Why Do Some Spindles Use Cotter Pins and Others Use a Tang Washer?

Published 01/18/2023

Products Featured in This Question

#42 Spindle for 5,200-lb to 7,000-lb Trailer Axles - 2-1/4" Diameter

(53)

$62.00

Cotter Pin - 1/8" Thick x 1-3/4" Long

(813)

$1.15

Trailer Spindle Nut 1"

(443)

$13.13

Replacement Spindle Washer - Tang Type for E-Z Lube

(741)

$5.99

D Washer for EZ Lube Spindles

(254)

$5.54

Replacement Grease Zerk for Lippert Super-Lube Axle Spindles - Qty 1

(7)

$5.47

Washer For 1" Spindle

(335)

$5.51

Question:

Does the TRU57FR come with a standard washer and cotter pin? I see that other spindles come with the D washer and tang washer. Why are there 2 styles of retaining the nut? Thanks,

asked by: Dean T

Helpful Expert Reply:

The #42 Spindle # TRU57FR does come with a Standard Washer # SW1000, Cotter Pin # 165649, and Castle Nut # 165686 to secure the hub to the spindle.

The D-Washer # 5-23 and Tang Washer # 5-101 were created to allow for a Grease Zerk # LC44XV to fit the end of the spindle and allow you to grease the hub bearings without removing the hub. There are some versions using a grease zerk and cotter pin but those are more likely to not allow grease to reach the bearings as it can come out the cotter pin hole.