Spindle scoring

[Popeye]

Doing my annual bearing inspection and came across spindle scoring and the bearing. The race and rollers are fine. 13000 miles on my 2019 and have the original bearings. Should I lightly sand (Emory cloth) the spindle, repack bearing and continue on? Or replace the bearing and race?

[howson]

Popeye -- many others here are far more experienced on these types of issues, but I'll toss in my .02: replace both the race and bearing as a set and remove all doubt. Cate&Rob ?

[Jkwilson]

I’d be inclined to replace. May just be the picture, but it kind of looks like rust on the spindle. Is it smooth?

[Popeye]

It’s smooth so I was thinking that it got hot from maybe not enough grease.

[Popeye]

The three other wheels/spindles/bearings all looked fine. I don’t post on here very often to figure out how to post on individual comments.

[Jkwilson]

They’ll spin if the fit is too loose or if the bearing seizes briefly. I’d clean it up and put a new bearing and race there. If you are like me, write yourself a note so you know which one had the problem when you check the next time.

[Popeye]

Thanks, y’all convinced me to go ahead and replace the race and bearing. And I’ll make a note as to which one it was 👍

[NoPeeking]

I'm not an expert, nor do I play one on TV... what I have learned... the brownish discoloured areas are fretting corrosion caused by vibration/ friction and the oxidation of tiny metal particles. I had this condition on three of four wheels on a previous trailer. I replaced the bearings and races all around. Ensure proper seating of the bearings when re-installing. I had my wheels balanced and I think that helped.

Mike

[Cate&Rob]

I see rust between the bearing inner race and the spindle surface but not "scoring" of the spindle. Scoring would be circular marks around the spindle indicating that the bearing inner race was spinning against the spindle. Replacing the bearing and the outer race in the hub as a set would be fine, but I don't see a problem that requires this. I have often found rust at this interface (more often on the inner bearing for some reason) and all this means is that moisture (maybe condensation?) is causing these surfaces to rust. If anything, rust like shown in the picture confirms that the inner race is staying in one position on the spindle . . . which it is supposed to.

Rob

[Popeye]

Thanks Rob. I thought it was scoring from friction heat due to not enough grease, but your explanation makes more sense.

[Jlawles2]

I think this is a good example of scoring. Note this is on my previous 5er (non GD unit).

[kcgaz]

I had a similar rust ring on two of the four axles. The bearings/races and axle looked good, so I cleaned off the rust with a paper towel and reinstalled them with a lot of grease. I will recheck them at the end of the season, but I don't expect any problems.