8mm Axles for Smokies

**Anjo K** · 01-24-2009 09:20 AM

Couldn't find anything through search so thought I'd post here instead:
Has anyone tried sourcing 8mm axles for smokies at all?
Also, how hard is it to replace the axles on them?

Failing that, with washers & spacers how snug can you keep the nut on the axle after loads of sliding? talking about sliding at 30mph+ mostly shutdowns but a few speedchecks every now & again.

I run biltins & those bastards keep my nuts tight as possible all the time, never had one come loose, but on other bearings with spacers/washers I'd have to stop & check my nuts every 3 slides or & retighten them quite a bit as they were close to coming off.

Thanks in advance for any info.

Alex

**JY Jelly** · 01-24-2009 01:16 PM

The axles on smokies have to be pressed in, and unless you have a press it needs to be done at a machine shop. There is also no way that 8mm axles would work in them unless you got custom made axles that were two different diameters (stepped).

**Anjo K** · 01-26-2009 06:52 AM

Originally Posted by landyachtzevo827

The axles on smokies have to be pressed in, and unless you have a press it needs to be done at a machine shop. There is also no way that 8mm axles would work in them unless you got custom made axles that were two different diameters (stepped).

Thanks for the info on fitting replacement axles, much appreciated. I take it there's 2 screws in the hanger also, or am I mistaken?
I was just wondering if anyone had some custom 8mm axles sorted already, I think I'll just bite the bullet & see how it goes with slides/nut movement.

Thanks again dude

**stringtheory** · 01-26-2009 07:55 AM

No screws in the hanger.

**bboomgaard** · 01-26-2009 11:05 AM

The hangers have roll pins inserted if I remember correctly, similar to what holds the blade on your mower, if it catches it shears off and is replaceable. They aren't exactly that strong of devices, but are capable of keeping a pressed in axle in place, as well as being easily removed at any shop or if you have the right tools.

**spikedfro10** · 01-26-2009 11:20 AM

if you were to somehow fabricate some 8mm axles for smokies that would fit, a machine shop wouldn't charge you more than 20 bucks to put em in for you....

also, smokies tend to keep the axle nuts pretty tight, even without biltins, so trying to find some 8mm axles is an unnecessary hassle.

**Divebomber02** · 01-26-2009 12:31 PM

I'm actually in the process of replacing the axles in my smokies, it's a pain. THe roll pin needs to be pressed out, then the axles are still in there nice and tight. My best advice is if you don't have the proper equipment, take them to a shop. Because on top of having to pull out the old axles, the new axles need to be pressed, drilled and repinned. All in all it's not really worth it unless you really like smokies.

**Anjo K** · 01-26-2009 03:25 PM

considering all the effort going into replacing the axles, how well do the axles stand up to abuse then?
I've read a few reviews on the fish & corrosion was noted as an issue with them, has anyone had a similar experience?
thanks for the info on these btw, info on them even from landy (w/regards to replacing axles etc) is pretty scarce as it is.

**Divebomber02** · 01-28-2009 12:41 AM

the axles as far as skating abuse will hold up extremely well. BUT you do have to keep them constantly clean or you will run across corrosion. That was my mistake, I left wheels on them for a long time without riding them and two of the bearings seized to the axles, one on each truck. They are great trucks in my opinion and if you're willing to expirement with bushing setups etc. you will probably be happy. That said you should also look into Kaha's, great 8mm truck for about as much money.

**Anjo K** · 01-28-2009 02:54 AM

Originally Posted by Divebomber02

the axles as far as skating abuse will hold up extremely well. BUT you do have to keep them constantly clean or you will run across corrosion. That was my mistake, I left wheels on them for a long time without riding them and two of the bearings seized to the axles, one on each truck. They are great trucks in my opinion and if you're willing to expirement with bushing setups etc. you will probably be happy. That said you should also look into Kaha's, great 8mm truck for about as much money.

Thanks for the heads up, I don't mind frequently doing maintenance on my hardware so it shouldn't really be an issue, would you recommend just removing the wheels & wiping the axles dry then? I reckon maybe a light coating of oil while not in use would keep them in pretty good shape too.

I've never ridden trucks with axles running inline to the kingpin, but I reckon there's going to be a lot of tweaking while I find the comfort zone on each of the boards i'll be using them for.

thanks again for the all the info