Axle and Hub Question

[the_e-man]

Hi All,

We have a Grand Design Transcend travel trailer. Really like it. At 18 months old, it is essentially new as we have done one longer trip and some local camping. Maybe 2,000 miles of travel.

I decided to have the bearings repacked. It seemed like good preventative maintenance before we do any big trips. I took it to our local Camping World. They sent pictures indicating that there is some damage to the axle. Some heat marks. They recommend replacing the whole axle at a cost of $1,475. I am kind of in shock that the whole axle would need to be replaced - especially since we have hardly used it.

Your insight and advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[sgfrye]

Lynnmor wrote:

the e-man wrote:
Not sure how to add images here. I just put up a temporary page with the pictures at: Hub Axle Pictures

Absolutely normal, run from the crooks!

x2 on this. local truck shop or trailer shop is your best bet

[Lynnmor]

In my worthless opinion, an absolutely correct hub service is done rarely. There are many YouTube videos done by folks that think they are doing a great job, but I wouldn't let them near my stuff. Here in PA, we are to get trailers inspected annually where they pull two hubs and mess up so bad that I redo the work immediately after getting home. I could write a book about Pennsylvania state inspections.
I see no new photos.

[the_e-man]

Hi All.

Thanks again for the assistance with my question regarding the hubs and axles on my camper. As promised, here is an update.

After declining the axle replacement, I was charged significantly over the quoted price for the repack to get my trailer out of the shop. They said the extra was for shop supplies like rags and protective gear along with four bearing seals.

I took the advice of the group and got a second opinion. Interestingly, they found that the repack had not been performed properly. The bearings had not been cleaned and there were two types of grease visible. And they found that the axles were in good shape - no replacement needed.

I had put up the first pictures on my travel web site. I updated that post with pictures of the repack after the first shop completed their work and the repack after the second shop. I tried to capture some lessons learned from this experience.

If you want to see the additional pictures, they are at Hub Axle Question

Thanks again.

[lane_hog]

I know the OP fixed their issue already, but there's a recall listed on the Grand Design website for axles. Might be worth looking to see if your trailer is one of those included.

[Terryallan]

mhsmith wrote:

the e-man wrote:

Huntindog wrote:
Your spindle looks fine.
I would replace the bearings with Timkens and go camping..... But first tell CW to take a hike.

Appreciating everyone’s feedback.

Can you tell me what makes Timkens special?

Better quality, but sadly made in China also. They moved from Ohio to China mid 05-06

Not entirely true. There is a Timken bearing plant about 10 miles from here in Iron Station NC. We used them at Getrag at one time, and GKN later on.

[deltabravo]

The TIMKEN Bearings I've bought over the last year are marked USA like the ones above.

[Lynnmor]

mhsmith wrote:


Better quality, but sadly made in China also. They moved from Ohio to China mid 05-06

I have USA Timken bearings, check Summit, Amazon and below.
https://www.southwestwheel.com/c-822-timken-bearings.aspx?pagenum=2

[mhsmith]

the e-man wrote:

Huntindog wrote:
Your spindle looks fine.
I would replace the bearings with Timkens and go camping..... But first tell CW to take a hike.

Appreciating everyone’s feedback.

Can you tell me what makes Timkens special?

Better quality, but sadly made in China also. They moved from Ohio to China mid 05-06

[wowens79]

the e-man wrote:

mobeewan wrote:
Your profile only indicates "Virginia". If you are anywhere near Hampton take it to Hibbard's Iron Works on Aberdeen Rd. They are top notch. They specialize in trailers. I've done business with them for over 30 years.

Thanks everyone for the advice. Here is a quick update. I picked up the camper. Of course, extra fees were tacked on beyond the advertised price for the repack. We all have to learn a lesson the hard way sometimes, right.

I'll be getting a second opinion this week. As mobeewan recommended, I am taking it to Hibbard's. I'll let you know what they say.

As for repacking the bearings myself, it sounds like a great skill to learn. I learned how to do that on bicycles last year when I rebuilt a classic Schwinn. I guess I better step up my game and do it on the camper, too.

Honestly it is pretty similar to the bike. Seals are different, but it’s just putting grease in the bearing, and the adjusting the bearing nut. Although it’s heavier, dirtier, and you have to sit on the ground to do it.

It’s a shame people can’t be honest, and just do the work needed.

Thanks again for the assistance.

[CharlesinGA]

Axle in the photo looks normal.

Charles

[CavemanCharlie]

Try a different shop. It looks fine to me in the photo. It's hard to tell from a photo though. Get a second opinion. They could very well be trying to rip you off.

[Lynnmor]

the e-man wrote:


As for repacking the bearings myself, it sounds like a great skill to learn. I learned how to do that on bicycles last year when I rebuilt a classic Schwinn. I guess I better step up my game and do it on the camper, too.

In my opinion, you have no other good choice but to do it yourself. Even if your next stop has a skilled and fair mechanic, what are you going to do when one of those cheap Chinese bearings ends your trip? With basic tools you can service a spindle roadside quickly. I learned the hard way about the junk bearings coming out of China, and replaced all with Timken.

[the_e-man]

mobeewan wrote:
Your profile only indicates "Virginia". If you are anywhere near Hampton take it to Hibbard's Iron Works on Aberdeen Rd. They are top notch. They specialize in trailers. I've done business with them for over 30 years.

Thanks everyone for the advice. Here is a quick update. I picked up the camper. Of course, extra fees were tacked on beyond the advertised price for the repack. We all have to learn a lesson the hard way sometimes, right.

I'll be getting a second opinion this week. As mobeewan recommended, I am taking it to Hibbard's. I'll let you know what they say.

As for repacking the bearings myself, it sounds like a great skill to learn. I learned how to do that on bicycles last year when I rebuilt a classic Schwinn. I guess I better step up my game and do it on the camper, too.

Thanks again for the assistance.

[Lynnmor]

That is NOT caused by heat, it is fretting corrosion .

How much money can be made promoting YouTube videos?