Forum Discussion

the_e-man's avatar
the_e-man
Explorer
Jul 09, 2020

Axle and Hub Question

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.
  • cnp's avatar
    cnp
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2020
    Given how much scamming I have seen by service folks over the years (and I am not saying CW is here in this case), and given the cost, low mileage, I would get a second opinion for sure.
  • Huntindog's avatar
    Huntindog
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2020
    Axles are pretty cheap. The last bare axle I bought was about 130.00... Now that is for a bare axle, but it isn't all that hare to do, and since you are already into the bearings, it is not that much more labor. If it is beyond your skillset.... Look for a better price.
  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2020
    Can you post the photo here? It is normal that dark marks appear on the spindle where the bearings sit. Unless there is an extreme amount there is no concern. The condition is called fretting corrosion and on a trailer is caused by that small amount of clearance between the bearing and the spindle plus no grease on the spindle at assembly. Here is a minor example. If you provide a photo, we may be able to save you all the expense.

    The time to service trailer bearings is the minute you bring it home. Inadequate grease and poor adjustment happens all too often.
  • Terryallan's avatar
    Terryallan
    Explorer II
    Jul 09, 2020
    the e-man wrote:
    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.


    No no no. Go get it away from them. Axles aren't that expensive. I got a new axle, and had the TT raised for $500.00 Find a truck garage, and have them look at it, or find a RV repair center, or mobile guy and have them look at it. CW is trying to do you wrong.
  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2020
    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!
  • campigloo's avatar
    campigloo
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2020
    Looking on my phone is hard but I don’t see a problem. A blue mark will indicate overheating but doesn’t necessarily indicate a ruined axle. If they had to beat the bearing off maybe; but yours looks just fine to me
    Like Lynmoor said, run! Get a second opinion if it makes you uncomfortable but avoid CW like it was corona. (unless it’s served chilled)

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