Method for removing and Installing Tang-Style Spindles Washers

Question

Question:

I had never seen these types of castle nut locking mechanism. So I was quite sure how to remove the castle nut...I tried the bend the tangs down towards the flat side of the spindle, but that didnt help. Ended up using two hands. One hand with a screw driver trying to hold the tangs down and the other on a large wrench around the castle nut and just forced the castle nut off. So what is the proper way to remove and instal the castle nuts with these types of keepers? It looks to me the new ones already have a slight twist towards the castle nut.

asked by: Chris F

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

A replacement tang-style spindle washer like part # 5-101 is intended to be installed behind the castle nut and have its prongs bent down so that they prevent the castle nut from rotating on an E-Z Lube type spindle. The castle nut holds the washer in place, of course, and the washer's prongs fold down into the gaps in the nut to prevent it from loosening on the spindle.

The removal and re-installation processes are shown for you in the linked video.

expert reply by: Adam R

1

Jack D.

5/22/2020

can u bend both tangs in casel nut

Reply

Chris R.

5/25/2020

If they line up between the castle nut notches, you could potentially bend down both tangs. I'm not sure it's necessary but there's no particular reason it couldn't be done.

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Ivor R.

10/27/2020

@ChrisR Is it possible to drill a hole in the wheel spindle and replace that silly expensive washer with a cotter pin..why change a simple design where even a NAIL or a piece of wire would suffice.I cannot think of one reason except to charge $$$ for a needed washer. I have been trailering for over 50 (Fifty) years and this was a disgusting suprise when I serviced my Aluma trailer wheel bearings...

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Jon G.

10/27/2020

@IvorR Possible? Yes. A good decision? No. If you were to dill a hole in the spindle then you would likely void a warranty, and you run the risk of damaging the integrity of the spindle.

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See All (4) Replies to Jack D. ∨

Russ

7/2/2020

Seems like a weak design. I have a trailer that has this and the entire assembly came off except the inside interior race and the actual hub. All the bearings, and castle nut, the spacer, and the tang washer all came out. Thank God it didnt come out until I was almost home and it was not obvious going down the road. Have got to get mine running and wish this type of axle would allow for a regular cotter pin for some more strength.

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Rich D.

5/17/2025

Can you send me the video on how to remove the spindle castle nut with and locking tab and NOT a cotter pin. My tab hits the high (castle) part of the nut do I not push the tang down ....thanks and are these re-useable

Reply

Jesse M.

5/20/2025

@RichD As long as they are not all bent up or corroded, the tang washers typically can be re used. Usually you can just pop it off with a screwdriver or with pliers. Here is the link to the video mentioned above.

Helpful Links

tv-remove_reinstall_trailer_hub.aspx

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Answer 1

If you look at the outermost part of the spindle on your axle there will be what is called a grease zerk or grease gun fitting. It will look like a tiny round ball which is where you can attach a grease gun to grease your spindle. If your spindle has…

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Answer 2

For a wheel that is 5 inches in width and 15 inches in diameter you would want tires that are size ST205/75-15. For the tire size ST225/75R15 you listed you would want a rim that is from 6-7 inches in width. I attached a department page that has all…

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Answer 3

The hub ratings are for the axle capacity, and not the trailer weight capacity. For example, The trailer hubs you came from, part #AKIHUB-545-35-EZ-K is designed for 3,500 lb axles. This hub includes the bearings races, seals, grease cap, and lug…

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Answer 4

The difference between the standard and EZ hubs is in the grease cap. For instance, the Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 3,500-lb E-Z Lube Axles #AKHD-545-35-EZ-K is the same hub, bearings, seal, and races as found in #AKHD-545-35-K but the grease cap…

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Answer 5

The #42 Spindle #TRU57FR does come with a Standard Washer #SW1000, Cotter Pin #165649, and Castle Nut #165686 to secure the hub to the spindle. The D-Washer #5-23 and Tang Washer #5-101 were created to allow for a Grease Zerk #LC44XV to fit the end…

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Answer 6

The Dexter Hub part #8-258-5UC1-EZ is an exact match for the hubs you have on your trailer currently and would be a great choice. Bearing Buddies can be pretty convenient but the problem with them is that they make it too easy to over fill the hub…

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Answer 7

There really should be a flat washer between the outer bearing of your hub and the nut that holds it on. The washer protects the back side of the bearing from the edges and points on the back side of the spindle nut. The Washer For 1 inch Spindle,…

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Answer 8

The #BK2-100 Bearing Kit for #84 Spindle L44649/L68149 Bearings 10-19 Double Lip Seal will work. You have EZ Lube spindles which do not use a cotter pin. The spindle has a tube in it for the grease to be pumped in. Instead it uses a tang washer,…

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Answer 9

The spindle nut on a trailer axle should not be difficult to remove, it only requires a very small amount of torque. It should for the most part just turn off by hand after the retainer is removed whether it's a clip or pin. We don't have a…

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Answer 10

It sounds like you are looking at a tire similar to the Westlake ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire # 274-000012. The speed rating you mention of "L" is a max of 75 mph. If tires have this higher speed rating, they are labeled L or M (81 mph).…

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Answer 11

Hey Robert, yes the Kodiak disc brake calipers part #KDBC225DAC that you referenced will replace the Tie Down calipers you have now 46304, they can be used as a left or right hand caliper and does come with ceramic brake pads. If you ever needed…

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Answer 12

The DeeMaxx item #DE86VR won't because of the spacing on the mounting bracket but I have a caliper that will. To replace your Tie Down Engineering 46304 caliper you will need the Kodiak Disc Brake Caliper item #KDBC225DAC.

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Method for removing and Installing Tang-Style Spindles Washers

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