Ranger Trail Trailer Spindle Replacement

Replacement of a bent axle spindle on a 2007 Ranger Trail boat trailer. The best I could tell, the axle was made by Tie Down Engineering (as per the metal stamped tag). I replaced the bearings and races with the same National brand parts that were in there. People have lots of opinions on bearing brands, but I typically go for National or Timken when I can. Parts are as follows:
Spindle - 1 1/16" x 1 3/8" tapered spindle
Outer bearing - L44649
Outer bearing race - L44610
Inner bearing - L68149
Inner bearing race - L68111
Bearing seal - 473336
Also, when struggling with the inner spindle nut, I did try heating it along with penetrating oil, it just didn't make it into the video. Thanks for watching!

[@bobbychin7176]

heating up to get the spindle out! It never crossed my mind after spending 20 minutes trying everything else.

[@brucebabin4137]

Excellent video, you taught me great tricks on reinstalling races. Also that there are spindle sleeves. Thank you for our video. Very informative. I also didn’t realize that the spindles were removable .😊Most everything I needed to know to complete the job I’m in the middle of right now. 😁

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

I'm glad it was helpful, I hope you got your trailer all fixed up!

[@miketheriot1]

Just wanted to say thanks for posting the video. The big ass pipe wrench and floor jack combination worked perfectly to loosen the nuts on my 20 year old trailer. I a soaking the spindles in penetrating oil overnight and hope the come out without too much hammering. Thanks again.

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

I'm glad it was helpful, and I hope the rest of your repair went well!

[@fishing4dinner]

Floor jack worked for my Ranger Bay trailer. Thank you! 13 year old saltwater boat…rust = YUCK

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

Awesome, glad you got it!

[@fishing4dinner]

@@TheAfterWorkGarage Only additional thing I had to do was acetylene on the torsion arm knuckle around the spindle to get it out. It was stuck stuck

[@olebiker]

I was a couple of miles from home yesterday after driving about 300 miles. A guy at a stop light told me that one of my wheels was cocked at a really severe angle. I got home and pulled the wheel and hub off. The spindle was bent like yours. I was glad that you had posted this video since I wasn't sure how that spindle fit in there. After watching your video I went out and whacked it several times with a big hammer and it popped right out.

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

I'm glad you got home safely, and that you were able to change it out! Thanks for sharing.

[@garycotz563]

I have a Tie Down torsion axle, have to replace the same spindle... GREAT Video... heating it freed up mine also. THANKS!

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

Thank you so much, I appreciate it!

[@CrabberPA]

Great detail... used the video as a guide to fix my hub and replace a spindle. Thx!

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm glad it was helpful!

[@alexvalencia586]

Great video with good information. Thanks!

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

Thank you!

[@nameunavailable456]

Great video and description.

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

Thanks!

[@crappieman11]

Great video. Thanks

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@claytondoudy1679]

Great video my dude!

[@rogerfl2007]

Great information, thanks a lot.

[@andylinares9465]

Thanks for sharing that information.

[@KenTennKustomz]

Great content 💯🔥💪🏼

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

Thank you!

[@condielangham4622]

Great video as usual, but I would have packed the bearing with GREASE before installing them, no gear oil. You should install Buddy hubs now and pump them full of grease.

[@5703bl]

Amazing video.

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

Thank you so much!

[@sethdorhety6452]

Big help

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

Awesome, I'm glad it was helpful!

[@pakland7332]

Spray inside axle nut with nut blaster penetrating oil; wait, then heat axle nut with torch to remove.

[@brucebernal65]

Really. Keep it professional. If I want to see a comedy vid I'll visit comedy central

[@thugrus]

Best video i seen on what im trying to do...but the spindle i need to replace is welded on😑😑😑

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

Thanks for the comment. I don't know a ton about welded spindles, but i believe many just slide into the axle tube and are held in place by a bead. If you have a grinder and a welder, they can be replaced with a bit of work. Alternatively, you may look into replacing the entire axle, as many can be had in the $100-$150 range, they generally just bolt on, and replacing it yourself may beat out the price of having a shop replace just the spindles. Good luck!

[@bwingfield2]

Lol

[@SeaRuwais]

job nice

[@malikbustanji7417]

Hi I have old torsion axle but its too much hard how can make it more flexible?

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

Unfortunately I don't have much experience with these torsion systems, but I would say if it's not moving at all, it's probably seized up. Alternatively, if the trailer seems to be riding lower, the spring system could be worn out and bottomed out. Good luck, and let us know when you figure out what the issue is!

[@seleldjdfmn221]

I love this channel. Hands up if You are enjoying this Video right now! I want To be youtube friends xP

[@amazingaly4955]

I have the same issue right now and m spindle doesn’t fit flush

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

What do you mean by not flush? it kind of depends on what spindle you purchased to replace it, but it just seems to fit into the tapered axle tube bore as far as it goes in with the taper. Sorry for the late response, if you figured it out, I'd love to hear what the issue was!

[@jeremybaird5697]

Great job on a tough job. Glad your ok. Quick question where did you find that replacement spindle I am have trouble finding one to order

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

I found it through a Google search of the dimensions. I ended up ordering from Trailerparts.com, item #F8430. It is a "Tie Down Eliminator torsion Axle Replacement Spindle - 1 3/8" x 1 1/16" - Screw On" Manufacture part number 80043A. Good luck with your replacement, and I hope all goes well!

