Replacing Trailer Axle

[joey nathan]

Please forgive the noob questions.

But I need to replace the trailer's axle. Right side hub has nut welded in place and the other requires a lock tab spindle washer which I got wrong size (1") for so it's currently Loc-Tited in place.

Replacements seem to be listed by weight rating.
So do I simply take the dimensions off the existing axle and order similar? Like 2" cross-section and length?

Do I need a 3,500# axle for this?

1993 19' Sting-Ray BowRider w/ Mercruiser 140 SternDrive.

Thanks All...

 

[Snowfish]

Re: Replacing Trailer Axle

When ordering an axle, these are the things the vendor needs to know.

Spring Centers?
Hub Face to Hub Face?
Under Slung? (axle on top of spring) or Over Slung? (axle on bottom of spring)
Braked Hub or Idler?
Bolt Pattern

IMO, a 3500lb would be the most correct answer.

And get the EZ-Lube hubs. Kind of like a built in Bearing Buddy, but 1000% better.

 

[FastFission]

Re: Replacing Trailer Axle

I guess first thing would be to find out how much your boat weighs. NADA has some decent information on weights for various boats. You don't have enough information here to determine whether you need a 3500" axle, but taking the make, model and year to NADA should get you an estimated boat weight. Also, remember that you need to accommodate not only the boat weight, but also the trailer weight, gas, gear, etc.

For a new axle, in addition to the weight rating, you'll need to know the distance between hub flanges and distance between the spring centers. Also, the configuration (straight, drop axle, etc). I'd suggest checking a few online stores, as there's generally pretty good information about what you need to order your axle. Champion trailers has a good collection of technical info, and that would be a good place to check out (just google champion trailers). If you look at their order forms, they're pretty specific about what you need to measure.

I would suggest not going with less than what you've already got. You should be able to get some idea by looking at the hubs and spindles. I don't claim a lot of expertise, but all the 3500# hubs I looked at when I was doing my axle used 1 1/6 - 1-3/8 ID bearing on a tapered hub. If you've got a 1" or 1 1/16" straight hub, it's probably a 2500 lb axle.

I got my axle from a local welding shop, which gave me a really good price ($130). If you happen to have an axle that has a common set of dimensions, you might get a good deal on-line. I did have to go with a straight axle rather than the short drop axle I had before. I also couldn't get a galvanized axle, but I'm in fresh water, so I figured that would be OK.

Good Luck

Carl

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Replacing Trailer Axle

...I would suggest not going with less than what you've already got. You should be able to get some idea by looking at the hubs and spindles. I don't claim a lot of expertise, but all the 3500# hubs I looked at when I was doing my axle used 1 1/6 - 1-3/8 ID bearing on a tapered hub. If you've got a 1" or 1 1/16" straight hub, it's probably a 2500 lb axle...

You can also look at the tires.
Assuming you have the correct tires, (Not a given), If your tires are for example, 175/80-13's they are rated for 1725lbs each or 3450 total.
A 3500lb axle would be appropriate.

Be sure to check the stud pattern or the old tires may not mount on the new hubs.

 

[bob johnson]

Re: Replacing Trailer Axle

if you have 5 lugs you probably have 5X4.5" bolt pattern.

if you are going to use the new axle on the same trailer as the old axle, then you only need to measure the distance between the spring CENTERS, and the face of one hub ( where the rim forced onto by the lug nuts) to the other hub face, on your old axle!.

that is also called your TRACK WIDTH....so hub face to face and track length are one in the same for ordering a new axle.

if you already have fenders...then you will probably want the axle mounted the same as before( under slung or overslung)......I just bought a galvanized axle a few weeks ago, and I had to drill the clearance holes for the Bolt that holds the spring leafs together....

so i could have made the axle underslung or over slung.

most axles have a bow to them.... so they mount with the BOW up...so if the axle you buy comes with spring seats, then you have to specify underslung or over slung when you order.

underslung and overslung refers to wether you mount the spring on top pf the axle or under neath the axle......it changes the height of the trailer clearance if you switch them....

good luck

it is pretty easy... took me 1 hour to removed and install my new axle

bob