What Is The Purpose Of A Spindle Washer

Updated 06/11/2024 | Published 06/03/2024

Question:

Upon inspection of my trailer axle I found no spindle washers. I found on your site 1 spindle washers. I have a 1 1/16 axle. What is the importance of the washer? I was also considering adding a grease zerk between the bearing cone and grease seal of the hub in an attempt to make a job easier for my aging body. I am seeking an opinion from the experts on if I should proceed with this. Thank you Paul

asked by: Paul S

Expert Reply:

Hey Paul,

Spindle washers are used to spread out the pressure evenly on the bearings when seating the trailer hub. If the bearing doesn't go on perfectly straight it can bind at an angle, heat up, and then fail while you're driving down the road.

I would not recommend milling the spindle to add in a grease zerk. You're taking a lot of risk for something that honestly doesn't help that much. Grease zerks are only there to add more grease into the hub and shouldn't be used to try and repacking the bearings because it can end up blowing out the grease seal.

expert reply by: Kevin C