[@jeremybaird5697]

@@TheAfterWorkGarage great thank you. I need a pair

[@johnbentzinger2578]

@@jeremybaird5697 Another good website to check out is trailerpartsdepot.com or etrailer.com I hope this helps you.

[@RayRay69.69]

What model Ranger is that ? You don’t have surge brakes? I got 05 519VX single axle trailer and I’m about to service brakes & bearings. Good video tho! Glad the accident wasn’t worse than it was!! I’ve seen a few boats off trailers on highways…. Scary!

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

Hi, I have a 2007 170VX, so it doesn't have surge brakes, though honestly they wouldn't hurt. It's a heavy boat for a single axle trailer. And thanks for the comment, stay safe out there!

[@vikingored7469]

I'm not sure but I believe bearing need to be paled full of RED grease,,,I dunno about oil. How else is it gunna doing under metal to metal friction ?

[@vikingored7469]

Packed full of red grease

[@blackhawkinstructor09]

Where did you find that spindle? I have a 6 lug hub but a spindle that's square with nut on the back side also, the ones I found are flat with no nut?

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

Sorry for the late reply! this is a good question. Looking back I can't seem to find my order, but I believe it was from Eastmarine (I have no affiliation) here: www.easternmarine.com/torsion-axle-spindle-for-1-3-8-x-1-1-16-wheel-bearings-80043 The key seems to be searching "torsion axle" along with the dimensions. Hope this helps!

[@jonathanphillips6495]

Ranger can ship you one. On 7/7/22 a complete spindle, hub with no brake rotor, and prepacked bearings was $215.

[@cheyneyharp5097]

Lucky mine are welded in

[@tomkirberg3768]

Andrew where did you order the hub for the ranger trail trailer our dealer is out of stock

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

Hi! I didn't actually order a new hub, I just reused the old one. I believe I got the spindle here: www.easternmarine.com/torsion-axle-spindle-for-1-3-8-x-1-1-16-wheel-bearings-80043 but the key search term along with the size seems to be "torsion axle spindle" if you are looking for the tapered spindle. Good luck with the hub, I'm sure there are some floating around out there (also somewhat interested in what broke your hub! Pretty solid chunk of metal)

[@The4blade]

Hello, i lost a spindle on my 2007 ranger trailer today, it’s dark so I haven’t torn into it too far this evening and mine is a tandem axle so i made it home. If you dont mind, where did you find all the parts? What website that it? Thanks.

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

I believe this is the spindle that I ordered: www.easternmarine.com/torsion-axle-spindle-for-1-3-8-x-1-1-16-wheel-bearings-80043 As for bearings, I just got the standard sizes that fit the hubs (either at an auto parts store or online - I honestly can't remember, but I do know they are a standard trailer size).

[@The4blade]

Called ranger direct. Parts were 220$. East install and they assured me that they will always have them. Knowledgeable sales reps also. Shipping was 1 week.

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

That's great to hear. I've called Ranger for gel coat matching, and they were also very helpful. Glad you got it taken care of!

[@josetovar8440]

No it needs to be the right eay

[@robertsimon8918]

Good video, have you picked up your cat or dog later. Lol

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

Thanks, and yes. I had just furminated my cat before recording that intro. While editing I actually considered re-shooting it after a good lint roll, but decided I don't take myself that seriously lol.

[@30Thirty]

Tbh ive driven about 100 miles without wheelbearings or hubcap. It wobbles a bit

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

That's quite the gamble, I'm assuming if you were closer to it, it'd be quite the show of noise and heat!

[@danlaur7973]

A simple open end wrench would be the proper tool to take off the spindle nut, along with a wheel puller to push out the old spindle. The spindle nut on the back needs to be torqued with a torque wrench to a certain value, not a pipe wrench

[@noreg1962]

always use a wrench- not pliers as seen here- you'll wreck more than you fix

[@amazingaly4955]

Hey bud I have the same issue. Can you call me

[@castironsurvival8699]

You do not put oil in there only wheel bearing grease, the seal is to keep dirt out , you can put a bearing buddy on the outside and add grease with a grease gun if needed.

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

You're definitely right that this is the case with most tapered roller bearings, but this model RangerTrail trailers (I think most of them) use an oil lubricated system. They call it the "CoolHub Technology" and it definitely threw me off too - instead of repacking bearings, you just change the oil. But I'll second your recommendation of Bearing Buddies for more conventional hubs.

[@alanherrett7602]

OMG. Seriously you went to all that work to replace the races? New bearing kit is $45, complete hub is $65. For $20 the better solution is a complete new hub to go with your new spindle. Great job with the spindle replacement! Even better job with the save of the entire rig out on the road, but I wonder how you didn't see that ladder long before you got close enough to hit it.

[@TheAfterWorkGarage]

Thanks for the comment. The hub kits I saw for this trailer were relatively expensive (>$150), but you're right, this could definitely be a viable option if you can find a cheap one. In terms of seeing the ladder, yeah, that's more because I should wear my glasses and don't, so i couldn't decide what it was (and whether it was something like cardboard that I could run over) soon enough.