Are Specs Available for Welding on a Brake Mounting Flange to a Trailer Spindle

Updated 04/07/2014 | Published 04/06/2014

Question:

I am an expert welder and I have a boat trailer without flanges on the axles. I am not trying to replace the whole axle when I can just weld the flanges on myself. I am looking for the schematic or specs on where to weld the flanges at.

asked by: Daniel H

Expert Reply:

There is a special jig required to weld on brake mounting flanges such as # 4-35. The flange needs to be welded on concentric and square. Square meaning the flange must be a true 90 degrees from the spindle and concentric meaning the gap around the spindle must be the same 360 degrees around.

If not, the brakes will not wear evenly and will cause reduced braking performance. If not at the right depth the brakes will not be as effective and again, wear unevenly.

Ideally you would take the trailer to a shop that works on trailers that has the proper jig.

expert reply by: Michael H