How To Remove A Trailer Hub Cotter Pin

Updated 09/11/2026 | Published 05/14/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 2K Axles - 10" to 12" Wheels - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased

(1546)

$43.43

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

(895)

$1.45

Question:

Hi Kevin, Thanks for the info! I unfortunately got stuck at the castle nut - wasnt sure how to remove that as Im not familiar with this particular assembly. It looks like there is some sort of pin, but not sure how to remove it as its not the kind I am familiar with. You can see on the left side there are two wingsinch - but they wouldnt pull out and I didnt want to risk doing damage. Have any thoughts?

asked by: Thomas B

Trailer Hub
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hey Thomas,

The pin you're referring to is a cotter pin # 165649 that will slip through the a hole in the spindle and then is usually split and bent around the castle nut to prevent the pin from falling out and the castle nut from backing off. I recommend wiping off some of the grease so that you can get a better view of the pin and then using some needle-nose pliers bend the two ends of the pin back together. I usually try to clamp them pretty good with the pliers to help straighten them back out enough to pull out of the spindle. You'll most likely be able to keep reusing the pins for a while but in the event that they aren't reusable one day you can pick up a few of part # 165649 and be good to go.

expert reply by: Kevin C