Why Would A Trailer Tire Sit Crooked After Towing
Updated 04/03/2024 | Published 04/02/2024
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
While traveling, we stopped for gas n noticed one of the tires was crooked. I removed the tire n hub n found both sets were destroyed. I had to forcibly remove the outer bearing part from the spindle. I found a replacement kit n installed it. The nut was hard to remove and the new one was hard to install. Now, the next day, weve noticed that it appears that the tire is slightly leaning again. Do I have a bad spindle or worse?
asked by: Allen
Helpful Expert Reply:
Hey Allen,
Bearing fitment is precise down to ten thousandth of an inch so it you have the incorrect bearings installed in your hub there will be play on the spindle, which can cause the bearings to overheat and either explode out inside the hub or melt to the spindle. Play in the bearings will also cause the wheel to sit crooked but so can a bent axle.
I would scrap what you have and start fresh by measuring the spindle with a digital caliper # PTW80157 at points B, C, and D on the diagram below to get the inner diameter of your bearings and grease seal. From there you can measure bore hole diameter of the hub to get the race outer diameter as depicted in the diagram so that we can find the correct bearings. You'll want to check the spindle for any deep scratches or gouges as this can cause play with the bearings and allow heat to build up. Depending on the damage to the spindle you may be looking at a complete axle replacement. You can send in some pictures if you'd like and I can take a look.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Square #84 Spindle for 3,500-lb Trailer Axles - 1-1/2" Wide
- Trailer Spindles
- Standard Spindle
- Without Flange
- L68149
- 1-1/2 Inch Diameter
- Square
- For 3500 lb Axle
- TruRyde
more information >
Continue Researching
- Shop: Towing Mirrors
- Shop: Blue Ox 2-Point Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - 6-Hole Shank - 12K GTW, 1.2K TW
- Shop: CIPA Custom Towing Mirrors - Slip On - Driver Side and Passenger Side
- Shop: K-Source Universal Dual Lens Towing Mirrors - Clip On - Pair
- Shop: K-Source Snap & Zap Custom Towing Mirrors - Snap On - Driver and Passenger Side
- Shop: Longview Custom Towing Mirrors - Slip On - Driver and Passenger Side
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Best Suspension Upgrade for 33" Tandem Axles: Road Armor vs Dexter EZ Flex for Ember 22ETS
- Shop: Power Mountain Tallboy Off-Road Bottle Jack - 8-1/2" to 37-3/4" Lift - 6 Tons
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Search Results: trailer jack
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Video: What to Know About the Curt TriFlex NEXT Trailer Brake Controller
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Install a Red Arc Brake Controller in a 2023 Toyota Tacoma
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Video: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller Review RED24FR
- Q&A: Recommended Equalizer for a 2018 Coachmen Apex Ultralight
- Search Results: weight distribution hitch
on Trailer Spindles
Allen
4/3/2024
I took the tire off n the hub cap. Visually I count see any damage. But, I couldn't get the hub to come off to check the bearings. I bought a socket to tighten the nut instead of the channel lock pliers I had n it tightened up better n I have no more play. I did of course back it off a qtr turn and pinned it. I have no play n the tire rotates good. Would u recommend I take the tire off again n try forcing the hub off to check the bearings?