Re: Can this axle be fixed
Do you have good insurance? I ask because I sense a disaster in the making. The spindle is the piece you show in the picture, but that is only part of it. The piece that broke off is still in the hub for that end of the axle. To get the entire axle stub you need to cut or grind the weld where the spindle meets the axle tube just in front of the square plate. You then need to ensure the replacementy spindle is properly aligned and welded. This is not a job for a shade tree welder -- especially one that learned yesterday. Improper alignment causes rapid tire wear. There are also two different types of spindles. One type slides into the tube several inches and the other just has a short machined area that slips into the tube 1/2 inch or so. To determine the correct brake shoes, measure the inside of the drum. These will likely be 8-inch, 8-1/4 inch, 10 inch or 12 inch. Measure the width of the shoe. Check the inside of the drum for grooves and corrosion. Failure to machine the hubs will cause rapid brake wear. Then you need to clean and inspect the bearings. If they are ok, pack them and install the hubs. Don't forget to inspect the bearing races in the hub. If you broke a spindle, it was either because the trailer was overloaded or the bearings went bad. Replacement of a bearing requires replacement of the race as well. I have the feeling you are in over your head with this project. Since safety is a concern here, think about having someone who knows what they are doing do this repair. Lastly, make darned sure the bearings are adjusted properly or you will be doing this again.
