Anyone know utility trailers?

[Christien]

I borrowed a friend's trailer today to haul some soil, and probably overloaded it. It looks like the hub bearing disintegrated. When we got home, we saw the wheel was just hanging on the axle. The threads on the bottom of the axle are all ground off, though there's still 80% of them left, so I'm hoping it's not shot as well.

Are these parts generic? Can I DIY this repair at home?

Here are pics:
axle end:


back of the wheel - hub looks fine:

[porsche4life]

Ask your friend when the last time that bearing was packed was. Looks dry dry dry. Hard to tell looking from my phone but it looks pretty effed.

[Christien]

The trailer's only 2 years old - 2012 model. I'm sure it's never been repacked since he bought it.

[Joe Bob]

Always get a trailer rated 2x the load. Lite weights maybe cheap but kill u on maintenance.

[GWN7]

Looks like the bearing was never packed from the beginning. It appears to have Bearing Buddy's on the axels. Should have lots of grease. Check the other side. If the one that disintegrate has scored the axel you might have to replace the axel.

[Christien]

Ok, duly noted, I'll be sure to pass that on, but I need to know if these are generic parts that I can replace, or if they need to come from the manufacturer. I found this complete hub with bearings - it *looks* like it should work: 1,750 lb 5-Bolt Trailer Axle Idler Hub | Princess Auto

[stomachmonkey]

That thing looks like it's had a hard 2 years.

[GWN7]

That's a hub. The one on your trailer is ok. All the hub does is hold the bearings in place and hold the wheel on. You need a bearing set. I just did my car hauler's bearings. The kits are about $30 But before you do that check the axel to see if it's scored. Clean all the old bearings off the axel. If the axel is scored it will wear out bearings prematurely. If it's badly scored it should be replaced. Axel's start at $180 and depending on their length and weight rating go up to $700.

[rusnak]

Yeah, that bearing looks like it was never packed. Axle is toast.

I think the whole trailer needs to be gone through before going back on the road. Brakes, bearings, the whole thing.

[johnco]

you can change just the axle stub if it's damaged. a little cutting/grinding and some welding. no need to replace the axle

[E38Driver]

Here is a good source for parts.

Trailer Axle Kits - Trailer Axles & Dexter Axles at Wholesale Prices

Have not used them but have them in my folder for future use if needed.

Dave

[Christien]

Here's a pic of the axle. Pooched?

[Scott Douglas]

I'd say so.
That axle has seen enough heat to make it dangerous.
Tell the owner you'll go halves with him to replace the whole thing and he should be thankful it didn't break and cause an accident.

[GWN7]

To determine if it's "pooched" you need to remove the remains of the old bearing and wipe the axel down to remove the road grime and I'd say old grease, but there doesn't appear to be any. Then check the axel (which should be nice and shiny) for any scoring. If it's scored (depending on how bad) you might have to replace the axel.

As johnco mentioned yes you can replace just the end but you need to take the axel out, cut the end off with your metal cutting band saw, then place the axel in a jig to hold the new end and axel completely level with each other and then weld them together. Your welding skills and welder up to that job? Failure to get the axel and new end level will result in a trailer that will wobble dangerously when being towed at highway speeds and tire failure.

[Evans, Marv]

Replace the axle. Make sure the new bearings are packed w/ grease. If there is a tandem axle, check & repack those bearings w/ grease.

[johnco]

stubs I changed had long square ends that were a very tight fit into the square box tubing axle. you'd have to try real hard not to get it straight, level and square. your axle may be different

[Porchdog]

You need a stub axle, hub and bearings. The stub welds on.Check the other side - don't be surprised if that side at least needs bearings.

Your local NAPA or Tractor Supply should have everything your need. Any welder can do the welding.

[VincentVega]

Trailer Axles | etrailer.com

Replace, not expensive and bolt on.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by VincentVega

Trailer Axles | etrailer.com

Replace, not expensive and bolt on.

I'd probably go that route...particularly since it's a borrowed trailer. BTW, that is exactly why I don't like to "borrow" anything ...the OP did no wrong and the POS (ungreased) "disaster waiting to happen" trailer was just bad timing and luck, but that's the way it goes. I'd see if the owner was willing to split the costs (heck, if I was the owner, I'd consider myself lucky and pay it ALL)...stuff happens.

[porsche4life]

Yup... Trailers get abused. We have a no borrow or loan policy. Seems like every time in the past someon has wanted to borrow the car trailer the bring it back covered in oil from hauling a beater, or they have destroyed one or both fenders...