Can Larger Bearing Install on Trailer if Spindle is Damaged to Point Correct Size Wont Fit

Question:

I have a 1998 karavan boat trailer. I bought the trailer recently. Second trip out, I pulled the boat into the yard, and noticed the bearings on one wheel had disintegrated. It chewed up the spindle just enough so the replacement bearings wont go on the axle. Short of replacing the axle, can I use a slightly bigger bearing? Currently the bearings on the other side are L44649. Thanks!

asked by: Matt E

Helpful Expert Reply:

Since going with a larger bearing is not a solution that will work or we can recommend what you'll need to do is basically try to refinish the spindle so that the correct bearing # L44649 can fit. You might enlist the help of a machine shop but basically you'll need to smooth out the spindle where it's chewed up if at all possible so that it's no longer too messed up for a bearing to fit on it.

expert reply by: Jameson C