spindles: good enough? (pics)

[deadstriper]

I pulled my hubs to check for bearing part #'s and the spindle is fairly pitted. Pics below. I'm wondering how bad is too bad. Is something like this worthy of new bearings? Bearings spinning on spindle? The axles are 2" square tube, so I guess something like 2K lbs. This is how the bottom of my spindle on one side looks. The top is cleaner. Haven't checked other side, but I expect the same.

No flash:

Flash:

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: spindles: good enough? (pics)

You are fine. That is not the area where the bearings ride and those areas look okay. You could LIGHTLY clean the bearing area with 600 or plumbers cloth.....

Pack the new bearings, install the new seals, re-assemble and go boating!!!

 

[skyking897]

Re: spindles: good enough? (pics)

It does look bad, BUT where the bearings ride looks ok. Probably had a bearing failure some time in the past to make all those gouge marks. You mention the bearing spinning on the spindle.... in reality the bearing assembly does not spin on the spindle. If it did, it would quickly destroy the spindle. The cone/inner race is pressed into the hub while the bearing slides on the spindle. The cage holds the tapered rollers in place and they are what spin around supported by the ??? (not sure of the correct name of this part). This is the part of the bearing the castle nut tightens against to put the preload on the bearing.
Anyway, I've seen a lot worse and still function properly. If the bearings slide on the spindle into place easily and don't have excessive clearance (looseness) on the spindle you should be good to go.

 

[deadstriper]

Re: spindles: good enough? (pics)

Thanks for the feedback! I'll get some bearings and get things back together.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: spindles: good enough? (pics)

Thanks for the feedback! I'll get some bearings and get things back together.

Along with the bearings....new grease seal, grease and new cotter pins too .........since you are headed to the store

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: spindles: good enough? (pics)

Agree with the others. Should be no issue.