Are the splines on a UFP/Dexter axle removable?

[Judson1]

My splines have some flat spots and that may be causing the inability to keep the end unit tight on the axle. Will I need a whole new axle? Thanks 28BEFE86-AB8D-436B-B22A-37BF633ADCB3.jpeg

[21XDC]

I think that the spline is vulcanized into the axle and not replaceable.... But I'm not 100% sure... I don't understand how that happened to your splines.

[electritek]

Need a little more info on this. If you have torsion axle the spindle assembly is replaceable. The splines ae machined, not vulcanized. Need to check if the bolts on Spindle assembly are tight. They need to be grade #8.

[21XDC]

Hmmmm? I had my UFP torsion axle fail. And mine was vulcanized and not replaceable. So I had to replace the whole axle. I'm speaking on first hand experience.... Unless they changed their design since mine was built.

[Judson1]

Need a little more info on this. If you have torsion axle the spindle assembly is replaceable. The splines ae machined, not vulcanized. Need to check if the bolts on Spindle assembly are tight. They need to be grade #8.

The bolts are grade 8 and have been tightened more than enough every time I assure you. Double wrenched leverage. I even double nutted and applied loctite. It may not be the damaged splines causing this but I don’t know. There are 4 small screws holding a plate that covers where the splined end attaches to the axle. So it had me wondering if just the splines were replaceable. I will say in my searches I haven’t found anything on them being replaceable. So I wanted to ask.
If it isn’t the splines causing the play what else could it be? Because I just have in my mind those few bad spots on the splines can’t be the problem. Thanks

[blkfalc4]

New axle should fix your issue.

[electritek]

Hmmmm? I had my UFP torsion axle fail. And mine was vulcanized and not replaceable. So I had to replace the whole axle. I'm speaking on first hand experience.... Unless they changed their design since mine was built.

The torsion axle is cushioned inside the axle tube by rubber for radial rotation. The machined end of the axle is splined steel. OP inquired about splines.

[fishnfireman]

The torsion axle is cushioned inside the axle tube by rubber for radial rotation. The machined end of the axle is splined steel. OP inquired about splines.

I'm confused.
Are you saying the splines can be replaced without replacing the axle ?

[Judson1]

The torsion axle is cushioned inside the axle tube by rubber for radial rotation. The machined end of the axle is splined steel. OP inquired about splines.

So there is a good chance the rubber may be worn on the inside? Got bounced around like a volleyball by Dexter. Still haven’t been told they have or can make the axle I have. The local Dexter distributor I have called twice this week and she is supposedly still working on it. I may just have to order from Bass Cat but they say 12-14 weeks.

[electritek]

The splines are not replaceable, they are machined on the end of the axle. They are not vulcanized, they are machined steel. Looking at picture of axle spline from OP, the splines are damaged. They cannot be repaired however they aren't damaged to the extent they can be put back in service. A new spindle arm can be installed on that splined axle shaft, torque the grade 8 bolts down to spec and go fishing.

[fishnfireman]

So there is a good chance the rubber may be worn on the inside? Got bounced around like a volleyball by Dexter. Still haven’t been told they have or can make the axle I have. The local Dexter distributor I have called twice this week and she is supposedly still working
on it. I may just have to order from Bass Cat but they say 12-14 weeks.

I have no idea about the life span of the rubber.. Might try asking BCB-- he is on here frequently.
I would be tempted to clean some of those splines up with a file. Get a new bolt and torque it. I know several trailers including Ranger Trail has had issues with the spindle arm coming loose.

[blkfalc4]

Mentioned it earlier,, axle replacement needed.

[electritek]

I have no idea about the life span of the rubber.. Might try asking BCB-- he is on here frequently.
I would be tempted to clean some of those splines up with a file. Get a new bolt and torque it. I know several trailers including Ranger Trail has had issues with the spindle arm coming loose.

Spot on. They originally took that assembly to market with grade 5 bolts and they stretched. They stretched and allowed spindle arm and spline damage as depicted in OP post. The new standard is grade 8 bolts. Looks like OP axle and splines could be put back in service.

[billnorman1]

Yeah, missing spline pieces shouldn't cause issues but how they came about to be missing piques my interest. All I can think is the axle wasn't tight and road impacts snapped some splines off. I'm a tad concerned that now, the interface is worn and re using the old axle may exacerbate the issue to the point of failure. Being the tightwad that I am I'd probably put it back together and see if there is ANY play between the splines, try it out and see what happens.
I'd also find out the availability to purchase a complete axle assembly.

[CJ1]

A bead of low hydrogen should fix that! CJ

[Redngoo]

After filing a bit in those splines and trying a new arm didnt fix. Yea you could weld(low hydrogen(7018) ) at this point you either replace the axle or weld.