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

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.

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...

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.

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.

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

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

Answer 1

It sure will Chris and welcome back! The Timken Bearing Kit item #TMK52VR is exactly what you need for your Dexter 3,500 lbs axle. This kit is sold per hub and includes new bearings, races, a seal, a tang washer, and a cotter pin. Dexter's E-Z…

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Answer 2

If you only have the nut and a washer but no cotter pin or retaining type washer on the end then that isn't correct and you want to get a piece to help prevent that nut from backing off. If you have a setup like the Spindle Nut Kit for EZ Lube…

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Answer 3

The bearing part #L44649 has an inner diameter of 1.063 and is typically used in 3,500 lb axle hubs and the #L44643 has an inner diameter of 1 inch and is typically used on 2,000 lb axle hubs. If you can get me more info on your trailer like axle…

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Answer 4

Thanks for the kind words, and based on what you said the over-the-hub disc brake kit that will work is the Kodiak Disc Brake Kit #K2R35D. This will work with your 4-bolt flange, 14 inch wheels and is rated for 3,500 lb axles so it is the right…

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Answer 5

The part number supplied looks like it's coming back to the Raybestos FRC11046 brake calipers which as you are aware are not available anymore. That being said, we don't have any replacement parts for these braking assembles as we've…

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Answer 6

Hey Scott! The correct bearing kit for your Dexter 6k axle is the Bearing Kit, 15123/ 25580 Bearings, 10-36 Seal #BK3-100. If you want the Dexter version it is the #DX26ER. What kind of trailer do you have?

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Answer 7

First you will need to remove the old hydraulic equipment. Remove the surge coupler or actuator, remove all the lines, and finally remove the brake assemblies. If you have 10 inch diameter hub and drums, you may need to replace those as well. If you…

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Answer 8

Hey Joe, to pick out the correct parts needed to convert your trailer to either brake style will require knowing the axle capacity as well as the wheel bolt pattern. That's basically all that's needed. Since you have the bearing numbers…

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Answer 9

I would recommend getting the 9/16 inch diameter bolts for the Leaf Spring #e44SR, because the diameter should match the bushing or bolt hole inner diameter. I have linked all the 9/16 inch bolts we have for your convenience, you will just need to…

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Answer 10

That is a Timken seal with the part number 171255TC, so you can use the Grease Seal - Double Lip - ID 1.719" / OD 2.565" - for 3,500-lb Axles - Qty 1 #58846 as the replacement or you can get a pair with part #RG06-050.

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Answer 11

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 12

From the face of the brake bolt flange you will need at least 2-1/2" of clearance for the caliper in the Kodiak Disk Brake Kit #KOD59FR to not hit the trailer frame. This measurement is also going to be 5.57" from the hub face which will…

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Method for removing and Installing Tang-Style Spindles Washers

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