:
lower page within: http://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Trailer_Spindles.aspx
Hand grinder: http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRyAxb46I_OlyUTSVGD6dk74DeV7i-0Jdr8nHMLqy97Ei-EJRubOIYN75wh

Note: Once you buy this $20-$40 tool, you have this tool for many more years.

.

 

[thisusernamevalid]

Re: Need help with Spindle

Thanks. Already have a grinder. Not sure I want to buy another spindle and experiment.

The dealer warned me that the parts were special order and non-returnable. I got the part numbers directly from Shorelandr's parts manager. If they don't come through and I end up with a spindle that doesn't work, I will try grinding in the second set of slots. if you look at the picture, you can see that the outer slots are in the correct position, I'd only need to cut the inner slots and lop off the excess.

The one thing that concerns me here is the thrust on the old spindle is flat, while the new one is concave, radiused.

 

[etracer68]

Re: Need help with Spindle

Most bearings have a ID radius, you will have to see if the bearing fits up to the shoulder, or if the radius hits. Then if it looks good, you have to put your slots measured from the back side of the bearing, it looks to me you will have to put in two new slots. The shoulder, and or back side of the bearing is your ref point of measure, so the spindle doesnt hang out or in from where it was before. As long as the machined bearing areas are the same on both spindles.