How to Avoid Rust on Spindle Nut and Axle for Salt Water Trailer

Updated 09/10/2018 | Published 09/09/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Kodiak Ceramic Brake Pads - 3,500 lbs to 6,000 lbs

(282)

$53.94

Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 1980A w/ Auto Check - Chrome Plated (Pair)

(1458)

$35.33

Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 1980A-SS w/ Auto Check - Stainless Steel (Pair)

(1615)

$38.45

Question:

I fish salt water here in Florida, a lot. So my trailer gets dunked in salt water often. I installed a sprinkler wash down system when I bought the Kodiak ss gear to protect it. After nearly 5 years Ivan tell you they look great! I just changed the brake fluid and installed new ceramic pads with the ss backing. I have Road King torsion axles and the only rust I have to deal with is the castle nut on the inside of the spindle and rust at the spindle elbow breaking through the paint. Can you help me with this problem.

asked by: Joe C

Expert Reply:

Glad to hear that the Kodiak brakes are working well for you!

If you have a good seal and grease cap on your hub/rotor then your castle nut shouldn't be rusting as that is a sign of moisture getting at the castle nut. I would check your seals to make sure they are still in good working order and if you are using a standard grease cap I would upgrade to a Bearing Buddy like part # BB1980A-SS (Stainless Steel) or # BB1980A (Chrome). These are specific though so you would need to know the diameter of your hub bore.

As far as the elbow of your spindle rusting, I am not entirely sure what you are referring to but if it is on the spindle itself the above-mentioned solution is what you need to do. If it is on the outside of the hub at a place that is continuously exposed to salt water then there really isn't much more that you can do other than spraying it down like what you have been doing. You could take some black spray paint to cover up any openings and try to keep the rust from spreading.

If you are using regular axles you can try replacing them with galvanized axles as these hold up better to salt water, but from your description I think you have torsion axles which nobody makes a galvanized version of.

If you can send in some pictures of what is going on I can help you take a closer look at it.

expert reply by: Jon G