How to Find Spindle Dimensions and Replacement Hub Options

Question:

How do you find out what spindle you have and what options you have to put on it, all the numbers in all the answers mean nothing when you have no numbers that mean anything to meinch I have an old trailer with 12 inch ID drums, can I go down to 10 inch these are electric brakes axel

asked by: Doug

Expert Reply:

If you know the brand and weight capacity of your axle, we should be able to figure out what bearings it uses and what hubs are compatible. If you do not have that information, the next best option is to use the bearing part numbers and the weight capacity of the trailer. One of the photos that you submitted shows a Timken bearing # M12649. Do you have the part number to the other bearing? The part number is stamped into the metal of the bearing (see photo).

If you do not have the other bearing part number, then we will want to take a few measurements on your spindle. We will need the diameters for the inner bearing, outer bearing and grease seal journals on the spindle (see photo). Once we know those measurements, we can determine what bearings are required and what hubs will work for your.

When measuring the spindle, I strongly recommend using a precise measuring tool such as a dial caliper because the measurements must be exact, down to the thousandth of an inch. I wish there was an easier way to know what spindles are on your trailer and what hubs will fit, but trailer manufacturers can use different axle brands and not all axle manufacturers use parts with the same specs.

The Timken bearing that you show in your picture does not match any of the bearings we offer, but if you can provide me with any of the information I mentioned above, I would be happy to see what options you have available.

expert reply by: John H

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Michael M.

5/11/2020

I have a military trailer with mounted 50 cal's. The old split-rims are rusted out and in need of replacement. I need some help finding wheels and bearings that will fit even though it will be different than the original. Would you be able to help me find suitable replacement wheels? I can take measurements of the tapered spindle and I also have the original bearings along with what's left of one of the wheels. This is for a static military display. The outer is X-Timken 1779 and the inner is Timken 12175.

Chris R.

5/13/2020

Thanks so much for the bearing info - unfortunately though we don't have any hub assemblies available that use those particular bearings. This looks to be a pretty old hub that's just not made anymore. I think your best option may be to replace the axle altogether so you'll have spindles that are compatible with current/modern hubs. If you can tell me the capacity and hub length of your existing axle I may be able to track down a good replacement.