Trailer axle/spindle connection

[justsomeguy]

I've lived too long in ignorance. My trailer's left wheel is listing terribly to port. I suspect that the spindle is poorly mated to the axle, in whatever way it's to be mated. Have any of y'all dealt with a spindle that isn't quite square with the axle? Tom

 

[MrUnix]

All the trailer axle spindles I have ever seen are welded on. Are you sure it's the spindle and not bad bearings? If it is the spindle, then I suspect you will either need to have it re-welded on or get a replacement axle. Post a picture of it with the wheel removed so we can see what you are talking about

Cheers,
Brad

 

[trucker22233]

I've lived too long in ignorance. My trailer's left wheel is listing terribly to port. I suspect that the spindle is poorly mated to the axle, in whatever way it's to be mated. Have any of y'all dealt with a spindle that isn't quite square with the axle? Tom

A photo would be nice. But first thing you could do is block your trailer up so its safe. With boat removed, then remove both wheels so you have a line of sight that you can judge the ends of your axle. Place a straight bar or a 2X4 along this axle(bar or 2X4 needs to be longer than the axle) if you can clamp it do that.
measure just inside the frame and note the measurement. You want to do this on both sides left and right. They should be the same. This will allow you to know your bar you are using is parallel to the axle. Then move to the outer most ends and check those. The reading should be the same on both sides. If so your axle is straight. My bet is that it is unless this wheel has hit something very hard. Plus you would see wear on your tires. If it is bent you my need to take it to a good welding shop for the repair. If you need detailed notes on replacing the spindle yourself let me know. I've made axles for boat trailers up to semi trucks. Its not to hard if you have the tools

 

[justsomeguy]

Thanks for your replies. Not the greatest photos, but these may give some idea. The hub and bearings rode smoothly. The brake backing plate looks more out-of-kilter than the spindle. I'll remove the backing plate today, and clean up the grease for a better look-see. More to come.

 

[justsomeguy]

Removed the brake backing plate, and found that the spindle flange was interfering with the plate's ability to seat squarely. It looks like the spindle/axle is okay. Most likely an aftermarket brake plate. Strange how the wheel bearings felt good when the hub was so cockeyed.

 

[justsomeguy]

D'oh! Photo

 

[JIM B]

You probably know, Wheel Equipment Inc about Ajo & Country Club is a good place for all trailer parts.

It is good to see a Tucson Sailor who sails on Roosevelt Lake!

 

[justsomeguy]

If she's slipped at "A" dock, I've seen your boat. Thanks for the recommendation. I guess I'll be replacing both backing plates with proper fitting ones. It'll make that drive up and down the hills more relaxing.
In my limited experience, Roosevelt Lake winds are interesting, to say the least!
I've got to find/install a bimini for my boat before I hit the lake again during the summertime.

 

[JIM B]

My boat is in slip A-7. As you are walking out on A dock it is the first sailboat on the left.

I have known and heard of quite a few people with Macs that have added a 2nd axle. I wish I had done that with my M25. That was the only boat trailer I've had that actually wore out tires before they rotted. Of course I also pulled the boat and trailer a lot of miles.

Wheel Equipment will have everything you need and one door west of them is a trailer shop that is pretty good and reasonable. That is if you don't want to do the work yourself.

I bought my bimini from this site (SBO) and am pleased with the price, quality and service.

 

[justsomeguy]

I got a quote of $1,045.00 for SBO's bimini, which to me is a little steep. For now, I'll be the guy with all the sunscreen. Thanks again, and I hope to see you out there someday. Tom

 

[dscribner]

I got a quote of $1,045.00 for SBO's bimini, which to me is a little steep. For now, I'll be the guy with all the sunscreen. Thanks again, and I hope to see you out there someday. Tom

Justy,

If you're a DITY kind of guy, check out SailRite.com. They have all sorts of kits and parts including bimini stuff.

 

[DAVA390]

Dity ?

 

[justsomeguy]

Ditzy? Thanks, dscribner! Yes, I'm looking at all options, but for now mainly Craigslist in Tucson and Phoenix. There's this guy: http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/boa/2471773735.html But the critical measurement, distance from mount to mount, needs some clarification.

 

[Sumner]

I got a quote of $1,045.00 for SBO's bimini, which to me is a little steep. For now, I'll be the guy with all the sunscreen. Thanks again, and I hope to see you out there someday. Tom

See if this helps...

http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/macgregor/outside-10.html

...we are.....

... very happy with it,

Sum

Our Endeavour 37

Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida

Our MacGregor S Pages

Mac-Venture Links

 

[justsomeguy]

That's probably how GMI Top Design got into my bookmarks, sir, by reading the saga of Ruth and Sumner! It'll happen.

 

[JIM B]

Tom, When Measuring For A Bimini On Your Boat - Keep In Mind Where The Main Sheet Will Run With The Boom All The Way Out. I Believe This Consideration Will Influence Where You Locate The Attachment Point.

Good Luck.

 

[justsomeguy]

Tom, When Measuring For A Bimini On Your Boat - Keep In Mind Where The Main Sheet Will Run With The Boom All The Way Out. I Believe This Consideration Will Influence Where You Locate The Attachment Point.

Good Luck.

Yessir, there is that. Thanks. I'll probably go short-ish with the length of the bimini, with sliding mounts. Interesting capitalization!