Method for removing and Installing Tang-Style Spindles Washers

Question

Question:

I had never seen these types of castle nut locking mechanism. So I was quite sure how to remove the castle nut...I tried the bend the tangs down towards the flat side of the spindle, but that didnt help. Ended up using two hands. One hand with a screw driver trying to hold the tangs down and the other on a large wrench around the castle nut and just forced the castle nut off. So what is the proper way to remove and instal the castle nuts with these types of keepers? It looks to me the new ones already have a slight twist towards the castle nut.

asked by: Chris F

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

A replacement tang-style spindle washer like part # 5-101 is intended to be installed behind the castle nut and have its prongs bent down so that they prevent the castle nut from rotating on an E-Z Lube type spindle. The castle nut holds the washer in place, of course, and the washer's prongs fold down into the gaps in the nut to prevent it from loosening on the spindle.

The removal and re-installation processes are shown for you in the linked video.

expert reply by: Adam R

1

Russ

7/2/2020

Seems like a weak design. I have a trailer that has this and the entire assembly came off except the inside interior race and the actual hub. All the bearings, and castle nut, the spacer, and the tang washer all came out. Thank God it didnt come out until I was almost home and it was not obvious going down the road. Have got to get mine running and wish this type of axle would allow for a regular cotter pin for some more strength.

Reply

Jack D.

5/22/2020

can u bend both tangs in casel nut

Reply

Chris R.

5/25/2020

If they line up between the castle nut notches, you could potentially bend down both tangs. I'm not sure it's necessary but there's no particular reason it couldn't be done.

Reply

Ivor R.

10/27/2020

@ChrisR Is it possible to drill a hole in the wheel spindle and replace that silly expensive washer with a cotter pin..why change a simple design where even a NAIL or a piece of wire would suffice.I cannot think of one reason except to charge $$$ for a needed washer. I have been trailering for over 50 (Fifty) years and this was a disgusting suprise when I serviced my Aluma trailer wheel bearings...

Reply

Jon G.

10/27/2020

@IvorR Possible? Yes. A good decision? No. If you were to dill a hole in the spindle then you would likely void a warranty, and you run the risk of damaging the integrity of the spindle.

Reply

See All (4) Replies to Jack D. ∨

Answer 1

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

view full answer...

Answer 2

The spindle nut on a trailer axle should not be difficult to remove, it only requires a very small amount of torque. It should for the most part just turn off by hand after the retainer is removed whether it&#39;s a clip or pin. We…

view full answer...

Answer 3

The Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Brake Controller, #90195, does not have an on and off switch. It will go into sleep mode after several minutes of no activity. The power draw when it is in the sleep mode is so negligible that it will not discharge the…

view full answer...

Answer 4

From the numbers you provided it sounds like you need replacement grease seals. In my research, the grease seals I found with the GS-1719DL number have a 1.72 inside diameter and 2.565 outside diameter. The replacement double lip grease seals you…

view full answer...

Answer 5

I can end this debate for you real fast! Trailer tires, which will have an ST in front of the size, should always be inflated to the maximum psi indicated on the tire. Trailer tires usually do not have a recommended and maximum psi indication so I…

view full answer...

Answer 6

We recommend that all trailer tires be inflated to the max psi stated on the sidewall of the tire. If the tire is under inflated, the weight capacity is lowered to an unknown amount for that tire. Although running lower air pressures can improve…

view full answer...

Answer 7

I apologize for any confusion on what the proper torque specs are for 1/2 inch lug nuts on trailer wheels. I attached a picture of a chart to the right that details what the proper torque specs are for a trailer wheels lugs based on lug size, wheel…

view full answer...

Answer 8

You'd want the tang washer like the #5-101 that you referenced between the washer and the nut.

view full answer...

Answer 9

From my research it looks like the Dexter 005-101-00 are tang washers for E-Z lube spindles before 2002. While that's not the specific application of Replacement Spindle Washer - Tang Type for E-Z Lube #5-101, this part may still work for…

view full answer...

Answer 10

Yes, there should be a washer of some type between the spindle nut and the bearing on your trailer. The washer protects the back side of the bearing from the edges and points on the back side of the spindle nut. There are several types of spindle…

view full answer...

Answer 11

If you only have the nut and a washer but no cotter pin or retaining type washer on the end then that isn't correct and you want to get a piece to help prevent that nut from backing off. If you have a setup like the Spindle Nut Kit for EZ…

view full answer...

Answer 12

The nut on the spindle should be tightened until snug, with no side-to-side play in the hub and then backed off slightly, about maybe a 1/8 of a turn. If the spindle uses a castle nut and cotter pin or tang nut, tighten the nut finger tight until…

view full answer...

Method for removing and Installing Tang-Style Spindles Washers

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching