Axle Replacement Recommendation for a Trailer with Destroyed Spindles

Question:

I am on vacation in GA, and about 2 hours from my destination I noticed at a rest stop, thankfully that the bearings were shot on one of my trailer wheels and the wheel was sitting loose on the axle. I was able to unload the trailer and leave it at the rest stop. Ideally, I would like to have replacement parts delivered to my current location before Friday so I can make one trip out to make repairs. However, I do not have part numbers - only the information from the plate that is rivoted to the trailer frame: Manufactured by Long Chih Ind. Co., Ltd. Imported by Northern Tool and Equipment Co., ??/99 month is faded out GVWR-1000 GAWR-1080 with 4.80-12D Tires 12x4 Rims at 60 PSI Cold VIN-LCAUS041 8xt295020 Type-Trailer Class A Made in Taiwan. Also, I have attempted to attach a photo of the axle with the wheelandhub pulled off. Can you tell me from the photo if the axle itself appears to be intact? I have a photo of another angle of the axle, as well as one looking down into the wheel hub, but I couldnt get this page to let me attach additional photos. THANK YOU very much for any help/info you can give me.

asked by: Jesse W

Expert Reply:

You weren't kidding about your bearings being shot. Looks like your spindle hasn't seen any grease for a while which is why the bearings went out. Judging by the amount of rust on the spindle I think your best option would be to replace the axle.

To pick out an axle you will need the following information:

Bolt pattern of the wheel (see link to determine this)
Axle rating, should be listed on the plate near the coupler
Hub face to hub face dimension
Spring seat to spring seat dimension (see attached picture)

For example, the # 35545I-EZ-89 Axle assembly has a 3500 lb capacity, uses idler hubs like you, a straight spindle, has a 5-on 4-1/2 bolt pattern, a hub-face-to-hub-face length of 89 inches and a spring-center-to-spring-center length of 74 inches.

In the future be sure to regularly grease your hubs to prevent this type of failure.