Trailer axle shaft: straight or stepped?

[Rookie Boatman]

This might be a silly question, but how can I tell if my trailer axle shaft is straight or stepped? I need to replace my bearings, but am not sure what kind to buy. There is a slight "step" on the axle near the part closest to the centre of the trailer, but otherwise the axle is straight until the outside threads. Is this a "stepped" shaft, or do all axles have this slightly fatter part (maybe 1" wide) on the inside portion, furthest from the threading? Thanks so much to anyone who can help me on this one!

 

[BaileysBoat]

Re: Trailer axle shaft: straight or stepped?

The threaded area of a stepped axle shaft has a smaller diameter. UAP/NAPA has nice kits. You can get the numbers off the old bearings as well

 

[Rookie Boatman]

Re: Trailer axle shaft: straight or stepped?

Thanks, BB -- good to know!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trailer axle shaft: straight or stepped?

The step you are probably looking at is the area of the spindle where the seal rides. It is typically larger than the spindle itself. When you get the wheel off and bearings out, check the numbers. If they are the same, you have a 1-1/16 spindle. If they are different, you have a 1-1/16 inch outer bearing and a 1-3/8 inner bearing. There will be another step on the spindle in that case. Regardless what the spindle looks like, all you need is the numbers off the bearing and the races and the parts guy can match them for you. You do realize that the races (the outer part of the bearing) is pressed into the hub and needs to be driven out. If you've never done this, I would suggest you clean the hubs, take them with out to the parts store (NAPA) and have them press them out and the new ones in. It is a very nominal fee.

 

[Rookie Boatman]

Re: Trailer axle shaft: straight or stepped?

Thanks, Silvertip. It is just a straight 1 1/16" axle, and I was able to figure out the whole process with the races and everything. There are some excellent how-to videos on Youtube with mechanics doing the whole bearing-changing process -- from removing the dust cap and wheel to putting them back on -- with great explanations (and most importantly, tools that us regular people have access to!). For those of us with more time and energy than money, this website and those videos are a great resource! Thanks again...now back out to hit those fall walleye.