No, bent axles are definitely a bad sign. If you're looking for a cheap and cheerful way to check for straightness, get a laser pointer. If you set it next to axle on one end, you can run a reflector right down the axle and see that the dot isn't moving relative to the hopefully straight axle.
Full Answer
Are Dexter 3500 Axles installed upside down on a dump trailer?
I purchased a new load trail 7,000 pd dump trailer with 2 Dexter 3500 axles. After 8 times of not hard use both axles bent bad. I took it to the dealer & they think the axles were installed upside down because the actual etching stamp is on the bottom of axle tubes upside down.
What size axle do I need for my trailer?
If your trailer loaded will weigh right at 3,000 lbs when loaded a 3,500 lb axle would be a great option. If you decide to keep the axle you have you can get back to me with the bearing numbers from your current hub and I will help you find the correct bearings you need. I attached a link to a page that has all of the bearings we offer as well.
Are axles supposed to bend upward or downward?
I'm assuming the axles are bending downward? Axles, when mounted properly, will have a slight upward arc in them, which is designed to level out once weight is added to the trailer.
Why are the axles on a trailer cambered?
Most trailer axles are cambered. These axles used to be straight and the inner shoulder of the tire wore out when the rest of the tire still had 50% tread. Now the axles are cambered so the tires should wear evenly. This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread.
How do you straighten a bent trailer axle?
0:544:25Fixed My Bent Trailer Axles 1000 Miles From Home With a JackYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I'm at a Harbor Freight that I found I'm some put a pole Jack runner there pump. It up and see.MoreSo I'm at a Harbor Freight that I found I'm some put a pole Jack runner there pump. It up and see. If we can't get it fixed. I mean at least get it better than how it is now.
How do you bend back a trailer axle?
0:042:38Straighten bent trailer axle with a Porta Power hydraulic ram - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen this hydraulic ram will actually expand ol bend it shut.MoreThen this hydraulic ram will actually expand ol bend it shut.
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.
How do you know if your trailer axle is bent?
0:542:19How to check your trailer axle if it's bent or skewed because of worn tiresYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd as you see. It's got a gap. And it closes up. And as I turn the axle down. Here. So if you everMoreAnd as you see. It's got a gap. And it closes up. And as I turn the axle down. Here. So if you ever go by an axle on new axle because yours is bent make sure you bring your tires. And your hubs.
Can you drive a trailer with 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. It can also damage the mounting flange where it attaches to the differential (in a rear-wheel drive vehicle), and possibly cause internal damage to the differential gearing.
What causes a trailer axle to bend?
When the trailer is under load, the axle's weight pushes down, making the axles straighter, and the tires sit flat; this helps increase the tire's contact surface, even weight distribution, tire wear, and alignment. Without the Camber, the axle might sag when under load, increasing additional wear on the inner tread.
How much does it cost to fix a bent axle?
On average, you can expect it to cost between $880 and $959 to replace your car axle shaft, depending on the type of car you drive and which axle is broken. However, it's possible that you'll just need to repair your axle rather than replace it.
How do you square a trailer axle?
7:1611:35HOW TO ACCURATELY PLACE AND SQUARE TRAILER AXLES ] Step ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo that it's pretty centered in your hanger. So make sure your axle is perfect again side to sideMoreSo that it's pretty centered in your hanger. So make sure your axle is perfect again side to side from your frame. Go back and measure from the end of your spindle. Back to your hitch again.
Can you flip a trailer axle?
If your trailer travels securely on the road at all times, flipping the axles will not be a cause for concern. But if your trailer is sensitive to sway or has stability issues even on a good day, flipping the axles may not be such a good idea until the root cause of the poor ride has been fixed.
What does a bent axle feel like?
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.
Are trailer axles supposed to be bowed?
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.
How do I strengthen my trailer axle?
1:366:52No Welding! Flip Your Utility Trailer Axle Right - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd some washers and some lock nuts. That's all you're going to need to complete this project let'sMoreAnd some washers and some lock nuts. That's all you're going to need to complete this project let's see how it works the first step is going to be to put the trailer up on blocks.
Can a rear axle be straightened?
A bent axle can be straightened. It is a common belief that a bent rear housing means you must buy a new rear end but that is not the case! It really depends on the severity of the damage.
How do you square a trailer axle?
7:1611:35HOW TO ACCURATELY PLACE AND SQUARE TRAILER AXLES ] Step ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo that it's pretty centered in your hanger. So make sure your axle is perfect again side to sideMoreSo that it's pretty centered in your hanger. So make sure your axle is perfect again side to side from your frame. Go back and measure from the end of your spindle. Back to your hitch again.
How do you adjust a trailer axle alignment?
3:5515:13How To Align Your Trailer Axles with Lippert Correct Track - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow as you rotate this you're gonna move this is the hanger for the leaf spring as you rotate it youMoreNow as you rotate this you're gonna move this is the hanger for the leaf spring as you rotate it you're gonna move your leaf spring forward or aft okay.
Can you flip a trailer axle?
If your trailer travels securely on the road at all times, flipping the axles will not be a cause for concern. But if your trailer is sensitive to sway or has stability issues even on a good day, flipping the axles may not be such a good idea until the root cause of the poor ride has been fixed.
Why are trailer axles cambered?
Most trailer axles are cambered. These axles used to be straight and the inner shoulder of the tire wore out when the rest of the tire still had 50% tread. Now the axles are cambered so the tires should wear evenly. 1 - 19 of 19 Posts.
Can you weld a bent axle?
If it's your spindles that are bent, they're hardened I think and should be replaced, diff story if it's the axle itself, you can always weld it beefier.
Do new axles guarantee a new axle?
New axles would be the guaranteed, no fawking around answer. You will get exactly what you need.
Can you use a jack to truss a trailer axle?
I have heard of people using a jack with a load or some form of pressure on the trailer to hold it down while using the jack to apply pressure to the axle then using a piece of angle iron to truss the axle afterwards. The best way would be to replace the axles though since they have a bow to them factory and are not perfectly straight to begin with.
Why do trailer axles have bows?
If you have axles that are rated for considerably more than what the trailer will ever have loaded then the bow will be too extreme and tire wear issues will arise.
What is the difference between a 4 way trailer connector and a 7 way trailer connector?
What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer… view full answer...
What is the difference between a Class II and Class III hitch?
What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch? The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to… view full answer...
Is camber on torsion axles abnormal?
A slight positive camber on torsion axles isn't abnormal and like with a standard axle is by design. Once the trailer is loaded up this will be corrected. 60198
Do you need a 5th wheel hitch in a short bed truck?
Do I Have to Have a Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch in a Short Bed Truck You do not have to use a sliding 5th wheel hitch in a short bed truck. In many cases, truck beds shorter than 8 ft do not have enough clearance between the trailer and truck to execute sharp turns. This is why sliding hitches were invented. Due to… view full answer...
