Bearings on '97 25' Safari

[pond]

Possible problem on the driver side front axle spindle as bearings were close to seizing. The same bearings caught fire 2 years ago.

The bearings were supposedly greased, why would they lie (? haha), about 7-10,000 thousand miles prior to the fire. It's been about the same or 8-10,000 miles since the last grease before today. The mechanic said they were near blowing out.
I saw the little bearings lying on the ground and he also took a picture to show me the worn spindle someone tried to fix smooth out with sand paper.

The left side or passenger side was fine. He says check them for play every 5,000 miles.

Does this sound familiar to anyone???

He also must have a college tuition payment due, as he suggested going from the 14" rims to 15" rims. I always wanted more clearance anyway, so good timing. After checking older rim threads it sounds like it's possible on this trailer. Does anyone agree or dis-agree.

Plus the mechanic recommends Goodyear Endurance. The online reviews seem to also agree.

Thanks for all input,

Mike

[overlander63]

If the spindle was damaged, the axle should be replaced. It will continue to give you problems if you don't.

[Jim Flower]

Hi Pond,
I replaced an axel on my 97 25' Safari after I experienced the same spindle wear on the curb side at about 50,000 k. I also went to 15"wheels and tires because the 14's were only getting 20,000 k before they wore out. The Airstream performed much better after the change and I never had a tire or axel issue after the change. I did grease the thing every 10,000 k from new. Jim

[pond]

Thanks mucho for the responses! Made me look at a lot of good info about axles.

Two mechanic shops, one renowned, says the axles are good one says the spindles are good BUT keep an eye. Since I spent $440.- yesterday for new bearings and parts, I'll put new axles on next year after returning from Organ Pipe Cactus NM. Lookin forward to goin' up! May have to do it in Tuscon? Up to 15" rims n tires for now.

Mike

[pond]

Oh BTW:

https://inlandrv.com/?gclid=CjwKCAiA...hoCyngQAvD_BwE

This Inland RV mentioned often on this forum. Great info, I didn't know what a torsion bar really was until today!