Trailer Axle Slipped

[saltwaterbluefish]

Got a huge problem. This afternoon when pulling my boat out of the water I heard a rubbing noise and found the wheel rubbing against the fender when the boat was loaded.

I unloaded the boat and pulled up. The tire was no longer against the fender, but the axle has slipped up on the spring and is no longer in the center of the spring (titled at about 25 degrees). Therefore, when the boat is loaded and the spring moves, the tire presses against the fender.

My plan is to cut the u-bolts off and put new ones on, while centering the axle in the middle of the spring. It seems to have only occured on one side, but I want to replace both just in case. Does anyone see any issue with this?

I had to leave the boat in the water overnight. Luckily it is a private ramp and I have a dock space, but still want to get it home ahead of this cold weather that is suppose to hit NC this week. The trailer is an magictrail that holds my 18 ft boat.

I also lost the bearing buddy cap that went on that side. I am guessing due to the vibration when I pulled it out. Anything I should check to make sure the hub didn't get damaged. I am going to buy a dust cap as a temporary fix to get it home.

Any help is appreciated!

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Trailer Axle Slipped

there should be a center pin in the spring that locates the axle... you have probably sheared it

 

[saltwaterbluefish]

Re: Trailer Axle Slipped

Thanks for the reply. Looks like i'll be buying u bolts and the center pin before heading down.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Trailer Axle Slipped

Thanks for the reply. Looks like i'll be buying u bolts and the center pin before heading down.

Ayuh,.... The center pin, is actually a center bolt,....

 

[saltwaterbluefish]

Re: Trailer Axle Slipped

I still should be able to replace the center bolt right? As long as it didn't do any damage to the springs?

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Trailer Axle Slipped

I still should be able to replace the center bolt right? As long as it didn't do any damage to the springs?

Yes, but make sure you bring a couple c-clamps along. Depending on the design of the spring, it may try to disassemble itself when you remove what is left of the old center bolt. It is a lot easier if you have the springs clamped on each side of the bolt and don't have to draw the leafs back together with the center bolt.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Re: Trailer Axle Slipped

I used a much longer center bolt to bring the spring pack into alignment along with the c-clamps, then cut off the extra thread.

 

[Starcraft5834]

Re: Trailer Axle Slipped

Salt, after you get fixed up, if you think prudent, installing new axle and springs is not terribly hard...you mentioned your bearing buddy coming off,, if you consider replacing the axle, many newer axle manf have grease "zerks" elliminating need for buddies... sometimes the most important consideration is the trailer health...... boat conking out in the water VS boat falling off a trailer on interstate..

 

[saltwaterbluefish]

Re: Trailer Axle Slipped

Thanks everyone for the help. I just finished putting a new powerpack, ignition coils and rectifier on my outboard and wanted to make sure that was good before moving onto the trailer. Motor ran great yesterday, but then came loading. Guess the curse moved to my trailer.

If I can get it home (About 25 miles) where it is easier to work on, getting the trailer back in shape is my next priority.

 

[saltwaterbluefish]

Re: Trailer Axle Slipped

Update:

Good news is with some rigging I managed to get the boat trailer home.

The bad news is that a broken leaf hanger appears to be the culprit rather than a sheared bolt. Found that out after lifting that side of the trailer to get the exact measurements on the u bolts and the leaf spring dropped.

Put a tarp over the boat and hoping she has not become the Titanic with all this ice. Should get the brackets by tomm., and at least start to fix everything.

 

[gm280]

Re: Trailer Axle Slipped

WOW, you were lucky indeed. Make sure you replace both sides with new springs so they will work properly. Other then that, you should be ready to try again in no time.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Trailer Axle Slipped

IF you can take a real good look at the spring eye bushing it may be worn its common and if it is replace both sides.