How do I remove a boat trailer wheel nut?

[lenseman]

Looking at the photograph that VicS has put up for you, it looks like someone has tried or has successfully removed the top washer by using a cold chisel. You could try firstly with a Gas-pipe wrench or failing that, another cold chisel. Cold chisels are fairly destructive that is why I suggest using it secondly! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif.

Now, looking at the spindle nut, I suspect that this nut is at least 1" or slightly larger as it would have to be tightened enough to make sure that the wheel did not fall off in use. I further suspect that this nut actually tightens the spindle 'onto' the leaf-spring such that there is no actual movement between the nut, spindle and leaf-spring?

That said, I think that you basically are just not applying enough torque to loosen this nut. Nuts of this type and size are probably tightened to anything above 100 foot-lbs possibly as high as 150 foot-lbss!!

Don't even ask what that might be in Newtons per Hectare, if God wanted us to go metric, he would have had ten disciples. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Joking apart, I think that the garage used an Air-Impact wrench to loosen the nut and if you live close to Crawley/Reigate in Surrey you can come and borrow my Snap-On air-impact wrench.
/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Windinherhair]

Thanks guys.
I'll get hubby to take them into work on monday, and get a garage he does business with to get them off for us...seeing as it will be a case of brute force!
And don't ask why hubby leaves tasks such as trailer renovation to his wife...something to do with justifying my existence as a housewife/mother! (sure beats the old Civil Service job!) /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
Actually, I enjoy such tasks.
Thanks for the offer of the impact wrench David. Bit of a journey from Glasgow though! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
Linda

 

[peterb]

Get a big socket (1/2" sq at least, but preferably bigger), a good socket spanner and a long (3ft) extension tube. Worked for me!

 

[Drascomber]

I agree with previous comments about the nut.

This kind of trailer design was common in the 1960's and later (I built quite a few during a college vacation job). It was intended for dinghys and small runabouts.

With a trailer of this age and type, even if there is no excessive play or noise from the bearings and the frame is rust free, I would still be very wary of speeds over 50mph, trusting it for any great distance or towing with a heavy outboard on the RIB.

Whilst you are cleaning up the suspension (treat the springs to some bitumin paint) do check the tyres for perished sidewalls and check the hitchlock spring for corrosion.