Grooved Castle Nut on 2000lb Axle?

[bowhunter11199]

Hello All,

Recently picked up a 10’ snowmobile trailer with 18.5x8.5-8” tires and 2000lb torsion acle manufactured in 96’. Decided to check on the bearings yesterday evening as there was a little too much play when you would grab the tire and push back and forth.

Bearings looked good and were smooth so reinstalled and the ideal just barely no play spot was in between castle nut spots so I decided to loosen it to the next spot.

This morning I got to thinking about the castle nuts and how they were grooved on the back side that contacts the bearings (see attached picture). The pictures are of the castle nut that was groved the worse.

Any idea what caused this(too much preload on the last set of bearings)? Should I replace the castle nut? I’ve got a 200 mile each way trip scheduled tomorrow to pick up a new to be sled

 

[IDspud]

Looks like prior set of bearings ground on it before being replaced. As long as you don’t have slop allowing the wheel to wobble backing off is correct. If wobble concerns you in backed off slot grab a new nut or can also washer gap.

 

[bowhunter11199]

Looks like prior set of bearings ground on it before being replaced. As long as you don’t have slop allowing the wheel to wobble backing off is correct. If wobble concerns you in backed off slot grab a new nut or can also washer gap.

Thanks for the info. I just took it for a 12 mile test drive, 35-60mph. No wobble in the tires as it was being towed as far as I could tell. Checked the hub and it wasn’t very warm so it seems to be ok. I’ll keep an eye on it, may need to turn the castle nut one spot tighter on one of the hubs because it has a bit of play when you move to forward and back with your hands

 

[Reg2view]

Someone didn't put a washer behind the nut. Wonder where all that metal went? Always back off if the next flat or key cut is too tight. Some have shimmed with washer thickness, but you're not carrying that much weight to matter on a small trailer. Replace the castle nuts. Think you'll find play will be less, too.

 

[hansenmac]

i agree about probably didnt have a washer.