Forum Discussion

RTrider's avatar
RTrider
Explorer
Apr 24, 2014

Bent Axle Repair

It seems I bent an axle on the way home from Florida, likely when I had to go over a curb trying to get a parking spot at a Walmart. The wheel seemed a bit off kilter already though, but I read on this forum some time ago that the wheels have a canter in them anyway.

I take it in Tuesday for a repair. The Axle place said they should be able to bend it back. Never heard of this, so am looking for the forums experience with bent axles and their repair.

I need to buy a new ttire as well, since the tire on the bent axle is worn on the inside to the cords. I was lucky to make it home without a blowout. I have a spare and hopefully it is the same size and has the proper rim. Will check that tomorrow.

Thanks, Gary
  • Jayco-noslide's avatar
    Jayco-noslide
    Explorer
    Apr 25, 2014
    Yes, we had our axles straightened to correct misalignment and uneven tire wear. I recall the cost to not be too bad; something like a couple hundred per axle maybe.
  • 69_Avion's avatar
    69_Avion
    Explorer
    Apr 25, 2014
    Remember, there is no guarantee that a new axle will be in proper alignment. They should be, but it isn't always the case.
  • Huntindog's avatar
    Huntindog
    Explorer
    Apr 25, 2014
    spike99 wrote:
    Trailer axle alignment video at: - click here -

    Before realigning, do ask trailer axle shop if trailer contains properly sized axles. If "at edge" rated, recommend replacing factory axle with "next size up" new axle. Then, do same upgrade to other axle soon after. Best to perform both axle replacements (with "next size up") at same time.
    X2.
    Except I doubt that many alignment shops will tell you that. It is much more profitable for you to keep coming back for another "alignment"
    It is a pretty safe bet that your axles are "on the edge"
    Most TTs are built this way. What it means is that they cannot stand any abuse whatsoever.
    So if you rebend the axle, and hit a pothole, or go over a curb again etc. you will be in the same situation again. Axles are pretty cheap. I have replaced mine on a previous TT for just over 100.00.
    That was with me doing the labor, but as has been said. it's not a hard job at all
  • spike99's avatar
    spike99
    Explorer
    Apr 25, 2014
    Trailer axle alignment video at: - click here -

    Before realigning, do ask trailer axle shop if trailer contains properly sized axles. If "at edge" rated, recommend replacing factory axle with "next size up" new axle. Then, do same upgrade to other axle soon after. Best to perform both axle replacements (with "next size up") at same time.
  • JIMNLIN's avatar
    JIMNLIN
    Explorer III
    Apr 25, 2014
    Bending the axle works fine. I've had several equipment trailers with 3500 lb axles up to 10k axles bent to specs.
    The wheel also gets bent from the same curb incident so have the tire folks check it out.
  • SprinklerMan's avatar
    SprinklerMan
    Explorer
    Apr 25, 2014
    I would just buy a brand new axle , they are not that expensive , and easy to replace if you are mechanical .
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Apr 24, 2014
    The fact that the inside of the tire is worn is good news as yes the axle can be re arched. Being a shade tree mech I've cut most of the spindle off to make it easier to realign when one side was badly bent. New axles are not that expensive if all else fails.
  • mowin's avatar
    mowin
    Explorer
    Apr 24, 2014
    I've re arched axles on my equipment trailers a time or two. I never really looked under my tt as its on a seasonal site, but axles on equipment trailer's have a arch to them and flatten out as you load them up. Now a tt probably doesn't need arched axles as your not putting that much wt in them compared to a equipment trailer.

    I'm sure a good axle/spring shop could re straighten a axle if its not too bad.

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