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Equipment & Gear => Power Equipment & RV => Topic started by: Hi-Liter on July 11, 2016, 02:34:19 PM

Title: Boat Trailer Axle
Post by: Hi-Liter on July 11, 2016, 02:34:19 PM: I have a galvanized Karavan boat trailer, 8000lb trailer with tandem axles. One of the spindles is pretty bad after I had to cut the bearing off of the spindle, the bearing was frozen. I replaced the hub and new bearing but there is so much free play between the spindle and the new bearing. The bearing is spinning on the spindle.

I have placed an order for a new axle from Karavan, it will take 3 weeks to get. I was wondering if anyone on here knows about/where a company locally (Seattle/Everett) that may have an axle or replace the spindle. The axle that I need is square.

I tried 6 robblies but they only have round tube axles. Thanks
Title: Re: Boat Trailer Axle
Post by: CAMPMEAT on July 11, 2016, 02:42:29 PM: I had a bearing on my Jeep spindle do that. We took a round punch and put holes all the way around the spindle, tapped the bearing on with a hammer and it was fixed.. I never had any problems again... :dunno:
Title: Re: Boat Trailer Axle
Post by: Hi-Liter on July 11, 2016, 02:51:30 PM: Quote from: CAMPMEAT on July 11, 2016, 02:42:29 PM
I had a bearing on my Jeep spindle do that. We took a round punch and put holes all the way around the spindle, tapped the bearing on with a hammer and it was fixed.. I never had any problems again... :dunno:

What if I used my gas/mig welder and welded a small bead on the spindle and ground the weld down somewhat? Just enough to get the bearing to seat on the axle. I have to leave on a trip in 2 weeks. Thanks
Title: Re: Boat Trailer Axle
Post by: CAMPMEAT on July 11, 2016, 03:51:17 PM: Quote from: Hi-Liter on July 11, 2016, 02:51:30 PM
Quote from: CAMPMEAT on July 11, 2016, 02:42:29 PM
I had a bearing on my Jeep spindle do that. We took a round punch and put holes all the way around the spindle, tapped the bearing on with a hammer and it was fixed.. I never had any problems again... :dunno:

What if I used my gas/mig welder and welded a small bead on the spindle and ground the weld down somewhat? Just enough to get the bearing to seat on the axle. I have to leave on a trip in 2 weeks. Thanks

I guess that might work..just grease it up really good and try it.. :tup:
Title: Re: Boat Trailer Axle
Post by: Special T on July 11, 2016, 03:57:29 PM: How much free play is a lot? I like campmeats idea because it ads friction and space all the way around the axle for a more uniform fit. 2c
Title: Re: Boat Trailer Axle
Post by: Hi-Liter on July 11, 2016, 04:01:23 PM: Quote from: Special T on July 11, 2016, 03:57:29 PM
How much free play is a lot? I like campmeats idea because it ads friction and space all the way around the axle for a more uniform fit. 2c

When the tire is up off the ground spinning the wheel it moves at least 1 inch back and forth. The spindle nut is tighten all the way down on the front bearing. Is that too much?
Title: Re: Boat Trailer Axle
Post by: Buckmark on July 11, 2016, 04:08:30 PM: Quote from: Hi-Liter on July 11, 2016, 04:01:23 PM
Quote from: Special T on July 11, 2016, 03:57:29 PM
How much free play is a lot? I like campmeats idea because it ads friction and space all the way around the axle for a more uniform fit. 2c

When the tire is up off the ground spinning the wheel it moves at least 1 inch back and forth. The spindle nut is tighten all the way down on the front bearing. Is that too much?
YEP
New axle, if you try and hack it to work you will be in for a problem :twocents:
Title: Re: Boat Trailer Axle
Post by: Ridgeratt on July 11, 2016, 04:17:33 PM: maybe

https://www.etrailer.com/s.aspx?qry=Spindle+Replacement&furl=-vw-1-pg-Trailer_Spindles
Title: Re: Boat Trailer Axle
Post by: Special T on July 11, 2016, 04:50:49 PM: Just because the wheel moves a bunch doesn't mean there is a lot of space on the spindle...

Since your going on a road trip I guess you need an axle... if it was local no hay I wouldn't worry about it.
Title: Re: Boat Trailer Axle
Post by: Special T on July 11, 2016, 04:52:04 PM: What did you cut it off with that screwed the spindle up so bad? A torch?
Title: Re: Boat Trailer Axle
Post by: 4fletch on July 11, 2016, 07:02:17 PM: If you weld on it you may take the temper out of the steel and may break. If it isn't worn too much clean it and use a liquid steel , use release agent on the Inside diameter of the bearing make sure not to get any into the rollers. Assemble unit while filler is soft spot let it set for 24 hrs turn bearing assemble every hr for a few hrs. Only use enough to get the slop out. That's if you can't find a axle
Title: Re: Boat Trailer Axle
Post by: Oh Mah on July 11, 2016, 08:47:38 PM: take the axle off,send to machine shop have it welded up and turned for new fit.probably under $100.
Title: Re: Boat Trailer Axle
Post by: 4fletch on July 13, 2016, 01:24:35 AM: For future removal use a 3" thin cut off wheel you can get a cheap air grinder or electric at harbor freight split it twice 180 degrees from each cut cold chisel and a hammer will split the races used this method many times removing bearings