trailer bearing failure

[captainnate]

I have a 1972 Starcraft Nova (about 18') with a mercruiser 120. I store it outside at my sister's place over the winter. I was towing it home a couple days ago and a bearing failed on me. I don't know what this says about me, but I didn't notice it until the next morning. I noticed the right tire was at a strange angle. So I took the tire off and took a closer look. There was hardly anything left. Only a small part of a bearing piece was holding the wheel on. My total drive was almost 2 hours. I guess I was damn lucky that wheel didn't come off at 65 mph, what a mess and pain that would have been.

Sorry I don't have a picture right now. I will post one this evening.

So I'm thinking I need the replace the axle? The spindle (is the right?), the part of the axle where the bearings ride has two large grooves that area about 1/4" deep. I don't know if a new spindle could be welded on, maybe that is an option.

I was thinking of ordering an axle and some wheel hubs from this site, Trailer Parts Superstore - Shopping Index.

I appreciate any ideas. This experience is a first for me.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: trailer bearing failure

After we see how the spindle is we can make some suggestions. You're right, it's where the bearings ride. Some axles can have new spindles welded on and some are difficult. What does the rest of the axle look like? It might just be best to get a new axle, hubs and all.

Not to go off topic, but how is the Nova doing?

 

[Idlespeedonly]

Re: trailer bearing failure

Dont feel bad, this happens way more than you think. I would get the new axle as opposed to replacing the spindle. They are hard to replace and get right. Just make sure you get one with the same rating and bolt pattern for your wheels.

 

[Starcraft5834]

Re: trailer bearing failure

Dont feel bad, this happens way more than you think. I would get the new axle as opposed to replacing the spindle. They are hard to replace and get right. Just make sure you get one with the same rating and bolt pattern for your wheels.

I agree, replace the axle and be done with it....... if the bearings blew, the races where the bearings ride are likely shot also, if not inspect them and see if they "have been spun", that means are the races in place or do they "spin around" inside the hubs, that often happens (races come loose) when bearings blow up with nothing else is left, the spindles are turning on the race in there and loosen them...if your hubs are old, it might be prudent to just buy new hubs too.. sometimes buying new races in "spun hubs",, the new races will not anchor in old hubs and new hubs are needed anyway, most new hubs come with races and bearings, I've been through this.......as have many others,,, if you can replace old axle with new and new hubs, your next trailering adventure will be less stressful worrying about if your patch job will hold...

 

[captainnate]

Re: trailer bearing failure

Thanks for the ideas. Right now I'm leaning toward replacing the axle and hubs. I will post a few pics tonight when I get home from work.

GA-boater, the Nova has been sitting under a tarp all winter. She looks good right now. Hopefully there aren't any big issues after I get the trailer fixed. I haven't had the engine running yet. The battery had enough juice to raise the outdrive, so I guess that's a good sign. How are things down south?

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: trailer bearing failure

I think axles and hubs are the best way to go, Nate. Gives you peace of mind, anyway. Do you have a Northern Tool in your area? I've picked up a couple of axles there and no problems.

Charge up the battery and go boating. After the trailer is fixed, please. Warming up, I've been out twice this year between rain drops.

 

[bryanzzz]

Re: trailer bearing failure

I think axles and hubs are the best way to go, Nate. Gives you peace of mind, anyway. Do you have a Northern Tool in your area? I've picked up a couple of axles there and no problems.

Charge up the battery and go boating. After the trailer is fixed, please. Warming up, I've been out twice this year between rain drops.

Everyone is giving you good advice, welding a new spindle or spindles on your old axle would be a challenge, they need to be aligned perfect and a solid weld. I would suggest pulling your old axle, remove hubs, taking it to the local trailer parts store to ensure you get the exact replacement. Spring seats need to match up with old axle, not a huge deal to replace, sure you can get more info here if needed. Also, Sure Lube hubs are great, google it, I have not lost a bearing since using them on trailer I have built. Good Luck.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: trailer bearing failure

Still waiting for that picture. hoto:

Please confirm that you are aware that the bearings do not roll on the actual spindle.
And that the inner races of the bearings are press fit to the spindle.

