Can I salvage a spindle?

[bjr34bass]

I'll post a pic later, but here's my issue:

I had a bearing freeze up/break apart on my travel trailer (4500 lbs. double axle with brakes). After removing the hub, the spindle has some "scratches" in it. Can I smooth it out and replace the bearings and be confident? The spindle is straight and not discolored. I think the bearings simply failed. Shame on me not inspecting them, but I bought the trailer used at a dealer and was assured it was all set for the road. I've put approx 1000 miles on it. So far I've opened up two hubs and the grease is thin, black and in limited quantities. I'll be replacing all.

It's a welded axle, so replacing the entire axle is my only other option. I'm wondering if any damage/snags on a spindle is a no no, or if I might just smooth it out and go for it.

BTW, this bearing failure was discovered when it caused my tire tread to partially shred off on the highway! Must've gotten really hot/wobbly. Didn't notice any handling issue till tire shredded. Fun!

 

[FAB454]

I'd hit it with emery cloth and call it good.

 

[bjr34bass]

I like your style!

 

[sweetk30]

check new bearing for slop on spindle seat area. if no major or tiny bit that fine.

old school trick if little loose center punch and hammer to dimple the seat area to raise up the metal to make it tighter.

also works for keeping gaskets from blowing out . old school atv/dirtbike base gasket trick on 2strokes.

 

[rdn2blazer]

check new bearing for slop on spindle seat area. if no major or tiny bit that fine.

old school trick if little loose center punch and hammer to dimple the seat area to raise up the metal to make it tighter.

also works for keeping gaskets from blowing out . old school atv/dirtbike base gasket trick on 2strokes.

This. Also use cylindrical bonding compound from locktite.

 

[bjr34bass]

Spindle was saved. Survived 500 mile maiden voyage after bearing replacement.

Thanks for the confidence!

 

[FAB454]