Jockey Wheel Problems

Little Rascal

Little Rascal

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Bl@sted tractor driver managed to knock the handle off my jockey wheel clamp at the end of last year and I don't seem to be able to get the piece out (mole grips just stripping metal off it) Any ideas on how to get it out?

The alternative is to remove the whole lot (tricky as it hasn't moved in 30 years by the look of it) and buy a new one. I was quoted around 90 squid by a local trailer company yet they appear to be going for £20-30 online! Any reason why I should spend so much? What spec would I need? The boat is a 19 foot fin keeler weighing about 700kg.
 
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most likely that the thread has rusted solid, and I mean solid, into the cast unit. If you dont want to try the welding a nut on trick (good idea), then the unit should be removed / cut off. Newer jockey wheels and winders are relatively cheap, and good quaility ones last a long time - especially if you heat them up first, turn upside down and pour a cupfull of heavy oil into the tube. "Oiled for life" :)
 
Get the cheap jobby online. Your boat weighs sod all and the nose weight shouldn't be more than about 70 lbs anyway.

Use an angle grinder with cutting disc to whip the bolt heads off.
 
VicS said:
Why hasnt bl@sted tractor driver fixed it .... had long enough!
Click to expand...

It was at Rutland and I was visiting as a trailer-sailer. He promised he would sort it but never got around to it before I left. I will make sure I get a few free launches next time though.

I think the threaded part bent before it broke so, that plus rust has jiggered it. A new one is on the cards... Thanks for the offer lakey: surely you could get a new one off ebay for me? :p
 
Have you got a branch of Indespension near you?

You could just pop in and pick up the parts you need.. Jockey wheel assemblies from about £20.... clamps and fittings also available off the shelf.
 
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If it was mine I'd whip the heads off the bolts with the angle grinder, unless they can be unscrewed, and remove the whole shooting match

If the jockey wheel assembly itself is Ok and functional Id use the angle grinder to cut off the old clamp assembly.

Give the jockey wheel mechanism a good greasing ( mine has Zerk fitting near the top) etc and refit with a new clamp ..... It might still be necessary to drill at least one new hole unless you can get a new clamp with the same hole spacing.

If the jockey wheel is a bit manky I replace the whole thing.

PS if you replace the whole thing send the wheel and tyre to VicS if they are serviceable ;)
 
I have given your problem a little thought, and, based on years of getting myself out of the deep and smelly I think you need to do the following: Remove complete unit-grind or cut mounting bolts if required. Clamp broken stud end in a large vice REALLY tight, heat up clamp in the area with oxy acetylene around the broken stud and when red hot unscrew using the jockey wheel. If successfull, refit using new bolts and a new clamping stud. If you buy a new one it will not compare in quality to the cast one you have, which looks well salvageable to me. Good Luck-and dont burn yourself!
 
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