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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Eugene OR
    Posts
    1,786

    Default Replacemnt of Axle on 2008 single axle boatmate trailer

    Axle install on 2008 Boatmate single axle trailer.

    WARNING: After doing this I would suggest taking it to a shop and paying for it to be done. Use this as a reference at your own risk.

    After talking this over we have decided it is better to have the boat on the trailer since it adds weight. Also I have limited photos due to a blurry camera.

    Tools Needed:
    WD40 – Stop now and go spray every one of the bolts and the splines holding the trailing arm and axle
    Magnetic protractor
    13/16 socket Deep socket
    1 5/16 socket- Do not get deep sockets for the rest
    15/16 socket
    Breaker bar for socket
    Impact wrench for sockets
    3/8, 5/8 or 7/8 wrench, socket (used for brake lines and cannot remember what “/8” I used)
    1 5/16 wrenchor 12 in adjustable wrench
    15/16 wrench
    10 in adjustable wrench
    4 jack stands
    2 jacks
    7mm Hex (I think it is a 7mm and is used for brake caliper)
    NOTE: you can use two jack stands and 4 jacks
    1 tow vehicle
    Blocking for trailer tires (needed to help bleed brake lines)
    Zip ties
    Anti-seize lubricant
    Loctite 242
    Dot 3 brake fluid
    Torque wrench that goes to 150 foot pounds
    Small Hammer
    Sledge hammer
    Two pry bars (one big, one small)
    Wedge or thin chisel (can also use the pry bar)
    Flat head screw driver (one small to medium, one heavy duty)
    Some sort of padding
    Two to four people to help
    Time and water

    1. Hook the boat trailer to the tow vehicle. Set parking brake. This is used for an anchor point.
    2. Remove both fenders for better access.
    3. Loosen lug nuts on tires using breaker bar and 13/16 deep socket.
    4. Jack up trailer on one side and remove tire
    5. Install jack stands behind the axle and in front of the axle leaving room to work.
    6. Lower first side of trailer onto jack stands.
    7. Repeat steps 4 to 6 on other side.
    8. I recommend removing the Fenders on both sides to give more working room. It is 4 bolts per side.
    9. Remove brake caliper on both sides using hex. There should be a cap on the back side of caliper that can be removed with your fingers. There are two hex screws for each caliper.
    10. If you are on the good side use the magnetic protractor and mark the angle of the trailing arm. Also mark where you placed the protractor since you will need to use the same spot.
    11. Using the impact wrench, 1 5/16 socket and 1 5/16 wrench or 12in adjustable wrench remove bolt connecting the trailing arm to axle splines. (Picture shows us using breaker bar but impact gun is a lot faster)

    12. Remove bolt from trailing arm. You will have the bolt, washer and nut. Put these three items back together and set aside.
    13. Use a wedge, thin chisel or pry bar to increase the gap on the trailing arm.
    NOTE: Picture shows the bolt in. Remove the bolt. Also picture is the install of the trailing arm but the pry bar to gap still apply.

    14. Place the padding under the trailing arm where it will drop.
    15. Use the pry bar to remove the trailing arm from the axle. (NOTE: This is a lot of work and you might have to keep using the pry bar to increase the trailing arm gap. Also, check your jack stands periodically since the trailer will probably move during this operation.)

    16. Again, re-check your jack stands and adjust if needed.
    17. Repeat steps 8 to 15 on other side.
    18. On the left side of the trailer use the “/8” wrench to disconnect the main brake line coming into the axle.

    19. Remove the “T” for the brake line using the “/8” wrench and the 10” adjustable wrench.
    20. Remove the clip holding the brake line that is going to the brake caliper using the flat head screw driver and the hammer.
    21. Use the flathead screw driver to remove the brake line from the axle clips.
    22. Go to the right side of the trailer and remove the brake line by repeating step 19.
    23. Place a jack under both sides of the axle for support. DO NOT jack up the trailer.
    24. Use the 15/16 socket on the impact gun and 15/16 wrench to remove the two bolts connecting the axle to the trailer on each side.
    25. Use the two jacks on the axle to lower both sides at the same time.
    26. Pull axle out from under the trailer
    27. Slide new axle under trailer.
    28. Using the two jacks position the axle to line up with the four bolt holes.
    29. Reinstall the 4 bolts.
    30. Use the torque wrench and torque to 150 foot pounds.

