Went to change out the wheel bearings today on a used trailer I bought. Pulled the dust cover, removed the cotter pin and nut, and found no washer on either side. The axle nut was pulled up against the outer bearing. I have never seen one without, but thought I would ask, did someone goof? thanks, rb6667 :confused:

One of my favorite summertime sports is watching the "weekend warriors" head up-north for the holiday. There'll usually be at least 3 of 'em on any given weekend, dead on the side of the road in varying degrees of axle failure:
just smokin' hot

seized and a 50' skid mark to the side of the road

the ultimate, a 50' gouge in the pavement, a wheel and hub in the road, and a sheared off axle stub on the trailer and a bunch of idiots walking around going "What happened?"!

Every single spindle assy. I've ever seen has the flat washer on it. It spreads the load, and acts as a quasi grease retainer for the bearing.

Replace the assy. on the side missing parts. Both sides would be best. Cheap insurance. Invest in a set of "Bearing Buddy's" as well.

My .02 is someone screwed up.

Thanks John, I see those weekend wizards on the side of the road every weekend too. I could not believe someone ran this trailer without washers on either axle. Thanks for the tip on the bering buddies. rb6667