Rusted trailer axle. Would you use it?

[ba229]

Started a project on the trailer today to investigate the rusted axle and springs.

The following are some photos with accompanying questions.

[ba229]

The springs. Obviously both will be replaced. Noticed to save time and anger they were simply cut off with the angle grinder.

[ba229]

:)

[ba229]

Question 1:

Should I clean these hubs up and re-use them or would you replace them? The replacement cost seems to be about $40 each without bearing.

[ba229]

Question 2:

Would you re-use this axle?

The boat is a 12ft tinnie with 15Hp motor so it isn't too heavy.

The axle has been quickly cleaned with the angle grinder and I could clean it up with a wire brush (on the drill or something) and treat the rust, then paint it.

Or for $70 I could buy a new one.

My concideration is that I might be selling the whole lot soon and don't want to go spending money that may not come back to me.

[ba229]

Another close up without flash

[ba229]

Last photo.

So a quick break down of cost would be

springs $18 each
U bolts and normal total cost about $25
Base plates for under springs $7 each
Bearings $20 each

so that makes $126

With axle $196
With hubs $276

See how axle and hubs quickly increase the cost?

Then there is paint and other sundries.

What would you do?

[adriancorrea]

Alex the axle looks ok, with abit of tlc it would come up ok.
I would be replacing the hubs and springs.
Depends on how long you plan on keeping the boat for.
My axle is a lot worse than that, bugger now you reminded me that I have to do my trailer aswell.
THANKS ALOT ALEX ::) ;)

Tight Lines
Adrian

[blaze]

new springs
old axle and hubs
new bearings and seals
cheers
blaze

[ANYFISH]

If the axle looks like it is the same diamiter all along as what you have shown, and the bearing diamiters are not undersize, then i would chuck it back in after a coat of silver to hide the small rust pitting.
if you decide to put the old hubs back on i would knock the studs out and have a look at them also. The studs do a fair bit of work.

cheers anyfish

[PinHead]

I also have a 12' tinnie in my front yard with springs and axle in a similar condition...now that you have had some practice..wanna come over and dismantle for me? I will supply the liquid refreshments. I will be replacing all the components on mine.

[scuttlebutt]

plenty of life left in that axle, and I'd re-use the hubs as well.

cheers,

steve

[Needmorerum]

Keep the axle, give it a coat of paint, as for the hubs, keep them too. I would replace the studs though, these should be replaced even on cars everything 4th or 5th time the wheels nuts are taken off and tightened up again.
Give the hubs a good run over a wire wheel, and a coat of paint along with the axle.

Corry

[Moffy]

axle looks fine - bit more of a touch up and its all good. knock the studs out of the hubs and give them (the hubs) a clean up and they look like they'll be all good too ;)

[Bosunsmate]

Hi ba229,

Your axle and hubs look fine, just clean em up with the wire brush give em a coat of rust converter if ya want.

Then replace seals and bearings making sure you pack the bearings properly, use a bearing packer if you can, it helps ensure all the gaps are full.

A VERY different story for the springs though, replace, replace, replace.....

I myself am about to start on the very same project, have a 3.6 glass boat that weighs quite a bit and the springs are very rusty and starting to spread and sag. I've been a slack arse I know....

Tight lines & flat seas

[Cheech]

I'm with Blaze. After doing trailer maintenance eatlier this year I how think I am an expert ::). The axle looks fine, and same with the hubs.

Cheech

[ba229]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I will run a wire wheel over the axle, treat it and paint it.

As for the hubs I would like some tips on how to remove the inner seals.

They seem to be in pretty tight. Is it just a case of using a drift and belting the heck out of them till they come out?

[Heath]

Axel & hubs look ok to me.

[blaze]

Just use a punch from the oppisite side and tap the bearing and that will in turn punch out the seal. Its a good idea to replace the seals with marine grade seals. they have a stainless insert that goes in where your seal is and a rubber sleeve with groves that goes on the axle
cheers
blaze

[ba229]

To follow up this is how the trailer looks now with a bit of love and care

[propdinger]

just like a new one alex


except the end roller isnt going to work like that ;)