Why Would A Trailer Tire Sit Crooked After Towing

Question:

While traveling, we stopped for gas n noticed one of the tires was crooked. I removed the tire n hub n found both sets were destroyed. I had to forcibly remove the outer bearing part from the spindle. I found a replacement kit n installed it. The nut was hard to remove and the new one was hard to install. Now, the next day, weve noticed that it appears that the tire is slightly leaning again. Do I have a bad spindle or worse?

asked by: Allen

Helpful Expert Reply:

Hey Allen,

Bearing fitment is precise down to ten thousandth of an inch so it you have the incorrect bearings installed in your hub there will be play on the spindle, which can cause the bearings to overheat and either explode out inside the hub or melt to the spindle. Play in the bearings will also cause the wheel to sit crooked but so can a bent axle.

I would scrap what you have and start fresh by measuring the spindle with a digital caliper # PTW80157 at points B, C, and D on the diagram below to get the inner diameter of your bearings and grease seal. From there you can measure bore hole diameter of the hub to get the race outer diameter as depicted in the diagram so that we can find the correct bearings. You'll want to check the spindle for any deep scratches or gouges as this can cause play with the bearings and allow heat to build up. Depending on the damage to the spindle you may be looking at a complete axle replacement. You can send in some pictures if you'd like and I can take a look.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Allen

4/3/2024

I took the tire off n the hub cap. Visually I count see any damage. But, I couldn't get the hub to come off to check the bearings. I bought a socket to tighten the nut instead of the channel lock pliers I had n it tightened up better n I have no more play. I did of course back it off a qtr turn and pinned it. I have no play n the tire rotates good. Would u recommend I take the tire off again n try forcing the hub off to check the bearings?

Kevin C.

4/3/2024

@Allen For peace of mind I'd check that you have the correct bearings otherwise they could overheat and blow while you're out on the road and it could lead to an accident.