Axle Wear

[gbkims]

Have some wear from the wheel bearings on the spindle.
Wondering if this can be buffed out with emery cloth or need new axles.


Gene

[LCBoyer]

Looks like bearings may have seized

[Phil&Susan]

The pitting on spindle in picture number two is replace not repair damage.

[LV Naturist]

In my professional opinion (ASE Certified Master Mechanic, over 40 years in fleet maintenance), it appears a bearing repack was long overdue. The good news is you may be alright. The pitting in pic #2 is okay because it is in a "dead" area. In other words it is not an area where the bearings or seal rides and is not a critical area. The area of concern is the rust area in pic 3 where the inner bearing rides. The rust and discoloration can be cleaned up using an abrasive pad like this... https://www.amazon.com/Scuff-Pads-Sc...cotchbrite+pad and some non-chlorinated brake cleaner. If you can buff that area out where it is smooth and you can't catch a fingernail on it, you'll be good to go. I would replace the bearings and races though.

Once the areas are cleaned and buffed, dry fit the bearings on the spindle and see how they fit. They should be somewhat snug with virtually no movement (it's not a pressed fit so there will be some tolerance, not too loose but not too tight either). Also, buff up the area where the seal rides and make sure that area is smooth. If you can catch a fingernail in that area, you can install what's called a "Speedi-Sleeve" http://www.skf.com/us/products/seals...eve/index.html and it'll be good.

John

Edited to add: This is one reason I don't care for those greasable axles. They tend to give owners a false sense of security. Best practice is to disassemble and inspect the condition of the grease and bearings periodically.

[bertschb]

Have some wear from the wheel bearings on the spindle...

How many miles are on your Reflection?

[LV Naturist]

Oh, and if you're interested... The proper way to adjust the wheel bearings after they are repacked is to tighten the wheel bearing nut to 20 Ft Lbs while rotating the hub. Once this is done, back off the nut until it is loose. Then tighten the nut snug but finger tight, don't use a wrench on this step. Rotate the nut slightly back and forth until the cotter pin hole lines up with the castle nut. If at the finger tight/snug position, the hole doesn't line up, loosen the nut slightly until it does. Again don't use a tool to tighten the nut to make it line up. The bearing will be too tight. Checking the hub for proper adjustment by hand is hard to describe because it is an aquired feel. Basically you should feel just the slightest tolerance of movement, but no more.

John

[gbkims]

About 6400 miles per previous owner.
My impression is bearing wear on the spindle from original grease used and no repack while in service.
Looks like the wear is worse on the lower part of the spindles where heavies load is.
All of the spindles have wear damage.

My gut feeling is to start getting axle quotes for replacement.
I'm also considering if it'll be possible to replace the lippert 6000# ones with dexter 6000# axles.

One more spindle photo, it's got a gouge where outer bearing sits.

Thanks,
Gene

[LV Naturist]

Gene, without being there to run my fingers over the wear and that gouge, it's hard to tell how bad it actually is. Just the presence of minor wear or a gouge does not necessarily condemn the spindle. If you don't feel comfortable, by all means replace the shaft. Judging from the pictures though, I would be inclined to give it a good cleaning and buffing and go from there. What is the condition of the other side and the other axle? I guess what I'm getting at is to me, replacing both axle assemblies because of some (what appears to me, again I'm not there) minor wear and a small gouge on one spindle is overkill. On the other hand, if you would be worried every time you take the trailer on a trip, you would be defeating the purpose of enjoying your RV. Then replace the axle (or axles if you prefer). JMHO

John

Edited: I missed the part where you said all spindles show wear. Your call and do what makes you feel the most comfortable!

[gbkims]

Thanks for all the replies.

Each axle's spindle ends show the wear.
The roller bearings themselves look good other than the wear on their inner races, they are what I was ready to replace before I got close look at the spindles.

Yeah it's the uncertainty factor that's the problem, be thinking about the axles while driving.
Why did they wear that much, will it continue, is there slop between the bearings and the spindle and will that cause more bearing/axle/tire problems.

Gene

[Paul & Deb]

My gut feeling is to start getting axle quotes for replacement.
Thanks,
Gene

If this is your plan I would look at just getting the axles out of the equation all together and have MorRyde install IS with disc brakes. A few folks here have done it and have nothing but good things to say. I know that would be my plan if I had axle issues.