Trailer Keel Roller Removal How?

[tvtech]

I need to replace the 8" (though actually it's more like 7" Keel roller. It has a shaft though the center with roller "extensions" on the outside of the brackets.

My problem is the "top hats" on each end of the shaft are I'm thinking press fitted on. I had the boart in the water and went to work trying to pry off one end or the other with no success.

Are they simply press fitted and will they (it) be usable if I really go to town prying them off? I could I guess cut the shaft and replce the whole set up, but of course I would prefer not to.

Any advice appreciated!

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Trailer Keel Roller Removal How?

Just pry them off with a claw hammer. You will likely need to buy new ones, but any decent harware store will have them. Same thing they use to hold the wheels on your kids bigwheel

If prying doesn't work then take a punch to the center of one and beat the punch through the cap to drive the axle out the other side.

 

[dlngr]

Re: Trailer Keel Roller Removal How?

I wouldn't buy new ones though,I'd drill the shaft and put cotter pins thru it.Or weld a washer onto the shaft ends.

 

[ufm82]

Re: Trailer Keel Roller Removal How?

Agree with D- get rid of the push nuts and use cotter pins. Or even tractor clips. Much easier to replace next time and more secure IMHO.

 

[Wingedwheel]

Re: Trailer Keel Roller Removal How?

Ditto on the cotter pins. I did that and am very happy I did.

 

[CanWoodsman]

Re: Trailer Keel Roller Removal How?

Instead of cotter pins I just used a proper length & diameter bolt with double nuts on the end to secure.
Easy to remove with 2 wrenches but not going to come loose when the nuts are tightened against each other.