Spindle wear

[hank56]

I recently had a bearing failure that caused some wear on my trailer spindle. My guess is I need to replace the spindle, but was hoping someone may have some experience with problems like this (see attached picture). Is it fixable, or is a new spindle in order?
If I have to replace the spindle, I think I'll have to get a whole new axle, because it all seems to be one piece.
Thanks for any advice
Hank

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Spindle wear

Personally I would replace. Most of them that I know of are only case hardened and you have gone through the case. Only asking for more trouble re-building on that. Even if you welded and re-surfaced it would have to come off anyway.

 

[BaileysBoat]

Re: Spindle wear

Replace. That's very bad. The inner bearing is designed to "creap" slowly around the spindle to equalize wear. This can't happen now.

 

[Ram58]

Re: Spindle wear

Replace it. It's your best, quickest and probably cheapest option at this point.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Spindle wear

If you look very carefully near the seal surface there is a vertical crack (not the horizontal mark). That crack is quite deep and is an indication this spindle is about to fail. Spindles can be cut off and a new one welded on but the labor would likely be more than a new axle. I've replaced them before but I had the equipment and welding experience to do so. The seal surface is also quite worn so my suggestion also is to replace the axle.

 

[hank56]

Re: Spindle wear

Thank you for the feedback. I have ordered a new axle. Now to find the time to make the repair.....
Hank

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Spindle wear

Thank you for the feedback. I have ordered a new axle. Now to find the time to make the repair.....
Hank

That was the only sensible choice to make.
Good Luck with the repair.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Spindle wear

Most of the replacement spindles I've seen have been made from only mild steel, nothing hardened. I was told by someone once that the reason for this is that mild steel is less likely to shear or crack with impact or repeated shock.

With this in mind, I have turned out several of my own spindles on a lathe and made several of my own axles. All have held up just fine over the years.

 

[ctraugh]

Re: Spindle wear

Thank you for the feedback. I have ordered a new axle. Now to find the time to make the repair.....
Hank

With the looks of that spindle, you made a great decision. Now you will have no worries about it.

 

[beezee28]

Re: Spindle wear

While you are it, you might want to look at the bearings. If the spindle looks this bad then you want to find out what causes this to happen. Is the hub in good condition or the bearing has worn out. Might want to check those out bofore the new spindle goes bad!!