Spindle condition query

[pcmpete]

Hi all, finally got round to the process of changing the bearings on my Vanson Trailer (16ft boat)

The spindle has a deep groove in the bottom and the inner bearing won't come off, it moves about 1/4" and no more.

I haven't looked at the other side yet

The spindle/axle/spindle is one piece setup, is this ok to use with replacement bearings or has this spindle/axle seen it's last boat ramp?

thanks

 

[Pascal]

Re: Spindle condition query

Based on the damage that I see in the pic's, I would not continue to use it. It looks like it's been welded in the middle pic. New axle, hubs and ubolts from HF or Princess Auto in Canada. Bad news I know.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Spindle condition query

Junk. Total junk. Get thee to a competant trailer shop to burn that crap off immediately! I can't remember seeing much worse that wasn't on fire. On second thought, at least the fire would look cool. Lose the spindles!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Spindle condition query

Someone (prior owner perhaps) lost the inner bearing at one time which caused all the damage. Unless the inner seal has been cut off, this rig was apparently run without one. You have a very bad situation that only a new spindle or complete axle will cure.

 

[pcmpete]

Re: Spindle condition query

Can the spindle be removed from the axle?
The axle has approx 3" drop, could I replace with a straight axle without needing mods to the fenders and would this cause any issues at the ramp?

Thanks for your helps guys, I knew that changing the bearings would lead to a trailer overhaul.

On the plus side, I won't be going the work at the side of the road

(Dear Santa, please add a trailer axle to my list)

 

[Bondo]

Re: Spindle condition query

Can the spindle be removed from the axle?

Nope, it appears to be a single piece forging...

The axle has approx 3" drop, could I replace with a straight axle without needing mods to the fenders and would this cause any issues at the ramp?

Everything but the tires will be 3" Taller....
Whether it'll Work,... You tell Us...

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Spindle condition query

For very little more money you can have a replacement drop axle and not have to worry about what other things a straight axle would screw up.

 

[pcmpete]

Re: Spindle condition query

there is the best place to get replacements? Either real stores or online.

Thanks

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Spindle condition query

Start by checking your local farm store if you have one, otherwise Northerntool.com, trailerpart.com, trailerpartsdepot.com, to name just a few. Google or Yahoo search "trailer axles".

 

[gt]

Re: Spindle condition query

IMHO, that axle has definitely seen it's last ramp..

Google is your friend.....
here's a couple that may work,

http://www.trailerpart.com/35kdroptraileraxle.htm

http://www.easternmarine.com/3500-lb-Round-Tube-4-Drop-Trailer-Axles/

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Spindle condition query

yep that entire axle is shot.

 

[sublauxation]

Re: Spindle condition query

abctrailerparts.com has really good prices and good to work with.

I would imagine going to a straight axle would screw up your fender heights.

 

[pcmpete]

Re: Spindle condition query

I re-measured the axle and the drop is only 2". That shouldn't cause too much concern if I go to a straight axle.
Thanks for the all the supply details, I will be checking them out over the holiday weekend.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Spindle condition query

I have no idea how or what you measured but that spindle is way more than a 2 inch drop. You need to measure from the centerline of the spindle to the centerline of the axle itself. To wit: the hole in the inner bearing is 1-3/8 inch. That alone is much smaller than the square casting. Measure properly and I'm sure you'll find at least a 3 inch drop and probably a 4-inch drop.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Spindle condition query

No, it might be just 2" maybe 2 1/2. Look at the first pic, remember that bearing is about 1-3/4" outer dia and scale that down to where you can just see the bottom of the axle at the spring. The bearing as it appers on my computer screen is the same size as the end of my thumb, Using this very scientific method, placing my thumb under the bearing gets me sort of close to the bottom of the axle. I think it's kind of an optical illusion.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Spindle condition query

Now that I've suceeded in making all of you put thumb prints on your monitors....BWHHAHAHAHAHA!

But actually that's how it looks on mine.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Spindle condition query

I would not declare that spindle junk until you get the inner bearing off.

The damage in between the outer and inner bearings on the spindle means nothing.

Unless the hub sawed thru 1/4th of the spindle.

If the bearing surfaces are not chewed up and still round and rear seal surface is still round and not grooved or chewed it might still be usable.

The pictures look bad at first glance but they really do not show how bad the important spots are.

 

[Jeff-in-PA]

Re: Spindle condition query

I would not declare that spindle junk until you get the inner bearing off.

The damage in between the outer and inner bearings on the spindle means nothing.

Unless the hub sawed thru 1/4th of the spindle.

If the bearing surfaces are not chewed up and still round and rear seal surface is still round and not grooved or chewed it might still be usable.

The pictures look bad at first glance but they really do not show how bad the important spots are.

Although you are correct in stating that the bearing surfaces *could* be fine, we don't know exactly what caused the axle to get screwed up like that.

Maybe the old bearings got real hot and removed/altered the temper of the axle? A new axle may cost $200-$300 and if you lost the current axle on the side of the road, you pay close to that to have it flat bedded or towed PLUS you have to pay somebody else to fix it.

I've had good dealing with easternmarine.com on trailer axle parts.

Jeff

 

[Lou C]

Re: Spindle condition query

If you put a straight axle on it it will raise it up and that can cause issues with the center of gravity, and launching. What's odd about that set up is I have never seen a drop axle on top of the springs, only under the springs, where it makes sense to lower the trailer and also gives the suspension more travel. A 2x2 axle on top of the springs will give you around 3.5 in of clearance between the top of the ubolts and the trailer frame unloaded, and about an inch less loaded depending on how much the boat weighs. A straight axle may work out OK but you need to measure carefully where that will put your axle and how that will affect tire clearance, etc. I'd definitely get rid of the one on it now. Take a look this link for information on how to measure trailer axles....

http://www.championtrailers.com/spdlubax.html#axle_order

BTW they made me a 3500 axle with brake flanges some years back for a good price and the quality was very good....I'd buy from them again if needed....

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Spindle condition query

................... What's odd about that set up is I have never seen a drop axle on top of the springs, only under the springs, where it makes sense to lower the trailer and also gives the suspension more travel. .................................. ....

I was just thinking the same thing, along with the fact that I've never seen such an axle on a boat trailer. That looks more like an axle off of an old/vintage travel trailer.

I'd venture to guess that someone installed that either in a pinch or to try and lower the boat on the trailer for easier launching.

Buy looking at your second pic above, my guess is that sometime in the past that axle had a bearing fail completely and spin on the spindle, leaving behind a deep gouge or groove. Someone then welded on a new bearing over the damaged area in order to keep the bearing square with the hub face. I'd be willing to bet that if you grind out those tack welds on that spindle you will find a deep groove making the spindle far too small to hold the bearing in place.

That axle is now scrap metal, while I'm sure a good welder could weld on a new spindle, chances are there will be alignment issues and you would be taking a chance of heat damaging both the spindle and axle.
In other words, it's not something for a general welder to attempt.

I'd simply make a new axle for it if it were mine. I'd also take a close look at the springs and the rest of the trailer, a person that would do such a repair as you have there may well do other shady repairs.
I can't tell by the pic which side you have apart, but the right side of the pic shows a spring and hanger bolt, if that's not a slipper spring and bolt, you also have a spring issue?

The type of damage you have there on that spindle comes from someone towing it at speed after the bearing had completely disintegrated and the hub was wearing directly on the bottom of the spindle.