Hi, all-I had a bearing failure on my utility trailer. The outer bearing was frozen on the axle (might have been the race), but I was eventually able to cut it off with a hand grinder.I'm a little concerned about the spindle, however: It has a nick from the hand grinder and hammer marks from trying to remove the bearing with a hammer and chisel.Based on the attached photos, I'm hoping someone here can tell me if my spindle is still usable or if it needs to be replaced.Best,Chris

No picture, but it sounds like it is toast

No picture but it is probably fine. I have removed plenty with an air chisel and just slapped on a new bearing. Smooth it off a bit with a hand file if needed.

smkettner wrote:No picture but it is probably fine. I have removed plenty with an air chisel and just slapped on a new bearing. Smooth it off a bit with a hand file if needed.X2, and a bigger issue is where the inner seal rides. If the new bearing will go on OK and the seal is sitting on a smooth (undamaged) surface, you're probably OK.

You called it a utility trailer, is it something that you use locally or do you tow it longhaul? If you only tow it local, I wouldn't worry about it. If it is something that can go bad in the middle of nowhere, it will.

OK, I've the picture online, let's see if this works:

Frozen Axle Bearing | Good Sam Community

Raften
Explorer
Dec 15, 2014
RAS43 wrote:
Raften wrote:
Wait, if the inner slides on and it is a constant diameter spindle and the outer won't, something is wrong. Undersized outer??

It is not a constant diameter spindle per the picture. The outer diameter is smaller so the inner bearing would pass by it. Many spindles are like that.

I have yet to see a picture so assumed constant diameter as I haven't encountered stepped spindles on utility trailers. I know they must be out there just haven't seen one. I am assuming the step is not just a matter of a few thousands.

Edit... Saw the pic, hard to see how much damage but I bet it can be repaired with a fine mill file, dykem, stone and polishing cloth.. As long as the seal surface and threads are un damaged all will be well with some time spent on it.
RAS43
Explorer III
Dec 15, 2014
Raften wrote:
Wait, if the inner slides on and it is a constant diameter spindle and the outer won't, something is wrong. Undersized outer??

It is not a constant diameter spindle per the picture. The outer diameter is smaller so the inner bearing would pass by it. Many spindles are like that.
MTPockets1
Explorer
Dec 15, 2014
smkettner wrote:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/tl7ppm21v59gzmx/Picture2.JPG
. From the picture, as someone earlier said, find the high spot and gently file until the outer bearing slides on; it is not a press fit. Also, from the picture, I would be more concerned with the surface where the grease seal rides. It appears pretty rough. The seal needs a smooth surface. There is a product called Speedi Sleeve that is a thin piece which presses onto the seal area that provides a smooth seal surface and the same replacement seal can be used.
Raften
Explorer
Dec 14, 2014
Wait, if the inner slides on and it is a constant diameter spindle and the outer won't, something is wrong. Undersized outer??
SH
Explorer
Dec 14, 2014
Not to hijack but I have always wondered...how are spindles replaced? And when they are adjusted do they just bend them?
sonora
Explorer
Dec 14, 2014
Maybe a speedy sleeve is available for the surface?

Sometimes JB Weld can be used to repair the seal area. The bad area must be completely clean and oil free before applying the JB Weld and ether works great for that.
btd35
Explorer
Dec 13, 2014
Ron3rd wrote:
smkettner wrote:
No picture but it is probably fine. I have removed plenty with an air chisel and just slapped on a new bearing. Smooth it off a bit with a hand file if needed.

X2, and a bigger issue is where the inner seal rides. If the new bearing will go on OK and the seal is sitting on a smooth (undamaged) surface, you're probably OK.

I agree with both. I the bigger question is how the seal rides. I imagine the spindle is find for the bearing. Have had a boat trailer bearing have the same problem.
K_Charles
Explorer
Dec 13, 2014
Clean the spindle up with some Emery cloth so the bearing will just slide on but is not loose. It isn't all about being gouged, some is build up from when the old bearing spun on the spindle.
pointrow
Explorer
Dec 13, 2014
Emery cloth the spindle till bearings slide on. Even if you get it too loose there are Loc-Tight products for taking up the slack.
phillyg
Explorer II
Dec 13, 2014
Ron3rd wrote:
smkettner wrote:
No picture but it is probably fine. I have removed plenty with an air chisel and just slapped on a new bearing. Smooth it off a bit with a hand file if needed.

X2, and a bigger issue is where the inner seal rides. If the new bearing will go on OK and the seal is sitting on a smooth (undamaged) surface, you're probably OK.

I think you'll be okay, too, unless you really hacked up the spindle. Smooth it up and give it a try.

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