How To Replace Trailer Axles
Related Question
How do you measure a trailer axle for replacement?
First, if you are replacing the axle then you can measure the one you have. Measure from the center of one spring seat to the center of the other spring seat. Then measure from hub face to hub face. via
How long does it take to change a trailer axle?
This would be if you had an assistant. If the leaf spring stack is below the axle then it will take a little longer because you will need to also remove the leaf spring stack so the axle can come down. Again without any problems it should take no more than an hour including putting the new one on. via
Why do trailer axles break?
The reason axles have an upward arc to them is so that when a load is placed on them they straighten out and your tires run evenly. When the inside of the tread on your tires wears on the inside that is a good indication that you are overloading the axle which is causing it to bend down too much. via
Can I upgrade my trailer axles?
It's definitely possible to upgrade a trailer's axle rating to a higher rating by just swapping the axles. To pick out the correct axle you'll need to measure the distance between the hub faces and the spring seat centers and you'll know which will fit as a replacement. via
How do I find out my trailer axle rating?
To find the load capacity for your axle you should look on the trailer VIN plate or sticker that lists the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that will list the weight capacity. via
Where should the axles be on a trailer?
When positioning a trailer axle or adding an additional axle, the key is to make sure that the axles are located in just the right position so that roughly 10 to 15 percent of the total trailer weight is placed on the tongue. via
How do you know if your trailer axle is bad?
In the case of a multi-axle trailer, you are looking for all of the bulges of the tires to make contact with the straightedge, or to be very close, say within 1/8″. If there are larger gaps between the bulges & the straightedge, it indicates a bent axle, a bent spindle, or a bent wheel. via
How do you straighten a trailer axle? (video)
Can you replace spindles on a trailer?
To replace a spindle, the old one would need to be cut off, and the new one welded into place. This is NOT a job for the do-it-yourselfer. The new spindle must be absolutely square with the axle in order to prevent premature tire wear and wheel tracking problems. via
Can a bent trailer axle be straightened?
With welding skills and attention to detail, axle repair is possible. It is, however, important to weld the axle after straightening it in a step-by-step manner to prevent the axle from warping. Repairing less durable, square-tube axles is not recommended. via
Can you pull a trailer with a bent axle?
So the only thing you are doing wrong is pulling around a trailer with a bent axle. Axles can be bent from a number of things. The most common is over loading. I guess hitting a pothole at high speed could bend it, but I would think it would take out the front axle first. via
What do trailer axles do?
Axles are the central shafts for rotating a wheel or gear. An axle can be attached directly to the wheel to rotate them. An axle can also be just fixed to the vehicle and the wheels of the vehicle spin around the axle. Now even on a normal vehicle, axles have to be running smoothly for the car to actually move. via
Can I put a heavier axle on my trailer?
Yes, you can get a different axle for a trailer. However, you will also need to upgrade the suspension and the tires and wheels. Also, the trailer frame may need additional support. via
Can I add a second axle to my trailer?
You could add a second axle to a trailer that doubles its axle capacity but this does not ensure the other parts of the trailer, such as its frame or coupler, have that same doubled capacity. via
Can I put bigger axle on my trailer?
It boils down to: Yes you can put bigger axles under your trailer to eliminate axle strain and improve the axle capacity. via
What is axle weight for trailer?
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is the most distributed weight the axle of a vehicle can support. Typically, the GAWR will include FR to indicate front axles or RR to indicate rear axles. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the most weight allowed of both your trailer and cargo. via
How many pounds is a 5 lug axle?
Technically, a trailer rated for 10,000 lbs can have 5 lug hubs. They are most common on 3,500 lb axles but can be used on the rare 4,000 lb axles as well. You could have a gooseneck or 5th wheel trailer with the 10,000 lb capacity and tandem axle 5 lug axles because the tongue weight can carry the rest. via
How long can a single axle trailer be?
The length depends on state. In California, the total length is usually 65 feet. The trailer length is 28 feet 6 inches and the motorized house length is 40 feet (38 feet if the trailer has a single-axle fifth wheel, and 40 feet if there are two or more axle fifth wheel). via
Should a trailer be level when towing?