    NOTE: make sure brake lines are clean before reinstalling

    31. Reinstall brake line going to the caliper and clip to hold in place on both sides.
    32. On left side reinstall brake line “T”.
    33. Reconnect brake line that goes across axle.
    34. If you do not have clips on new axle you can use zip ties to hold in place until a final solution can be put into place.
    35. Attach main brake line on left side to “T”
    36. Clean splines and liberally apply anti-seize to splines.
    NOTE: trailing arm will need a gap between it and the Axle back plate.
    37. Position trailing arm on splines at the same angle of the good side that you remove it off at. (NOTE: original angle from Boatmate is 18 degrees below horizontal for an unweighted level trailer)
    DO NOTE install trailing arm with bolt in.
    38. If the trailing arm does not want to go on use pry bar and place it in the gap and use the sludge hammer to drive trailing arm in.
    39. Once trailing arm is in place install bolt and tighten to 150 foot pounds of torque.
    40. Repeat steps 35 to 38 for the other side.
    41. Reinstall brake caliper using Loctite 242 on the hex bolts. Torque to 55 foot pounds.
    42. Repeat step 40 on other side.
    43. Jack up trailer Reinstall tire and remove jack stands.
    44. Clear all tools from area
    45. Loosen the bleeder valve nut on the back of both calipers.
    46. Drive forward and press the brakes until you see brake fluid coming from the left caliper. At this time tighten the left caliper’s bleeder valve nut.
    47. Drive forward a few more times hitting the brakes. Check brake fluid in the tongue reservoir. If low fill.
    48. Repeat step 46 until fluid comes out of the right brake caliper. (You might need to drive around the block but keep rechecking the tongue reservoir so it does not run dry.) At this time tighten the bleeder valve nut.
    49. Recheck brake fluid in the tongue reservoir. If low fill.
    50. Grab a cold one since you have just had a long day.
    51. Go to the lake.
    Last edited by jester; 07-24-2013 at 01:56 AM. Reason: added a few notes.
    2008 Outback V - Sold but never forgotten.
    “Do not wait; the time will never be “just right.” Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along." -Napoleon Hill

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Eugene OR
    Posts
    1,786

    Default

    Last photo to show step 38.
    NOTE: Remove out the bolt.



    If you would like the trailing arm install PDF from Boatmate please let me know since I cannot upload it too the forms.
    Last edited by jester; 07-24-2013 at 01:57 AM.
    2008 Outback V - Sold but never forgotten.
    “Do not wait; the time will never be “just right.” Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along." -Napoleon Hill

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    Northeast, PA
    Posts
    236

    Default

    Awesome how to... but what triggered you that the axle was bad?
    2007 Moomba Outback V

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Eugene OR
    Posts
    1,786

    Default

    The trailer being lop sided and the tire making contact with the trailer. Mine was slow to fail in that the gap between the wheel and fender on one side keep getting smaller where the other side it was fine. Most people have a complete failure well they are driving and notice the wheel is in contact with the fender.



    2008 Outback V - Sold but never forgotten.
    “Do not wait; the time will never be “just right.” Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along." -Napoleon Hill

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    Northeast, PA
    Posts
    236

    Default

    That's easy enough. The reason I am asking is my trailer is making noise when I make right hand turns only. It sounds like the brakes are dragging. Not sure what the problem is.
    2007 Moomba Outback V

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Location
    Massachusetts
    Posts
    48

    Default

    Could you send me the PDF? I'm hoping to do my axle in the next week or so and could use any documents I can get. How long did this install take you?
    Jr.
    '08 Outback V

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Eugene OR
    Posts
    1,786

    Default

    It took about 6 hours. using the impact gun earlier would have saved us about an hour and having the correct tools to start would have saved at least another hour. PM me with your email address and i will send it. It is too big to post on the forms.
    2008 Outback V - Sold but never forgotten.
    “Do not wait; the time will never be “just right.” Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along." -Napoleon Hill

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Milwaukee, Wi
    Posts
    263

    Default

    wow. One of my tires is almost touching the fender but this doesn't look like a job I want to do.. Anyone know how much I can expect to pay to have this replaced? I have a 2008 single axle trailer.
    08 Outback
    82 American Skier

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Eugene OR
    Posts
    1,786

    Default

    First step is to contact Jerry Jones at boatmate <[email protected]>. He will need the Axle number that is almost in the center of the axle on a welded on plate. You will also need the VIN. If you get it shipped from UFP to Boatmate to pain it you will be out weeks before it is shipped out to you. If they RMA it from UFP direct then you will need to get it painted. Jerry will give you the paint code. It cost me $70 for the paint job. I got an estimate of $500 for the replacement. That was an estimate but they would not give me a hard number until they got into the replacement. I would call around local to get estimates. The biggest problem we had was getting the trailing arm off and back on for both sides. Hope this helps.

    Also big note boatmate did not tell me is stop using the trailer. If it is almost touching the fender it will fail soon. At least that is what happened too mine and I had to get it towed.
    2008 Outback V - Sold but never forgotten.
    “Do not wait; the time will never be “just right.” Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along." -Napoleon Hill

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Milwaukee, Wi
    Posts
    263

    Default

    Jester, I appreciate the info. I sent an email to Jerry and I'm awaiting a response. I will gladly pay 500 to get this fixed but it sucks because I live in Wisconsin and this will likely end my boating season.
    08 Outback
    82 American Skier

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