Bent Axle Repair

[RTrider]

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

[RTrider]

Update:
Took the trailer to an axle place yesterday and they straightened the axle. They said it was pretty bad but they also said that the process went well and that there was no other damage to U-bolts or anything else. Only cost $170 incl taxes (here at 13%).

Now to get a new tire. Unfortunately the spare is on a plain steel wheel, so I cannot change it out without making two changes. I think I will just get a new tire and put it on the aluminum wheel.

While hooking up I noticed that the large bolts on the Equal-i-zer are loose so will fix that today as well it it stops raining.

[Huntindog]

JJBIRISH wrote:
It not so much a loose standard as it is a 3” tube was an option that was available from Dexter and maybe others on the 3500 lb. axle…

as an option it wouldn’t be found on many trailers with 3500 lb. axles, I doubt the 3” option was widely used by the RV industry especially…

the RV industry as a hole seldom upsizes anything because its better, but more likely out of some minimal need…

typical, tube sizes can be found in the Dexter 600 to 8000 lb. catalogue on page 113, Or the Eastern Marine trailer parts superstore, under axles & axle hardware…

Regardless upsizing is STILL a good idea. If an option is available, then it can be bought by the consumer as well. Nothing says that just because your TT came with small tubes, that you are forced to stay with them.
When ever I fix something, I look at the root cause and upgrade it whenever possible. It is rare that I ever have a problem with that item again.

[JJBIRISH]

It not so much a loose standard as it is a 3” tube was an option that was available from Dexter and maybe others on the 3500 lb. axle…

as an option it wouldn’t be found on many trailers with 3500 lb. axles, I doubt the 3” option was widely used by the RV industry especially…

the RV industry as a hole seldom upsizes anything because its better, but more likely out of some minimal need…

typical, tube sizes can be found in the Dexter 600 to 8000 lb. catalogue on page 113, Or the Eastern Marine trailer parts superstore, under axles & axle hardware…

[Huntindog]

JJBIRISH wrote:
It’s not like they use a lot of different sized axle tubes… going up in size will most likely have the same size axle tube… often with just a different bearing set or different spindles and bearings…

Almost all of the axle tubes that are used for our RV’s are 2 3/8 OD with a 3/16 wall tube, and rated at 3500 lbs.…
Above 3500 lbs. up to 5200 lbs. will almost without exception 3inch tube with a 3/16” wall…
When you get into 6000 and 7000 lb. axles you may run into be 3inch tube with ¼” wall…
Of course there are smaller tubes for lighter axles that we don’t see to often…

I have had two TTs with 3500# axles that had 3" tubes.
There seems to be very loose standards. I have seen 3500# axles with 5 and 6 lugs as well.

My present TTs axles are rated at 5200#. But the only component that is not 6000# are the springs. The 6K ones get one more leaf.

[wrenchbender]

Axles can be reshaped or realighned. But depending on the axle often times it is cheaper to replace the axle.

[JJBIRISH]

It’s not like they use a lot of different sized axle tubes… going up in size will most likely have the same size axle tube… often with just a different bearing set or different spindles and bearings…

Almost all of the axle tubes that are used for our RV’s are 2 3/8 OD with a 3/16 wall tube, and rated at 3500 lbs.…
Above 3500 lbs. up to 5200 lbs. will almost without exception 3inch tube with a 3/16” wall…
When you get into 6000 and 7000 lb. axles you may run into be 3inch tube with ¼” wall…
Of course there are smaller tubes for lighter axles that we don’t see to often…

[69_Avion]

I have built many trailers on and off for the past 40 years. Over 30 years ago I used to build my own axles. Yes, they are built in jigs, but the welding process can draw the spindle to one side if you aren't careful. I always used Lincoln 7018 LH70 rod for the axles, axle mounts, coupler assembly and any critical area. A very small amount of warping or drawing of the steel in the welding process can make a significant amount of difference in the spindle alignment. I can assure you, most manufacturers won't take the time I would to make sure everything is "right". I quit making axles, because you can buy them cheaper than you can make them when the big boys buy the components and materials in such large quantities.
As far as a solution for those who are having axle bending issues, as stated above, go to the next size up in the axle rating, but you don't have to go higher in the spring rating. A heavier axle with a weight appropriate set of springs will give you a good ride and a stronger axle.

[Bull_Rider]

We just went through this. Had both tires on the back axle on a 2006 Cougar 30' bumper tow that were wearing on the inside. The passenger side was the worst. One spring on the passenger side had come unpinned, and the spring leaves were no longer stacked vertically. The passenger side rear axle spindle was bent. The RV store said that they have not had good luck bending axles as they seem to be prone to rebend later.

We upgraded both axles from 4500 to 5200 pounds, the axle sets came with new hubs, brakes, bearing, spindles, etc.

The new axles were installed and checked for hanger spacing, all was within specs. Had new springs, shackles, and equalizers installed. ALL of the bolts have grease zerks for greasing the suspension.

The old shackles, equalizers, and spring ends were shot, they should have been replaced four years ago.

So, just a tip to consider replacing the factory suspension components with upgraded, greasable, heavy duty upgrades.

We've put on a thousand miles since last week when we had the axles replaced, and the RV seems to tow much better.

[Huntindog]

69 Avion wrote:
Remember, there is no guarantee that a new axle will be in proper alignment. They should be, but it isn't always the case.

Simple. Check it when you get it.
But it is rare. These are built in jigs on a production line. Unless the jig is damaged some how, it will be right. Now it is possible that it could be bent in shipment, but even that is unlikely.
But the point is, put the money towards an upgrade to keep it from happening again.

[goducks10]

69 Avion wrote:
Remember, there is no guarantee that a new axle will be in proper alignment. They should be, but it isn't always the case.

x2. If they made it crooked the 1st time they could easily do it again.

FWIW I had my axles aligned on a Heartland TT and it was IIRC $195.00 total for both axles. Also the tech guy that did the work commented that the Lippert axles I had were soft, so he put in some extra camber.

[Jayco-noslide]

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]

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]

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]

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.