Trailer “troubles”
 

So I had those brake issues last summer and ended up dismantling the system in the rear axle and bleeding the system.

Fast forward to now and I’m finally getting around to replacing everything. Only issue is that the front axle, now that I’ve gotten the drum/hub combo off, is clearly corroded all around the surface which is supposed to hold a seal on the back of the hub.

So I sit here and realize that I’ve got the thing 99% dismantled, now might be the time to replace the axle.

So I ask:

1) Would you just steel brush/wool the surface smooth and trust that the hefty seal on the hub will be fine?

2) Do you think it’s a good time to swap to torsion axles for maintenance purposes?

I remember the headaches associated with trailer brakes and salt water. That was before I disabled them.
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I’m freaked about the fact that “the law” says every axle needs them.
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Depends how bad me thinks

Assuming the water got into the hub, emery cloth the spindle at the seal and rebuild the hub,,, race, bearings.....

Check it down the road,,, IMO

Personally, IMHO torsion axels are no more maintenance free than standard axels..as far as your seal surface, that is easily fixed with a speedy sleeve..drum brakes have been and always will be a problem, stainless steel disc brakes work very well with very little problems, I grease the caliper pins once a year and rinse with fresh water after a launch when I get home, my trailer never had brakes, I added them a few years back in preparation for a trip to lake Ontario, I make the drive each spring and sometimes in the fall, those brakes make that drive a whole lot less nerve racking.
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That Speedi Sleeve is exactly what I was looking for. Now I just need to find the right size!

Thanks!
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Ian, this site is good for trailer parts or for reference on sizes and identification purposes, measurements etc. for what your looking for now, but also other trailer items in the future. I used this site frequently when not in a hurry for trailer parts.

https://www.easternmarine.com/Grease-Seals-Oil-Seals/

Ian, I have a 19' center console... I quickly realized that having functioning brakes was alosing battle when dunking in saltwater... so I removed them... but i only have to trailer 1 mile twice per summer. if I was on the highway often i would
probably have them. I always have trouble with my bearings! (blown out on the road 3x... not fun!!!!)

Find your inner bearing size, most 2000 to 3500lbs trailer axels use 1 1/16 bearngs, trailer parts depot has bearing, sleeve and seal kits for an entire axel with 1/16 spindle for $15.49...sku: K71-065-00
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This isn’t the race the bearing sits against, it’s the surface the seal rides on.
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Yeah, I have just shortened the statement to “having a trailer is a losing battle” at this point.
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I know..but they determine the seal surface by the inner bearing diameter, some spindles use a stepped seal surface, in those instances, you need to know the seal ID,..I just referenced the whole kit because most likely if you have a bad seal surface, the bearings are not good either , for the price why not start new. ..as I said before, it's a simple fix.
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