Determining Correct Replacement Axle For Older Axle With Variances In Straight Spindle
Updated 05/03/2021 | Published 04/29/2021
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Question:
I need to repace 2 hubs on my very old 1959 boat trailer. The seals were leaking and sprayed grease all over my wheels and fenders. I pulled the hubs off and the inner and outer bearings are both Bower 07100inch with races Bower 07196inch and grease seal National 7235-S What Im confused about is my axle is 1.5inch tube, and I measure 1.477inch where the grease seal goes, with the entire spindle is positively .998. It seems like the area where the seal goes is worn out a bit, and the areas where each bearing sits is slightly different, possibly worn out as well. I have no idea if the axle or hubs have been replaced before. But according to the articles Ive read on here, the 07100 bearings are for a 1inch spindle, with newer bearing #L44643. Based on that I found the hub part#AKIHUB-440-2-1K. The problem is the grease seals in that kit are 1.249inch inner and 1.983inch outer. The National 7235-S is 1.473inch inner and 1.979inch outer according to their spec sheet I looked up. When I measure the spindle at inner bearing and most of the rest of it, I get 1.07inch and ONLY right where the outer bearing sits its .998inch so now Im confused. Arent those two different bearing sizes? L44643 and L44649? Is it normal to have a straight spindle with +/- 1.5inch at the grease seal, 1.07inch at inner, and .998inch at outer...or is it more likely that the spindle is just worn out where the outer bearing sits being from 1959? Or maybe the wrong bearings were on it to begin with? I guess I just need to know if those hubs will work with a different grease seal than the kit provides, or if theres a different hub kit altogether that will work? Im really hoping this doesnt mean the whole axle is damaged and needs replaced. Ive attached some pictures to try and make more sense of it. Thank you.
asked by: Jake H
Expert Reply:
Since your spindle started life as a straight spindle, and now has quite a bit of a variance between where the inner and outer bearings ride, your best option will be to replace the axle.
I know this is not the news you were wanting to hear, but given the difference in measurements on the spindle, and the grease seal being one that is no longer readily available this will be the best option with the least issues, though it is going to be a bit more expensive then I am sure you were hoping for.
To determine the correct replacement axle you will need to find the axle rating of your current axle, and measure your current axle from hub face to hub face, and from spring center to spring center. To find the axle rating you can see if the axle tag is still on the center of the axle, if not you can get make an educated guess based on the GVWR of the trailer.
For example the CE Smith Trailer Axle Beam with EZ-Lube Standard Spindles - Galvanized - 57-1/2" Long - 1.8K # CE33201GA is rated for 1800lbs, has a hub face to hub face measurement of 47-1/2" and a spring center to spring center measurement of 46-1/2" as shown in the included diagram.
This axle has the same 1-1/2" axle diameter, and for hubs you will need the # AKIHUB-440-2-EZ-2K which includes inner and outer bearing # L44649 and grease seal # 10-9.
If you find your axle is a different size just let me know.
I included a few video reviews for you to take a look at.
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Product Page this Question was Asked From
Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 2,000-lb Axles - 4 on 4 - L44649 Bearings - Pre-Greased
- Trailer Hubs and Drums
- Idler Hub
- Pre-Greased
- Standard
- L44649 / L44649
- Standard Grade
- For 2000 lbs Axles
- 1/2 Inch Stud
- 4 on 4 Inch
- 8 Inch Wheel
- 10 Inch Wheel
- 12 Inch Wheel
- 13 Inch Wheel
- 14 Inch Wheel
- etrailer
more information >
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