1-1/16" trailer axle spacer?

[jfgalati]

Hi all,
Replacing the bearings / hubs for the first time since we've owned the boat. Does anyone know what this spacer thing is on the inside of the axle? I've watched a lot of youtube but never seen something like this?
thanks,
-John

 

[Silvertip]

Initially thought it was the inner bearing race but upon closer look, appears its the area where the inner grease seal rides. It is also severely worn and a new seal will never keep out water or grease IN the bearing. You have three choices. 1) replace the axle, 2) add a sleeve kit and matching seal, or 3) cut off the spindle and weld on a new one which is a job for machine shop.

 

[jfgalati]

ahh thank you, that makes sense.

Is the general rule of thumb to replace the axle? Do the sleeve kits last very long, or are they just a bandaid. The trailer has a 16' jon boat on it, so there isn't a tremendous amount of weight.

 

[Silvertip]

Sleeves are the least expensive and you can do it. Replacing the axle is also something you can do but you need to be careful what you buy. An axle is not just an axles. Spindle size, spring seat width, axle capacity are all considerations. Spindle size is typically 1-1/16 for that axle weight capacity. Get the wrong one and your hubs & bearings won't fit. What does the other spindle look like? If both are bad I would tend to replace the axle. If just one is bad go for the sleeve. Unless you have a buddy that works in a fab shop the cost for cutting off the old, aligning the new and welding it would be more than the new axle.

 

[jfgalati]

Spindle is 1-1/16", sleeve for that area is 1.374" so a little less than 1-3/8". Appears I'm on the prowel for an 1-3/8" sleeve. Thank you for the help!

 

[jfgalati]

After a ton of searching (for people in the future), I've found almost all axles are now made with a 1-1/4" or 1-1/2" grease seal.

We're going to get a new axle and hub kit to resolve this problem. I wasn't able to find a 1-3/8" grease sleeve on ebay or amazon.

Thanks again for the help Silvertip

 

[Scott Danforth]

NAPA has speedi sleeves in stock