Removing and Replacing Trailer Spindles

Question

Question:

I have a question about spindles , I know how to replace hubs on my pontoon trailer. But how do I change the spindles. Do they bolt on or have to be welded to axle. Thanks

asked by: Tiny G

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Expert Reply:

To replace a spindle, the old one would need to be cut off, and the new one welded into place. This is NOT a job for the do-it-yourselfer. The new spindle must be absolutely square with the axle in order to prevent premature tire wear and wheel tracking problems. I would recommend finding a welder who is experienced with trailer axles. Your local RV dealer or repair facility could probably refer you.

In many cases, it's less expensive to simply replace the trailer axle itself. We offer a basic selection of replacement 2000 and 3500 lb axles. If you'd care to reply with the following information, I'd be happy to make a recommendation for a replacement axle. I'll need to know the reference numbers off the inner and outer wheel bearings as well as the hub face to hub face dimension and the distance between the spring seats, measured center hole to center hole. I'll provide some diagrams showing how to get these measurements.

expert reply by: Mike L

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Jesse

8/10/2020

Hi! Thank you very much for the feedback, had a quick question for you. Do you know if a machine exists to put together a spindle and an axle? Thanks!

Reply

Jon G.

8/21/2020

I wouldn't be surprised if there is a machine out there that does this but I'd imagine it would be more for the manufacturer side of things. If you are looking to replace the spindle on your axle then you're going to need to have a welder come out and do the installation. We recommend making sure the welder has experience with welding on trailer spindles to ensure it's done correctly.

Reply

Asifa

10/16/2020

@JonG The old trailer spindle is cut off at behind the oil seal and a new spindle is sleeved into the housing.Using both a shrink fit and plug welds, new chromoly tubing is welded in place.

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Answer 1

I do have one hub that uses a .75" ( #LM11949) outer and a 1.25" ( #LM67048) inner bearing. This bearing combination is uncommon these days, but we have the hub #DX22XR. This is a 5 on 4-1/2" idler hub for a 2,500 lb axle. Bearings,…

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Answer 2

Replacement of a spindle on a trailer axle is best left to a professional installer. This is not a do-it-yourself type of project. We urge you to use a professional welder experienced in axle fabrication. Proper alignment and welding are critical to…

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Answer 3

A true 1 inch spindle is a BT8 spindle, like #TRU94FR. The next closest one would be the BTR spindle which is commonly referred to as a 1-1/16 inch spindle, like #TRU44FR and is more common than the BT8. Both of these are typically used with 2,000 lb…

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Answer 4

Glad to hear you are safe and able to check the problem out. It sounds like there could be a number of things causing the problem. An EZ-Lube system would not cause the issue because it is normally just the access to the fitting that is changed for…

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Answer 5

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 6

Square axles can be tough to determine capacity. Often times the same spindle fits a range of axle capacities. The best way to determine the capacity is to get the inner and outer bearing numbers stamped into the metal of the bearings. Going by those…

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Answer 7

The longest 1-3/4" wide slipper spring we carry is 30" from the center eye hole to end of the flat slipper end. We have springs for 1,800lb #e29SR, 2,900lb #e49SR and 3,700lb #e89SR axles. With your axle diameter being 1-3/4" in…

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Answer 8

Trailer spindles are welded directly to the axle so to remove one it just needs to be cut off completely using a torch or saw. Then to replace the spindle such as with the EZ Lube #TRU37FR that you were looking at it's extremely important that it…

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Answer 9

Hey Edwin, the trailer wheel and tire combos we offer like the Kenda Karrier KR53 ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire with 13" Silver Mod Wheel #KE35EV are not balanced as generally trailer wheel and tire combos don't get balanced. As an…

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Answer 10

An EZ lube spindle will be better because it allows you to insert grease from inside the spindle where the bearings are and push out the old grease whereas with a Bearing Buddy you basically just get to push grease through the front of the hub. I…

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Answer 11

Hey KDM, it's normal for there to be some space between outside portion of the grease seal and the spindle. The seal is not supposed to push up against the spindle on the outside portion of it. It's only really for sure supposed to contact…

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Answer 12

You can check the condition of your hub's races by carefully removing all bearing grease with a rag to expose the actual surface of the races. When they are completely free of grease, etc., inspect them for any signs of scoring (very slight…

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Removing and Replacing Trailer Spindles

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