Replacing Bearing Drums and Brakes on an Older Axle  

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Expert Reply:

With the trailer weight of 3,800 to 3,850 pounds, the axle should be rated to either 4,000 pounds or 5,200 pounds. With the trailer being from 1979, however, I cannot confirm this 100%. Standard capacities and ratings have changed quite a bit since then and I was unable to find much on a 2 inch square axle.

This does not mean you cannot replace brakes, hubs, or bearings. To find the correct replacements, you would need to remove one of the hubs to get at the bearings. There are usually numbers stamped into the lip of them, but depending on how old they are, they may be worn down too much to read. If this is the case, you will need to measure the inside diameter with a pair of calipers. This will need to be repeated for both the inner and outer bearings. We have full rebuild kits that include bearings, seals, and races if the hub is in good condition, like # BK2-100.

If the hub, or drum if there are brakes, are looking a little rough and need replacing, Dexter's Idler Hub # 84545UC1-EZ for an axle without brakes or Dexter's Hub and Drum assembly # K08-426-91 could be used. Both of these options would use the inner bearing # L68149 and the outer bearing # L44649.

If the brakes need replacing, the easiest way to measure them is to actually measure the depth and diameter of the drum. This will tell you what size brakes are needed.

Another option would be replace the whole axle with something like the Dexter axle with brakes and drums # 8327820-EB. This would convert everything over to new parts in one fell swoop, but these are pretty specific with how they fit. The spring seats on this measure 74 inches from center to center and the bolt pattern on the drums is 6 on 5 1/2, so you would need to make check where you springs sit and the wheels you currently have.

Please keep in mind these are all examples and may not be the correct parts needed to replace your existing components.

expert reply by: Lazer S

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