I bought a used boat, motor, and trailer and am putting new wheel bearings on the trailer. When I took one side off, the inside bearing was "shot"-----actually in pieces. And the remainder of the bearing is "fused" to the axle. Before I attempted to get it off, I thought I'd ask here what I should do. Any help?

Thanks

If you can get all the old stuff off good for you. Now, if the axle is OK, you are in good shape. Just get replacement parts, and put it all back together. If the axle is scarred, then you have problems.

It doesn't sound good from what you described. There is a good chance the spindle was damaged or scarred. On many axles replacement of the spindle isn't a big deal on others, it may require a new axle. Make sure to replace the spindle with the exact same size as the existing, or buy two and replace both sides with new match bearing sets. If it is only a bearing that is fused to the spindle, you may need to put some heat on the bearing ( no flame on the spindle) and try to press it off while warm.

sometimes the inner race and be removed sucessfully from the spindle but you better know what you are doing as they are hardened and can shatter putting an eye out if it comes apart. And if the spindle got heated up while the bearing was going it could have become weakened and could bend or break with no warning if you tried to reuse it.

better take it to a pro.

Deegan,
It is very simple.
Use a dremel tool with a cut off wheel to cut through the inner race. You don't need to cut all of the way through the race, just about 7/8th of the way through.
Cut through on two sides of the axle. Then, use a chisel to split the race and remove it from the axle.

As long as the axle is the same size as it was originally, it is no big deal if there are a few marks left on the axle from the race.
Remember, the only thing that the axle has to do is to hold the race in place. The race does NOT turn.

So, after removing, cleaning up, filing off any high spots- try a new race and see how it fits. If it is a nice snug fit that doesn't turn -- you are good to go.

Take care
REW

I bought a used boat, motor, and trailer and am putting new wheel bearings on the trailer. When I took one side off, the inside bearing was "shot"-----actually in pieces. And the remainder of the bearing is "fused" to the axle. Before I attempted to get it off, I thought I'd ask here what I should do. Any help?

Thanks
Is the remainder of the bearing fused to the axle or the spindle? ... I am going to assume to the spindle. I would just replace the spindle. DON"T EVER use a Dremel, or any other tool to repair your trailer axle, unless you are a professional at this type of work. Remember ... you are putting your life and the lives of others on the road into your hands by the work you perform on a critical component like an axle.

Replace the spindle and the bearing. If you have a torsion axle ... try this company.
www.FlexrideAxles.com (http://www.FlexrideAxles.com). Here is a direct link to the torsion axle (http://www.theoempartsstore.com/store/home.php?cat=334) part of the site.

Are you sure the race is 'fused' to the axle? It's common when a bearing goes out that the race needs a little encouragement to loosen up.

I'm with REW - I'd work on removing the race a bit before just taking it in for a new spindle. If your efforts are not successful, you won't be in any worse condition. I'd consider it very unlikely that you would need a new spindle. If you did, your first indication would have been the fire that resulted from the extreme heat. It didn't get that hot, your spindle is most likely fine.

I don't use a dremel, just a good old fashioned chisel. Like REW said, you don't have to go all the way through the race, just start to spread the metal and loosen the grip it has on the spindle. Please, wear safety equipment, especially eye protection.

I wouldn't use heat until other efforts failed. If you do have to use heat, heat the race, not the spindle. I know the spindle will still get warm, but apply the heat directly to the race so it expands more than the spindle. Be ready with a punch to loosen up the grip it has on the spindle.

If the spindle is truely shot, you have several options. The least expensive may be to acquire a used axle and replace the whole thing. You can have a new spindle welded on, which requires some precision tools to obtain the correct angles. Experience is really good to have when you get to this point. Also, your current spindle could be built up, and machined back down.

I think welders, machinists, etc are going to quickly exceed the price of a good used axle, maybe even a new one.

I'll agree that the hourly rate for machinists, welders, etc. is too high to blindly replace a damaged spindle.
My trailer (new in '84) is on its third axle. Each time, it was cheaper to replace the whole axle assembly than to pay professionals to replace a spindle.
Shop and compare total price. Remember, Northern Tool may have an axle for your trailer.

Had the same problem on a utility trailer this past summer. Skip the chisel and dremel. All you need is a bearing puller and a C clamp. Took me all of 2 minutes to get it off.

I've turned a wrenched my whole life and I would use my air die grinder with a cutoff disc similar to a dremel tool but uses air. By cutting 7/8 of the way thru the bearing "cone" (The "race" or "cup" part of the brg. is pressed into the hub assembly, the "cone" part of the brg. is the part of the brg. that has the rollers and slides over the spindle) and splitting the remaining cut with a chisel should loosen it enough to ease removal. There's not too much that dangerous about this! Be careful not to cut thru the Cone into the spindle. After you remove the brg. Cone look to see that the cone wasn,t spinning on the spindle. The spindle will be galled under it if it did. I doubt it did though. If the spindle is OK clean the spindle surface and slide the new bearing cone on to the spindle to check it's fit. It should slide on to the spindle by hand pressure and slide off the same. If so pack the bearings in wheel brg, grease, install the inner & outer brg., inner seal into the hub and you're good to go. No rocket science here!!