Correcting Heat Damage to Car Trailer Spindles After Bearings Burned Up

Updated 03/22/2016 | Published 03/19/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 6,000-lb Axles - 6 on 5-1/2

(873)

$145.11

Powerbuilt Deluxe Bearing Packer

(61)

$45.48

LubriMatic Marine Trailer Wheel Bearing Grease - 3 oz. Cartridges - Qty 3

(295)

$36.06

Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension - Standard Duty - No Drop - 5 Bolt Flange - 7,000 lbs

(124)

$1295.41

Question:

I have a 10 X 20-foot enclosed car hauler that has a boogered up spindle due to both bearings burning up. I used an emery cloth on it the best I could and it took alot of the flaws out but not all of them. Ive put about 1000 mi. since it happened but Im concerned the bearing might be slipping on the spindle. Can this be repaired or do I need to change the torsion axle? Thanks

asked by: Chuck

Helpful Expert Reply:

A spindle's surfaces really need to be perfect to prevent damage (or early wear) to your bearings and seal. It sounds like you did a pretty effective job of removing most of the scoring but the concern is hidden heat damage to the spindle. This cannot be corrected by the emery cloth. If your bearings burned up then there is a chance the spindles could have been weakened. Either the spindles or the entire axle should be replaced.

You can replace your torsion axle or install a Timbren axle-less suspension system like those shown on the linked page. Timbren offers these rubber-spring suspension kits like # TASR7KS01 that bolt right on to the trailer frame in ratings up to 7K.

You might care to use a bearing packer like # ALL647646 and wheel bearing grease # L54FR when you re-install your hubs.

expert reply by: Adam R