View Full Version : Urgent trailer advice
NTMID8
26-04-2013, 01:09 AM
Hi all,
As the title says need some urgent trailer advice. Today whilst towing one of the wheel bearing imploded leaving a grooved stub axle and a seized inner bearing race stuck on the stub.
The trailer is a 20yr old Mackay drive on (full rollers) and the boat is a 4.7m haines sig.
The trailer is very average with obvious rust on the cross bar sections, leafs, drive on section and wheels. The draw bar has been welded with support plates after previous owner tried a home made swing bar and the winch is rusty.
What should I do? I recently (last 3wks) had the washing machine die ($1200) and 2days ago the hot water system blew up ($1800) so money is a little tight! Im tossing up between buying a new trailer or getting this one rebuilt. If i buy a new one any suggestions? I like the drive on aspect as i often go out alone, what brand should i go with thats reasonable on price but will serve me well? Is there anything i should be weary about rebuilding it? Id obviously take it to a reputable trailer place but would i save enough to make rebuilding a viable option?
Thanks in advance for your input, i need to get this fixed ASAP.
cormorant
26-04-2013, 02:09 AM
Depending on how damaged the stub axel is just remove the stuffed race file/ linnish axle it off if required and put it back together. Do both of them. Sort the rest of the trailer when cash allows as long a sit is still safe on the road. Time will give you a chance in case a 2nd had one comes up in good nick, plan to rebuild yours or buy / have made something new.
Last thing- why did it fail? Not maintained or a failed seal? Make sure seals put on will actually seal and use decent grease.
tunaticer
26-04-2013, 04:23 AM
The parts on the axle stub that are critical are where the bearings actually sit and the thread where the lock nut is. Damages outside of those three places should not be any real concern. If there is damage where the rear seal sits you can gently heat it up with a blow torch to remove the oil and grease then fill the gouge or rust pits with 24hr araldite and leave it for 24 hours before you sand it down smooth with emery tape. After that get a sealing ring and mount it there for the new seal to run on.
Remove the inner race with a little angle grinder and a thin cutting disc being careful not to score the axle, a little mark left will not harm the axle, a gouge will. Any gouges and scores on the tapered part between the bearing mounts is not going to be a problem.
ozscott
26-04-2013, 07:09 AM
I just had my trailer rebuilt by a retired Boilermaker who now does trailers. Very nice fella and an hourly rate way less than welding works type places. See my thread on the best paint for trailers recently.
Cheers
Sandman
26-04-2013, 07:39 AM
Can't give you advise on the trailer but I think you paid far to much for your washing machine and your heater!
rayken1938
26-04-2013, 08:00 AM
I have used speed seals in the past. They are also good for prop shafts in your outboard. Most bearing places carry them.
http://www.skf.com/group/products/seals/industrial-seals/power-transmission-seals/wear-sleeves/skf-speedi-sleeve/index.html
Easy to install think I paid around 30 bucks about 5 years ago. If both bearing surfaces are grooved it may pay you to get a price on a new axle from
Active Fabrications Pty Limited
Tel: chrome://skype_ff_extension/skin/numbers_button_skype_logo.png(07) 3807-6666
Fax: (07) 3807-6909
Email: info@activefabrications.com.au (info@activefabrications.com.au)
Web: www.activefabrications.com.au (http://www.activefabrications.com.au)
Store and Postal Address:
63-65 Logan River Rd
Beenleigh, QLD, 4207
You can look up the price of the axle in their online catalog and also get a price on what other new components you will need to restore your trailer.
If you are a bit stretched just do a hub repair to keep you mobile whilst you explore your options.
Cheers
Ray
NTMID8
26-04-2013, 09:57 AM
Thanks all for the advice, the bearings were replaced about three years ago and have bearing buddies. I pump grease into the nipples after every fishing trip and repack the bearings every 12 months. Im guessing the seal failed as i have pulled the other side apart and they still look new.
I will cut the race off today and assess how bad it is, the gouge is in the tapered section of the stub so i guess not critical. My boat is stored about 1km from the boat ramp but i do often launch from pt hughes which is about 20km from here but all 100km/h zones.
I am a big believer of "do it once, do it right" i refuse to risk the safety of my family and yours by having a dodgy trailer. The rust in the trailer is not at the stage of holes in the steel but is wide spread. Im not sure if buying a whole new trailer is worth while if the frame work is sound i can just have the mounted sections replaced. My concern is though even though i cant see any rust in the main frame how can i tell for sure its sound?
tunaticer
26-04-2013, 10:43 AM
Presuming your trailer is made out of box section and galvanized, get a hammer and tap it where you suspect it is good, that will give you an idea on how a solid section should sound. Work your way over suspect areas, internally rusty areas will dent easily and sound muffled. Usually if you see signs of external rust, the internals will be twice as bad.
ozscott
26-04-2013, 12:34 PM
If the steel is not perforated scape off scale and degrease, wash off and spay and brush 2-3 coats of Xtroll Rust Conquoror - complete seal - and then paint that with their Easy Gal.
Cheers
whiteman
26-04-2013, 12:51 PM
I paid $2k to get my 5.5m trailer completely rebuilt for the back 2/3. It took a couple of dudes 2 days to complete. Much cheaper than a new one and now the box sections are much thicker than the original metal.
ozscott
26-04-2013, 01:25 PM
http://www.ausfish.com.au/vforum/showthread.php?191562-Best-paint-and-prep-for-new-trailer
Used original heavily galved cross members and rollers and their brackets and winch post...rest is new from Gooseneck back including australian custom made springs, Australian drop axels and brakes, rotors, wheels etc. About 3k.
Cheers
NTMID8
26-04-2013, 05:43 PM
Cheers all, phoned premier trailers in Adelaide, will cost between $800 and $1800 depending on how much can be reused. This price incl a hot galv dip. Have managed to get a wheel bearing on, removed the boat so little to no load on bearings and will take trailer down on Mon. Thanks again for all your input
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