'97 WesCo Trailer Axle

[joey nathan]

Gentleman,
I have to replace the axle under this trailer as the one hub has the nut welded to the spindle!



Are leaf-springs set-ups such as this, i.e., with a bolt attachment at one end and the straight end of a leaf through a clamp at the other end still available? Thanks in advance...

 

[oldjeep]

Re: '97 WesCo Trailer Axle

It is called a slipper spring, pretty common. Those actually look in good shape, I wouldn't replace them unless there is some damage I can't see in the pictures.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: '97 WesCo Trailer Axle

... one hub has the nut welded to the spindle! ...

Do you mean really stuck, or actually Welded intentionally!

Welding to a spindle is not easy to do unless it was prepped well.
Anyone who thought that welding the spindle nut on, does NOT know what he is doing by definition!
The weld spot likely has little if any penetration. Very weak.
A big wrench and a few pounds of elbow grease will likely break the weld.
A little clean up and a new nut and cotter pin will put you back in business.

The axle looks fine and the hubs look new.
Try to salvage this by all means.

Let's see a picture of the welded spindle nut!

 

[joey nathan]

Re: '97 WesCo Trailer Axle

Oh, trust me, my son-in-law welded it! Had I been there, I'd of slapped him silly. To be fair, as I understand it, this was a situation where a failed bearing had welded itself to the hub. So he beats it off using a BFH doing (according to him) irreparable harm to the thing. He welded the nut it in a fit of panic, but it did get the boat home with very little time to do anything proper. Ugh!

Thanks for the advice, too. You're right I see now, maybe just replace the hub - if I can somehow cut or force the nut off.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: '97 WesCo Trailer Axle

Do I see a ZERK in the middle of the Nut?
Looks like an E-Z Lube System. (A Good Thing!)
The nut is retained by a Tab Washer, Not a Cotter Pin.

Welding to a hardened steel spindle with grease all over the place makes for some weak welds. (Another Good Thing!)
Maybe you'll get lucky.
Be sure to use a 6 pointed socket, NOT a 12!, with a breaker bar and a cheater pipe.

Something will give!

A beat up spindle, other than the seal surface, is not too big of a deal.
Bearings run on their races, not on the spindle itself.

EDIT:
I only see 4 of the 5 Stud nuts! (Danger!, Will Robinson!)
Don't leave home without them!

 

[oldjeep]

Re: '97 WesCo Trailer Axle

Impact wrench and about 10 seconds. There is no way that weld would be any good.

 

[joey nathan]

Re: '97 WesCo Trailer Axle

Uncle Willie,
You are so right about the tabbed washer. And I need a couple of those - would you know of a source? Thanks...

 

[oldjeep]

Re: '97 WesCo Trailer Axle

Northern Tool, Fleet Farm, most auto parts stores, Most marine stores

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: '97 WesCo Trailer Axle

Northern Tool, Fleet Farm, most auto parts stores, Most marine stores

+1

A common item that should be easy to locate locally.
They are available in Plain and Fancy versions.