Determining Correct Replacement Axle For Older Axle With Variances In Straight Spindle

Question

Question:

I need to repace 2 hubs on my very old 1959 boat trailer. The seals were leaking and sprayed grease all over my wheels and fenders. I pulled the hubs off and the inner and outer bearings are both Bower 07100inch with races Bower 07196inch and grease seal National 7235-S What Im confused about is my axle is 1.5inch tube, and I measure 1.477inch where the grease seal goes, with the entire spindle is positively .998. It seems like the area where the seal goes is worn out a bit, and the areas where each bearing sits is slightly different, possibly worn out as well. I have no idea if the axle or hubs have been replaced before. But according to the articles Ive read on here, the 07100 bearings are for a 1inch spindle, with newer bearing #L44643. Based on that I found the hub part#AKIHUB-440-2-1K. The problem is the grease seals in that kit are 1.249inch inner and 1.983inch outer. The National 7235-S is 1.473inch inner and 1.979inch outer according to their spec sheet I looked up. When I measure the spindle at inner bearing and most of the rest of it, I get 1.07inch and ONLY right where the outer bearing sits its .998inch so now Im confused. Arent those two different bearing sizes? L44643 and L44649? Is it normal to have a straight spindle with +/- 1.5inch at the grease seal, 1.07inch at inner, and .998inch at outer...or is it more likely that the spindle is just worn out where the outer bearing sits being from 1959? Or maybe the wrong bearings were on it to begin with? I guess I just need to know if those hubs will work with a different grease seal than the kit provides, or if theres a different hub kit altogether that will work? Im really hoping this doesnt mean the whole axle is damaged and needs replaced. Ive attached some pictures to try and make more sense of it. Thank you.

asked by: Jake H

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Expert Reply:

Since your spindle started life as a straight spindle, and now has quite a bit of a variance between where the inner and outer bearings ride, your best option will be to replace the axle.

I know this is not the news you were wanting to hear, but given the difference in measurements on the spindle, and the grease seal being one that is no longer readily available this will be the best option with the least issues, though it is going to be a bit more expensive then I am sure you were hoping for.

To determine the correct replacement axle you will need to find the axle rating of your current axle, and measure your current axle from hub face to hub face, and from spring center to spring center. To find the axle rating you can see if the axle tag is still on the center of the axle, if not you can get make an educated guess based on the GVWR of the trailer.

For example the CE Smith Trailer Axle Beam with EZ-Lube Standard Spindles - Galvanized - 57-1/2" Long - 1.8K # CE33201GA is rated for 1800lbs, has a hub face to hub face measurement of 47-1/2" and a spring center to spring center measurement of 46-1/2" as shown in the included diagram.

This axle has the same 1-1/2" axle diameter, and for hubs you will need the # AKIHUB-440-2-EZ-2K which includes inner and outer bearing # L44649 and grease seal # 10-9.

If you find your axle is a different size just let me know.

I included a few video reviews for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Samuel C

0

Dimensions Of CE Smith Trailer Axle # CE33201GA
(click to enlarge)

Customer Spindle
(click to enlarge)

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.

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Answer 2

A BT8 spindle would have a diameter of .99 of an inch where the bearings would both install and would have a diameter of 1.24 where the great seal would ride. That would require a hub part #AKIHUB-440-2-1K for an idler hub. A BTR spindle would have…

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Answer 3

To determine the size of the hub assembly you need to purchase you have to determine which bearings are in the old assembly. If the old assembly has L44649 inner bearings, you would use the hub you chose #8-258-5UC1. If the inner bearings are…

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Answer 4

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 5

To determine the size of the brake assemblies you need you have to measure the depth and width of the hub drum on the axle like what you see in the picture I attached. The most common size is 2-1/4 inch wide like the #T4071600-500 that you…

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Answer 6

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a ST175/80D13 like…

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Answer 7

To find the load capacity for your axle you should look on the trailer VIN plate or sticker that lists the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that…

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Answer 8

Hey Richard, thanks for reaching out! The Dexter DX7.5 Drop-N-Go Brake Actuator #099-175-00 is a great option for a replacement actuator because it's a direct replacement for the common Model 60 actuators that were popular in the '90s.…

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Answer 9

The UFP H-1377 correlates to a Dexter #84 spindle, which is for a 3,500 pound axle. This will utilize an inner bearing #L68149 and an outer bearing #L44649. As this is being used on a boat trailer, I highly suggest going with the etrailer.com…

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Answer 10

Depending on how the trailer was made, there will be a few spots you can check to identify the axle. First, if the trailer was pre-made by a specific company, you may be able to find this information in either the paperwork or on a placard somewhere…

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Answer 11

The recommended lug nut torque for your 7,000lb axle depends on a few factors like wheel size, stud size etc. Check out the attached photo which shows the torque specs for a variety of applications. I see you were looking at the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust…

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Answer 12

Based on the GVWR of your 2019 Jayco North Point 315RLTS it does seem like you have 7k axles. I recommend verifying this information to be sure. These axles typically use the #14125A outer and #25580 inner bearing found in the Timken #TMK92VR.…

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