Changing an Axel

Springs should have bolt holding the leafs together. The bolt head will fit in a hole in the spring perch on the axle. If the axle isn't square, then something else is bent.

You'll just be dropping the axle not the springs. I would try to have the TV connected just for stability. You'll still have wheels on the other axle. Once the axle is off I would check the equalizers, bushings, hangars and bolts.

As stated make sure you get the new one parallel to the old one. Make good tight electrical connections for the brakes. Torque don't guess and recheck them after towing.

When I replaced both of mine I also went the extra mile with everything new lug nuts, bearings, seals, hubs, brakes, brake backer plates. All the extras ran about $350 for both axles. I got these parts from a surplus RV store but I had no shipping with local pickup. I also replaced the equalizers, links and added never fail bushings after getting into the project. All new and good to go for years to come.

I got sick and tired of dealing with trailer "Playtoy Axles" and finally had a 1"X1" by 1/4" full width piece of angle iron tacked onto the "top" of the axle between U-bolts. That act stops the nonsense dead in its tracks, period.

Good suggestions!

I would have the TV hitched up to provide a bit more stability while you work on it, especially when it comes time to lower back on the ground. I would also consider adding greaseable bushings and replacement of the equalizers with Dexter EZ Flex or
an Equa Flex system while you have it apart.

Chris Bryant wrote:

Pineapple Kid wrote:

I have the 5er up on concrete blocks

Buy or rent some jack stands- don't support it with concrete blocks.

I missed this. I always buy Jackstands that are rated above the load I plan to suspend. Never buy safety items that are marginal.

If you don't know exactly what you are doing it would be much better and safer to let a professional do it. This could save you money in the long run as the alignment is critical for the trailer to track properly and of course if it has brakes to hook up and adjust there is safety to consider, if the thing drops on you, or even if it just slips to the ground it could be a major problem. Good luck with the axle change

Yeah, cement blocks will break easily.

Pineapple Kid wrote:

I have the 5er up on concrete blocks

Buy or rent some jack stands- don't support it with concrete blocks.

The only thing that is important is that both axles are parallel w/ each other. If they were not quite square w/ centerline would not matter at all regarding tire wear. Some people think that if a trailer is dogwalking a little, it is going to wear tires, which is simply not true.