Potential Problems From Damaged Trailer Spindle

Updated 10/02/2018 | Published 10/01/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Trailer Axle w/ Electric Brakes - E-Z Lube - 8 on 6-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 95" - 7,000 lbs

(236)

$1428.66

Replacement Trailer Wheel Bearing - 25580 - Qty 1

(2217)

$24.73

Question:

A bearing froze and slightly scored the spindle. I was able to emery it to smooth out the scoring. My question is how do you determine if the spindle is bad enough to replace the axle? I assume that the diameter of the spindle that the bearing rests on must be a specific diameter to properly fit the bearing. What are the tolerance of the spindle for the outer bearing, 14124A, and inner bearing, 25580, to allow the bearings to fit properly. Any information that you can provide to identify a bad spindle would also be appreciated. Thanks.

asked by: David R

Expert Reply:

Trailer spindle and bearing tolerances are pretty tight, usually down to a thousandth of an inch. Use of emery cloth on a spindle to remove scoring damage might remove enough material to affect the fit of the replacement bearing. You can be off the original dimension by perhaps 1/1000th of an inch but not much more than that.

If you have a precision caliper that can read to 1/1000th of an inch you can check that repaired spindle's diameter where the bearings ride (and use another undamaged spindle as a reference) to see how much difference there is. You do not want a loose fit of the bearings on the spindle as that could lead to another failed bearing or other problems such as uneven or excessive tire wear and degraded ride quality.

I linked our main page for replacement trailer axles which are available in various weight ratings. The bearing # 25580 is typically found on axles rated from 5200 to 7000-lbs.

expert reply by: Adam R