They will look like they are part of the spindle but they actually are not.
They may have grooves in them from the failed bearings, but that is a non-issue because new inner races will come with the new bearings. They are custom matched to the bearings as a set and should not be mixed up with other sets.

 

[Starcraft5834]

Re: trailer bearing failure

Thanks for the ideas. Right now I'm leaning toward replacing the axle and hubs. I will post a few pics tonight when I get home from work.

GA-boater, the Nova has been sitting under a tarp all winter. She looks good right now. Hopefully there aren't any big issues after I get the trailer fixed. I haven't had the engine running yet. The battery had enough juice to raise the outdrive, so I guess that's a good sign. How are things down south?

:tea: good job!! replace with new........you will find spindles on new axles are precision milled, the bearings will be snug and happy sitting where they are suppose to be.. old spindles are often tapered without defining mill lines,, and can wobble around...that's a bad thing for bearings.......happy boating!

 

[captainnate]

Re: trailer bearing failure

Sorry about never posting that picture. It was my birthday, give me a pass please. Anyway, here's an update. I went to a local trailer place and they made me a new axle, complete with new hubs. I also bought new u-bolts, spring bolts, and bushings, and it was only $200. I think that's pretty decent. If anybody is in mid-Michigan, I can tell you the guys at Woodland-Kawkawlin Trailers do good work.

 

[Starcraft5834]

Re: trailer bearing failure

that is a nice price............

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: trailer bearing failure

Trailer parts are generic. Get under your trailer and figure out the diameter of your axle. Then measure the length of the axle and the distances between the springs.

Check ChampionTrailers.com and it's not too hard to figure out what axle you need. You'll also want new hardware to mount the axle. I'd also suggest going with new hubs. They may have a complete axle kit to fit your needs including springs.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: trailer bearing failure

Sorry about never posting that picture. It was my birthday, give me a pass please. Anyway, here's an update. I went to a local trailer place and they made me a new axle, complete with new hubs. I also bought new u-bolts, spring bolts, and bushings, and it was only $200. I think that's pretty decent. If anybody is in mid-Michigan, I can tell you the guys at Woodland-Kawkawlin Trailers do good work.

You got a good birthday prezzie, Nate. That is a good price and some peace of mind, too.

Bama - Sorry - Late to the party. Only the clean up to do.

 

[captainnate]

Re: trailer bearing failure

Thanks for all the comments. This project is done. All I have left is to take a test drive. I have new everything except tires and rims. Those are next on the "to do" list. My tires are pretty old, and probably should be replaced.

Hey, just a side note, but I wanted to recommend a tool that made this project easier. I bought this electric impact wrench from Harbor Freight for about $40 with a coupon. Since it is cheap I don't know how long it will last, but so far so good. I don't have an air compressor so it made sense to me. Electric Impact Wrench - 1/2"

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: trailer bearing failure

Good Nate. Time to go boating.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: trailer bearing failure

Hey, just a side note, but I wanted to recommend a tool that made this project easier. I bought this electric impact wrench from Harbor Freight for about $40 with a coupon. Since it is cheap I don't know how long it will last, but so far so good. I don't have an air compressor so it made sense to me. Electric Impact Wrench - 1/2"

Just don't use it to put the lug nuts on.

 

[NYBo]

Re: trailer bearing failure

Hey, just a side note, but I wanted to recommend a tool that made this project easier. I bought this electric impact wrench from Harbor Freight for about $40 with a coupon. Since it is cheap I don't know how long it will last, but so far so good. I don't have an air compressor so it made sense to me. Electric Impact Wrench - 1/2"

I have the same tool. Used it maybe four times before it gave up the ghost. The Craftsman version I bought it to replace had lasted something like 35 years.:facepalm: