Scored Axle - Replace or Okay?

[MSwheelin]

Pulled the axle to replace a leaking seal. I noticed the scoring probably from whoever replaced the bearings last time. Is this enough to be concerned about or is it fine to run as is? Thanks for all replies.

 

[B RON CO]

Hi, I would not worry about that.
I would give the bearing a spin. The bearing looks pretty new.
Good luck

 

[Broncobowsher]

Strength wise, not worried about it.
Sealing, looks like most of it is not in the sealing area, so that is good. What little bit that looks like it is in the sealing area just needs a little fine emery polish or if it is too deep of a gouge put a little JB weld in the gouge and polish that smooth. That is a pretty common fix for motorcycle forks as well.

 

[MSwheelin]

Thanks. Bearing is in good shape so I'm leaving it for now. I'll smooth out the rough part and see if it seals up.

 

[DirtDonk]

Wow, that is some decent gouging there. While the "by the book" recommendation is likely to replace it, I'm with the others that it doesn't look like a big weak link.
But I'd be curious how it got there. Simply lack of lube when installing? Maybe.

You might take a measurement to the area though. I wonder if a standard bearing being slid over an axle made for a Set 20 could do that?
This a big or a small bearing? If a small, then this is very unlikely as it probably would have split the bearing long before being able to install it. If a big bearing though, they're pretty close to the Set 20 size, so perhaps that was the problem.

Paul

 

[DirtDonk]

I guess we should have asked how do you intend to use the truck and what size tires are you running!
If you're mud racing and/or running 36" tires on small-bearing axles, I might re-think that previous scenario.

And I just happen to have some nice axles for sale today!;D

Paul

 

[MSwheelin]

Small bearing with 32" tires. No mud racing. Yet...