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Old 07-15-2016, 08:01 PM   #1
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1979 31' Sovereign
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Better check castle nuts on new axles

I heard something rattling around inside one of the drums of my new axles, so I pulled the hub off so I could take a look. I discovered a loose nut rattling around, which appeared to be just an extra mounting nut for the assembly as all others were in place. I also found a bent grease zerk and a castle nut that was more than finger tight. Also, none of the tangs on the spindle washer were bent down to hold the castle nut in place. https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories...yde/5-101.html

I checked the other castle nuts on the remaining axles and while the spindle washers on them each had a tang bent down appropriately, each nut was more than finger tight.

Upon removing the bent grease zerk for replacement with a new one, a small spring also came out along with the grease zerk. I'm guessing the spring may be from the double lip seal, although I'm not sure. Does anyone have a part number for these deals? Do I need to swap this seal out if it is missing a spring, or should it be ok?
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Old 07-15-2016, 08:49 PM   #2
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Whch axles are they? Where did you buy 'em?
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Old 07-15-2016, 09:14 PM   #3
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Id call whoever you ordered them from they well help you
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Old 07-15-2016, 09:20 PM   #4
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Two axles from Colin sent direct to me from Dexter/Axis.
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Old 07-16-2016, 12:09 PM   #5
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Grease fittings have a small spring inside them...
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Old 07-16-2016, 02:37 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KYAirstream View Post
Upon removing the bent grease zerk for replacement with a new one, a small spring also came out along with the grease zerk. I'm guessing the spring may be from the double lip seal, although I'm not sure.
Is it possible that the spring is from inside the zerk fitting itself? Zerk fittings have a spring loaded ball where you pump in the grease, to seal the inside of the fitting from the elements.


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Old 07-16-2016, 03:39 PM   #7
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Springs from lip seals run all around the circumference and so not small. What you found must be from the damaged Zerk fitting I would expect.

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Old 07-16-2016, 08:09 PM   #8
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Thanks. I didn't realize zerk fittings had a spring inside, so that must be it. Was going to check the seal, so one less thing on my list now.
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Old 07-21-2016, 01:34 PM   #9
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Your installer, could have cost you some real trouble and expense. Glad you caught it when you did.
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Old 07-21-2016, 07:30 PM   #10
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In this case I'm the installer. I would have thought though that brand new axles from Dexter/Axis would be good to go.
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Old 07-22-2016, 08:25 AM   #11
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Castle nuts

I apologize KY Airstream,
My intention was certainly not to insult you. Had I read your post more carefully, I would have logically concluded that you were the installer, since Colin sent them directly to you.

I agree with you when you say that you would think that you could have trusted Dexter with the assembly of their own axles. Sometimes, I too rely on that trust with installation of components that are not mission critical. In the case of axles, I would want to "see" inside the hub myself for the reasons you gave. I am sorry that after spending the cash you spent to purchase first grade parts, you had this experience. I am thankful that you discovered it before damage or injury occurred. You have a good ear to hear the part rolling in the drum. My hearing is poor. I might have missed it.
Enjoy your Airstream now riding at its proper height again. I replaced the axles on a 34' "taildragger" last year and it made a huge difference in ride height and smoothness in towing on that trailer. I'm sure it has on yours as well.
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Old 07-22-2016, 08:37 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KYAirstream View Post
>>snip>>
Upon removing the bent grease zerk for replacement with a new one, a small spring also came out along with the grease zerk.
<< snip>>
If the zerk did not come out whole, I would be worried about the little ball bearing that was at the end of the spring. If it is still in there, it is probably in the grease now and at some point will end up in a bearing.
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Old 07-22-2016, 11:15 PM   #13
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No offense taken, fwjumper.

Good call on the bearing, AW Warn.
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