Yet another axle question

[big_b16]

Since I've found there are several axle experts out there, I figured I'd post my dilemma. I've been putting off looking at my bearings/spindles after the end of the season. I repacked them prior to a long trip, and found water in one side and signs of it in the other. The previous owner had bearing buddies and something that resembled the speedy sleeve. At one time I thought the speedy sleeve was part of the bearing buddies so I removed them from both sides, believing they were what was tearing the seals when I would replace them. I'd installed a hydraulic drum brake kit from Championtrailers and in the process removed the sleeves and used Champion's triple lip seals (well, those haven't worked). Now I'm at a decision point. Look at this picture of one of the spindles

My question is this, should I install a speedy sleeve type thing for a better sealing surface on the rear seal area (1.72" OD) and let it go at that, should I get new spindles since the old ones are so pitted (though it's pitted around the area where the inner bearing races seat), or should I install a new spindle-lube axle ~$200? Also, I haven't installed any races, I don't think I have to. I believe the hubs from the Tiedown brake kit (10" galvanized drum brake kit) have the races manufactured into the drum...of course I could be an idiot too. Any thoughts would be appreicated!

 

[rndn]

Re: Yet another axle question

There are no races manufactured inside a brake drum. They may have come with races pre-installed for some reason, doubt it though, but usually for best performance the races and bearings stay together as a set. Races are much harder metal than a drum could be. The drum would crack if it were as hard as bearing races. If the area where the bearing race seats on the spindle is rusted, personally I would replace the spindles. I don't relax trailering a boat unless I know everything is in like new condition. $200 is a cheap price for peace of mind and towing the boat safely.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Yet another axle question

replace races and bearing, and speedy sleeve.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Yet another axle question

replace races and bearing, and speedy sleeve.

Ayuh,........

New Spindles ain't Cheap,+ you Don't need'em........

 

[big_b16]

Re: Yet another axle question

Looks like there are races in the front of the drum, I haven't pulled the seal to get the rear one out yet. I need a seal puller, I'm not going to beat on a screw driver again trying to pry it out (or collapse it). Here is the outer end...

They must have come pre installed, maybe not, I just can't remember doing it. Granted it was at the same time as installing the brake coupler and lines so maybe it was lost to the bigger picture. So, looks like I can get the speedi sleeve, new bearings and races and call it good?

Thanks for the inputs guys.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Yet another axle question

Spindles are "dirt cheap" but finding someone to remove the old ones and then properly fit and weld the new ones is another story. There are some critical alignment issues involved with that process. While I generally agree the spindles don't need immediate replacement, I am a little concerned with the rear bearing area. Bearings "creep" a little during wheel rotation and that may cause additional deterioration in that area to the point where the bearing no longer has a good fit. It then begins to eat away at the spindle in rapid fashion to the point where the spindle breaks, you lose the entire wheel and hub. If it's the left side, it can hit oncoming traffic. Is this a stretch? yes it is but entirely possible. Pay attention on any Memorial Day weekend and you will see at least one camper or boat trailer with a wheel and spindle missing. If it's the right side you will see one or two people looking around the deep grass along the highway looking for the missing parts.

 

[big_b16]

Re: Yet another axle question

I'm not sure the rear bearings have anywhere to creep to. There is a pretty pronounced lip where the bearings rest against on the back end there. That seal area above it is a-whole-nother story. I just wish I could find prices for the speedi sleeves, or an online ordering place. As far as I can find, I'll have to call someone tomorrow for ordering. I'll get the bearings races, and seals from Championtrailer.

 

[Wotam]

Re: Yet another axle question

How much do you tow and launch each season? Salt water?

I have spindle-lube hubs on my newest trailer. It's one of the few things I've found in this world better than sliced bread.

Jack up a wheel, spin while pumping grease until the fresh stuff comes out... and bob's your uncle. Takes a couple minutes a wheel and you're re-packed.

 

[big_b16]

Re: Yet another axle question

30 miles each way, about 200 times per year, with a 1600mi round trip vacation thrown in. I'll spend $100 now on the speedi sleeves, bearings, races and seals, and get covered in grease during packing. Those spindle-lube axles may be worth the hastle of mounting it (8 bolts ). All fresh water though.

 

[External Combustion]

Re: Yet another axle question

big_b16:

Silvertip was refering to rotational creep, the most deadly kind in a precision bearing. If you were concerned about creep on that spindle (and I would be if it was the slightest loose fit) I would put some Locktite 726 (stud and bearing) on it and motor away until the pitting went further under the inside bearing race on either the inner or outer bearing.

Speedy sleeves are great at buying time, many times for long, long years.


Also as Silvertip states it takes someone who knows what they are doing to weld on a new spindle correctly. There are quite a few out there who can, just make sure you've found one. When you do find one they often charge as much as getting a replacment axle. They are worth the price and you gain convenience sometimes.

Happy trailering!

 

[Rusty Boater]

Re: Yet another axle question

Hey man give a trailer place a call. You can buy a new idle axle for about $120 and that will give you the new bearings and races. Just remove the ideler hub and bolt the brake system to the square backing plate. This is what i did and that will get you new squared up spindles. Any trailer place that says they will weld up a spindle for you; you should walk away slowly and get in your truck and drive away.

 

[big_b16]

Re: Yet another axle question

Thanks for the responses guys, I think I'm gonna go with the speedi sleeves and new bearings and races for now. At the end of the summer I'll pull the dust cap and see what fate holds. If I see any signs of water intrusion then, it's another call to Champion for a new axle. I can justify spending $200 on an axle when it's carrying more than that in fishing equipment, not to mention the boat.