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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Method for removing and Installing Tang-Style Spindles Washers

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