Forum Discussion

mister_d's avatar
mister_d
Explorer
Jun 29, 2013

Spread Axle Bolt Broke - Help!

The bolt in the middle seems to have broken. The washer/nut have disappeared. The whole assembly appears to be angled now. I'd like to try to remove the bolt and replace on my own. Can I just remove it without jacking up the trailer or messing anything up? I pulled images off Google for sake of time .. let me know if more are necessary.



18 Replies

Show More
  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    Jun 30, 2013
    There should be splines just behind the bolt head. If the bolt turned and rounded the splines, it will always move and won't stay tight. When installing, you must hold the bolt head while tightening the nut. If the hanger is already rounded out, you may be able to flip the bolt to get good engagement on the opposite side.
  • Huntindog's avatar
    Huntindog
    Explorer
    Jun 29, 2013
    It's likely from turning tight. Spread axles are great in that it allows for a lighter frame, more stable towing and lighter TV. The tradeoff is what you now have. There is more stress on the components when turning.
    There is no free lunch. Improve one area at the expense of another.
  • mister_d's avatar
    mister_d
    Explorer
    Jun 29, 2013
    I'm just guessing, but I'm assuming it's either from the wheels twisting when I back it up or from hitting a big pot hole. We haven't hit anything that I'm aware of.
  • mister_d's avatar
    mister_d
    Explorer
    Jun 29, 2013
    Luckily I caught it from the sounds of it. I was under the TT today working on the underbelly cover. We just returned from an 18hr drive from Florida the other day .. thank God we made it back without a problem!

    I'm a little nervous about this being over my head. Is this as simple as jack up the TT, pull out the bolt, and replace?
  • Wheel_Estate's avatar
    Wheel_Estate
    Explorer
    Jun 29, 2013
    ScottG wrote:
    No, if you were even able to pull the bolt out the equalizer would travel upward and jamb. So you need to support the trailer and relieve the pressure on that bolt before removing it.
    The good news is you caught it before had a catastrophic failure!


    x'2
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jun 29, 2013
    No, if you were even able to pull the bolt out the equalizer would travel upward and jamb. So you need to support the trailer frame and relieve the pressure on that bolt before removing it.
    The good news is you caught it before you had a catastrophic failure!

About Travel Trailer Group

44,044 PostsLatest Activity: Jul 26, 2025