When towing, trailers should be level to improve stability, braking performance, and ground clearance. A level trailer will prevent poor towing characteristics, like sway, and uneven tire wear. If a trailer level is not possible the next best option is to have the trailer nose down a little. via
Where do you put the axles on a 16 foot trailer?
For example, if the trailers frames length is 16 feet, then the center-line location for the equalizer hanger will be 10.8 feet from the front of the trailer and 6.4 feet from the back. This is where to start with when picking out axle locations for a tandem axle trailer. via
How much weight can a 3500 axle carry?
The carrying capacity of two 3,500 pound axles is 7,000 pounds. The axles support not only the cargo's weight but also the weight of the trailer's frame and body. via
How do you check for a bent axle?
Vibrations may be accompanied by an unusual rumbling noise underneath the vehicle, strange tire wobbling, or sluggish driving and steering, which may indicate a bent axle. Vibrations may be particularly noticeable during accelerations, decelerations, or turns. via
How do I know if my torsion axle is bent? (video)
How long do trailer suspension units last?
Trailers of this general design can last for 10 or more years even if stored out of doors - the sides, base and all suspension steelwork is galvanised - except for the most highly stressed parts of the suspension units themselves. via
Should a trailer axle be bent?
Should Trailer Axle Be Bowed Down in Middle A trailer axle should actually be bowed upwards in the middle and not downwards. When the trailer is loaded with your boat, that upward bow will flatten out and your tires will make even contact with the ground. via
Can you fix a bent axle?
Can A Bent Axle Be Repaired? In most cases a bent axle cannot be repaired and must be replaced. A bad axle will lead to other damage to your vehicle down the line. So it's critical that the axle be in great condition to avoid other costly repairs. via
How do you know if your trailer spindle is bent?
Assuming your tires are in good shape without any bulges the easiest way to determine if you have a bent spindle is to take a straight edge that is longer than the tire and lay it across the tire parallel with your trailer frame and then measure the distance from the frame to the straight edge in front and back of the via
Can I weld a new spindle on trailer axle?
Most spindles are welded to the axle tube. Each new spindle addition must be installed securely and absolutely square with the trailer axle. If it is off by any amount, wheel tracking problems and premature tire wear are imminent. via
What happens when a trailer bearing fails?
A wheel bearing failure can have serious consequences if it occurs while driving at highway speeds and the vehicle loses a wheel. That's why the wheel bearings should always be inspected for looseness or roughness when the brakes are serviced. via
How do you know if your spindles are bad?
You can tell if a mower deck spindle is bad by noticing uneven cuts, squealing, and vibration. Having bent or broken parts is another way to know if the spindle is going out. As soon as you notice these signs, it is critical to discontinue use and change the spindle immediately. via
Can you bend a torsion axle?
Expert Reply: This would all depend on where the bend is located. If the torsion bar that connects the frame brackets together is bent, then you would need to buy a new axle. However, if the spindle on the torsion axle is bent, you can replace it. via
Can you straighten a bent ATV axle?
You can also use a service like: Quad Axle Straighteners: Repair Bent ATV Axles. Way cheaper than buying a new one, but you may be able to find a used straight one for less than having it straightened. via
Why does my trailer bounce at low speed?
Numerous factors can cause trailer bounce. Improper tire pressure, oversized trailer tires, stiff suspension, improper load balance or tongue length combined with the position of the axle can all be culprits. via
Why do my trailer tires keep blowing out?
A lot of trailer tire blowouts are a result of heat build up that causes the tire to fail. There are several things that can cause too much heat to build up but the main two most likely suspects are overloading the trailer and/or under inflated tires. Light truck or passenger vehicle tires should not be used. via
Why do my trailer tires wear so fast?
That said, rapid or significantly uneven trailer tire wear can be caused by: Riding with the wrong tire pressure. Exceeding your tires' load capacity. Trailer misalignment or bent wheels from hitting curbs, potholes or debris. via