Can I 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.
How do I know if my camper axle is bent?
If there are larger gaps between the bulges & the straightedge, it indicates a bent axle, a bent spindle, or a bent wheel. (Check for a bent wheel by jacking the tire off the ground and giving it a spin. If it’s bent, you’ll see it wobbling) You can sort of read those gaps to identify what the problem is.)
Should a trailer axle be bent?
Expert Reply: While trailer axles do feature an upward bend like you are describing, there isn’t a particular amount/measurement that is standard across the board. This bend in the axle is designed so that it will straighten under a trailer’s loaded capacity.
Can bent axles be fixed?
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.
What causes a trailer axle to bend?
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.
What causes a bent axle on a trailer?
This can occur during an auto accident, running over a curb, or even hitting a particularly deep pothole at higher speeds. The result is a bent axle. A badly bent axle will quickly cause damage to CV joints, and it’s possible to damage your wheel hubs, bearings and other components.
How do you check a trailer axle alignment?
You can check axle alignment by measuring from the center of the coupler back diagonally to the center of one of the wheels. Then take the same measurement to the other wheel center. They should be identical or within 1/8 of an inch, give or take 1/16 of an inch.
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 …
What’s the best way to straighten a bent trailer axle?
With a grinder that has a thin, metal-cutting blade, cut into the bulge, going halfway around the axle. Lay a hardwood block on the cut and use a heavy shop hammer to drive the cut closed. This takes several sharp blows to accomplish.
Is it necessary to replace an axle in a trailer?
by Jack Hathcoat. Most trailers that are constructed for consumer use have tubular steel axles. They are easily bent during an uncontrolled skid or collision. Fortunately, replacing the axle is not necessary unless it is extensively damaged. With welding skills and attention to detail, axle repair is possible.
How big is the axle on Keystone RV?
Keystone had me take it to another shop and they told Keystone the axle was bent 2 feet in from that wheel. They claimed that I hit something with it.
Why is my trailer axle not correct RV Doctor?
I’m guessing it’s something peculiar to your trailer and that axle. Something in that alignment is just not correct. Of course, I know you’re already aware of that! In all instances, every effort is made to ensure the correctness of all content on the RV Doctor Website.
Is it normal for trailer axles to bend?
My trailer axle has a little bend on it when empty Its bent up. So the outside of the tire is getting a little more warn then the inside Is that normal? Could it be when you put weight it straightens to what its suspose to be? If not Im looking for a new axle. I have a 6×12.
Keystone had me take it to another shop and they told Keystone the axle was bent 2 feet in from that wheel. They claimed that I hit something with it.
How to find out if your trailer axle is properly installed?
Couple things…I’m attaching some Dexter Axle info sheets that may help your shop determine if that axle is indeed installed properly. There’s an info sheet plus an installation guide. Also, you can request the actual service manual for your axles by going to this page on the Dexter site.
I’m guessing it’s something peculiar to your trailer and that axle. Something in that alignment is just not correct. Of course, I know you’re already aware of that! In all instances, every effort is made to ensure the correctness of all content on the RV Doctor Website.