shadows4
Kansas City, Mo
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Hey guys, I have a question some of you might be able to answer.
I had a bent axle replaced by a local company. The trailer tows fine and braking is good. I had them replace the springs and brakes all around. So the only thing original is the front axle. I thought it looked a little off but told myself it was all in my head.
Got under the trailer today and the new axle is 1/2 inch narrower than the original. You can see it on the drivers side. The curb side is lined up like it should be. Is this going to be a problem down the road? Thanks.
2003 4X4 F350,CC,SB,Lariat,7.3L diesel, 223,000 miles
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TenOC
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shadows4 wrote:H
Got under the trailer today and the new axle is 1/2 inch narrower than the original.
Diameter or length????
Please give me enough troubles, uncertainty, problems, obstacles and STRESS so that I do not become arrogant, proud, and smug in my own abilities, and enough blessings and good times that I realize that someone else is in charge of my life.
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JRscooby
Indepmo
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TenOC wrote:shadows4 wrote:H
Got under the trailer today and the new axle is 1/2 inch narrower than the original.
Diameter or length????
Might want to think about that question;
Quote: You can see it on the drivers side. The curb side is lined up like it should be. Is this going to be a problem down the road? Thanks.
First, it is normal for axles to walk side to each as you turn. I would think if you stopped to check while going in straight line both axles should be centered. This would worry me. And I would not be satisfied if I paid for new axle installed and did not match.
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shadows4
Kansas City, Mo
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TenOC wrote:shadows4 wrote:H
Got under the trailer today and the new axle is 1/2 inch narrower than the original.
Diameter or length????
The axle is 1/2 inch shorter in length.
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MFL
Midwest
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Not many replies John, likely due to lack of alignment specialists. I can only offer a few thoughts. Are the hangers possibly bent/damaged, since the original axle was bent? Axles are normally bent upwards, with the peak in the center. If this peak differs front axle to rear axle, that would bother me. I would be happier if the new axle was 1/4 inch short on each end, making the axle bend, more centered. In this case, I'd say it won't matter long term.
I can't answer your question "will it matter", but if mine, I would search out an actual tech for correct info, to satisfy my perfectionist obsession. ![[emoticon]](https://forums.goodsamclub.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/smile.gif "smile")
Jerry
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nickthehunter
Midwest
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As long as the two axles are in alignment with the trailer frame and with each other, a 1/2 inch difference in length won’t matter one bit. This assumes the springs are mounted the same difference apart on both tubes (within an 1/8 or so).
If you want an expert opinion, call Dexter axle on Monday.
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fj12ryder
Platte City, MO
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I agree that a 1/2 inch isn't going to affect anything. Centered up, that amounts to 1/4" per side. Just can't see any issues with that.
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JRscooby
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fj12ryder wrote:I agree that a 1/2 inch isn't going to affect anything. Centered up, that amounts to 1/4" per side. Just can't see any issues with that.
Yes, "centered up", that's not much. But OTOH,
Quote: You can see it on the drivers side. The curb side is lined up like it should be.
Makes me wonder about how well it is centered? But even worse, if they where sloppy at getting it centered, how close was acceptable when it comes to making sure the axles are running true to each other and frame?
If axles where same length, measure center to center on each end, the numbers should be same. And that would work out if the centers of both axles and kingpin where on same line. But I would think axle center 1/4 inch off that line would show up as tire wear in relative few miles. (Look at toe in measurements for your TV, and how fast tire wear shows up if that's off. That's 2 tires pushing against each other. Would be better with 2 pair fighting?
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wing_zealot
East of the Mississippi
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Just who is the "they" you are referring to? There are 3 people involved here.
1) The axle manufacturer welded the spring perches to the axle.
2) The trailer frame manufacturer welded the spring shackles to the trailer's frame.
3) All the installer of the new axle did was remove a few bolts, swap out the axle, and re-install the bolts. Any teenager with the right wrenches could take the old bolts out and put them back in (even torque them correctly).
So who is the incompetent "they" guy you are inferring to?
* This post was
edited 04/24/23 07:21am by an administrator/moderator *
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fj12ryder
Platte City, MO
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JRscooby wrote:fj12ryder wrote:I agree that a 1/2 inch isn't going to affect anything. Centered up, that amounts to 1/4" per side. Just can't see any issues with that.
Yes, "centered up", that's not much. But OTOH,
Quote: You can see it on the drivers side. The curb side is lined up like it should be.
Makes me wonder about how well it is centered? But even worse, if they where sloppy at getting it centered, how close was acceptable when it comes to making sure the axles are running true to each other and frame?
If axles where same length, measure center to center on each end, the numbers should be same. And that would work out if the centers of both axles and kingpin where on same line. But I would think axle center 1/4 inch off that line would show up as tire wear in relative few miles. (Look at toe in measurements for your TV, and how fast tire wear shows up if that's off. That's 2 tires pushing against each other. Would be better with 2 pair fighting? Actually I can't see any harm with a 1/2" short on one side, as long as the axle is parallel to the other axle and straight and true. The tires aren't going to care whether they're directly in line with the one in front of it. No reason to think there would be any tire wear at all. It's way different from front end of a car/truck. Different story if the axles is incorrectly aligned, or bent.
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