Identifying the Axle from a Home-Built Trailer

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Question:

Hello there I just got a home built trailer and Im looking for some insight about what Axle it has. The markings on the brake drum are: ATAM 01-09254 There are no markings on the axle, only on the drum. I also have the spindle measurements for it now from using the diagram on your website. "B" is 54.00mm "C" is 44.40mm "D" is 31.83mm "E" is 25.31 Its an old style axle in which the rim is more of a doughnut with the rim center being part of the axle. I have photos to show what shape it is and what markings are on the rim. I cant find anything on the axle itself

asked by: Josh B

0

Expert Reply:

There are a couple ways to determine what kind of axle you have. If there aren't any part markings on the axle or anywhere else on the trailer frame that list your trailer axle specifications, you need to measure your spindle with a calipers to get a precise measurement. I couldn't find a matching bearing based on the measurements you provided, so make sure you are using the right equipment to take these spindle measurements. You can also measure the axle diameter to get an idea of the weight capacity.

With that style of hub plus the bearing measurements that don't match anything we have, I'm guessing it is a mobile home axle. Mobile home axles are considered one-time use so replacement parts are hard to come by. You might be better off replacing your existing axle with something that uses more common parts.

If you are able to measure your trailer axle or know the weight capacity of your trailer frame, let me know and I can recommend a new axle setup for you. For example, if your trailer comes in at 3,500 lbs or lower, I recommend the Dexter Trailer Axle with Idler Hub # 35545I-ST-89. This is a 89" standard straight axle for 3,500 lbs trailers that includes idler hubs with a 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern. Check out the video linked below for more details on this Dexter straight axle.

expert reply by: John R

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Dustin

7/9/2024

Did you ever figure this out I am currently in the same boat . The so-called experts answer is no help at all.

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Kyle S.

7/9/2024

@Dustin So-called expert?

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Answer 1

You can measure either the outer diameter of the part of the dust cap that fits into the hub OR the inner diameter of the hub where the dust cap goes using calipers such as #PTW80157. Calipers are needed because the measurement has to be as accurate…

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Answer 2

Grease seals such as those included with the #DBRKHW35EZ bearing kit should be be installed so that they are flush with the hub bore. If the correct seal is used, everything should fit together perfectly. As long as the castle nut is correctly ran…

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Answer 3

You will need to measure the diameter of the spindles where the seal and bearings ride. Check out the picture I attached that shows where this is. You will need an exact measurement so either a digital or dial caliper will be needed. To pick out the…

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Answer 4

Although there are standard bearing and seal combinations, sometimes (especially on older trailers) the "correct" seal won't fit, as you have found out. The closest seal that we have to the 1.654 Inner Diameter (ID) that you measured is…

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Answer 5

It sounds like you are talking about the grease seal. Once installed the grease seal should fit flush like your old one. The fact that it is not and that grease is leaking out means that the seal is not the correct size for the hub. What is the…

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Answer 6

An oil seal like Redline part #9103309 installs in the back side of the hub (the side nearest the trailer's frame) with the sides or "legs" of the seal inserted into the hub's bore. This means that the flat metal surface of the seal…

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Answer 7

Since we do not offer any hubs that take the bearing set L44649 and L44610 the best way to determine which grease seal you need for your spindle is to measure it to three decimal places (like 1.234-inches) with a precision caliper like #PTW80157.…

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Answer 8

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 9

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 10

Trailer wheel bearings are specific to the spindle that is installed on the axle that is on your trailer. You will need to safely support the trailer, remove the wheel and tire, remove the grease cap, remove the cotter pin and washer that secures the…

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Answer 11

To determine the size of the brake assemblies you need you have to measure the depth and width of the hub drum on the axle like what you see in the picture I attached. The most common size is 2-1/4 inch wide like the #T4071600-500 that you…

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Answer 12

The BTR and BT8 denotations refer to the spindle, not the trailer hub. The difference between a BTR and BT8 spindle is that the BTR spindle uses a 1.063" diameter L44649 bearing and the BT8 spindle uses a 0.99" diameter L44643 bearing. In…

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Identifying the Axle from a Home-Built Trailer

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