Newbie - Trailer Axles Help Needed

[low&slow]

So some of you may have seen my post of my racecar trailer that I have been working on over the past 2 summers...now comes something that I have been avoiding since it fell into my hands. AXLES!

Build Thread
http://rctruckandconstruction.com/showthread.php?t=5413

Right now it has straight steel shafts with threaded ends and hex adapters that the wheels attach to. The axles run through an aluminum block with no bearings (squeaks like a baby bird), so now I want to replace them with something that is smooth and correct looking. What options would be best (And something that I can do with limited tool available besides drill/bench grinder/dremel).

Below are some pics of the current setup. Outside edge to outside edge is just shy of 12.5"




I like this first option but not sure it will work. Is the second option even long enough? So any help/guidance would be much appreciated!

[scalelover]

The tamiya axle alone is def not wide enough. You could make some extenders to go on it at the hexes but your suspension mounts and all would be no where close. It would take quite a bit of modification to either extend the case or making wideners and al new mounts.

K&S makes aluminum and brass tubing that you can press bearings into the ends of and just use rod as you are now. Only they will ride on the bearings instead of the tube itself. It's available at most hobby shops or online, they also do cut to length so you can order direct if needed. Here's a link to the sizing

http://www.ksmetals.com/resources/cuttolength.pdf

Or check out www.onlinemetals.com for all different sizes shapes etc you'll find tubing there as well. This is where I but most of my metals for my hobby stuff if I can't get it through my main supplier at my shop. Pricing is good too...

--Dan

[Espeefan]

I think I'd try finding some bushings, or even ball raced bearings, to fit your axle shaft. Then all you'd have to do is drill out the carrier that the shaft goes through, and push the bearings/bushings in. If they fit a little on the loose side, which they probably will, unless you use a reamer to size the bores properly, I'd put a drop of super glue or Loc-tite retaining compound on the bearings/bushings, and they won't be going anywhere. You could buy some flanged bearings as well. Then you know they'd be captured from at least one side.

[kdz76]

I would try some flanged bearings with the inner diameter the same as your current axle and the outer to be determined by the hole you can drill in your blocks.

[bigdogrod]

i built a boat trailer with semi trailer axles, i cut the axles in the middle, then used some brass tube of a little larger diameter than the axle to get the with needed. slide the plastic housing into the tube, glue and go.

[Semi Crazy]

Seems to me the Wedico standard axle kit form the trailer has what you need other then the aluminum tube will have to be replaced with a longer one. You will also have to tap the inside of the new tube to accept the screw that holds the wheels on. The Wedico setup is shown in one of the pictures you posted. They are available at Precision Models.

[low&slow]

Thanks everyone for the help. I think I have a good direction!

Also, what mm size is the tamiya front stub axle? 4mm? If so, anyone know another off the hobby store wall brand that makes the same size shaft? Or does rc4wd have a upgrade one?

[WhiteWolf McBride]

L&S,

Tamiya semi axles are all 5mm, as they take the 1150 bearings. And a few others use 5mm shafts. Don't remember offhand though.

Any particular reason?

WhiteWolf

[low&slow]

Thankx WhiteWolf, I am going to make tube axles that fit over the inside part of the front tamiya axles and then run the front wheels with the bearings in the wheels. Kinda like the 5 axle trailer that I posted a pic of.

I keep looking for just the Tamiya axles but can't seem to find any...

[woodhog]

there is some for sale in our bst section that might work for what you need