Post by Chuck on Oct 28, 2017 13:08:35 GMT -5
Since a number of us have Dexter axles an limited number have MorRyde this is more about Dexter axles, but could apply
for that matter for any axles mounted below the springs
It is not to scare anyone into running out an check their axles in fear they are loose or there is a problem. But I have read
now in a few other web sites about axle problems with large an small trailers alike an thought it would be a good idea
to post something about such on this site. I have checked mine sometime back an they were right on track, torqued
to 78lbs
So a group of us were talking several days ago about a possible problem, we think the problem is that the axles and springs
come assembled from a axle MFG like Dexter or a the trailer MFG torqued to whatever they torque them to from the axle
MFG like Dexter.
The problem may be that the springs are curved and without load on them, which would flatten the curve some, and once the
trailer is built and the springs are loaded and straighter, the nuts may be loose.
We believe they the trailer MFG should have re-torquing the axle nuts at the trailer MFG plant once the trailer is completed, but
is this being done, none of us were sure, we all believed they would but few had ever checked to make sure.
Note: This is only a problem with axles mounted below the springs
We know that the pins that holds the springs together can snapped off if loose which would allowed the springs on either
side to slide back depending on which side snaps. Once this happens one axle will going one way while the other will going the
other way.
So while discussing this we all agreed that If you have a rear tire wore really fast on the inside edge you may have either a loose
wheel bearing which of course will cause this type of problem, rear shackle bolts have spun and bent the flanges or a loose axles
bolts which are supposed to be tightened between 75 to 80 foot pounds. I was sort of ahead of the game so to speak since
I had already check our axles bolts right after we bought our new trailer home. But I called Dexter to make sure because we have
7000pd Dexter axles and they confirmed 70-80 ft lb, I also confirmed such at the Kz rally this past summer an re-check such
while they were there looking at our trailer ...
When you do maintenance or have any reason to be under the trailer take a good look at the the spring packs if any look like
they are not uniform then you should have a closer look. Commonly a broken center bolt allows the springs to move some so
you can see they are not uniform or you will see rust between edges of the leafs.
This is the link for the Dexter manual, and on page 67 is the torques for the suspension fasteners. The torque for the u-bolts,
the 1/2" U-Bolt, is 70-80 Ft Lbs. www.dexteraxle.com/docs/default-source/default-document-library/light-duty-suspensions479b809d2ba463c18d7aff64007a4014.pdf?sfvrsn=0
Again this not to scare anyone, but it may be a good Idea when doing your PDI to have the tech check such, I'm going to
add it my PDI list for sure
Safe Travels
Chuck & Hildi
for that matter for any axles mounted below the springs
It is not to scare anyone into running out an check their axles in fear they are loose or there is a problem. But I have read
now in a few other web sites about axle problems with large an small trailers alike an thought it would be a good idea
to post something about such on this site. I have checked mine sometime back an they were right on track, torqued
to 78lbs
So a group of us were talking several days ago about a possible problem, we think the problem is that the axles and springs
come assembled from a axle MFG like Dexter or a the trailer MFG torqued to whatever they torque them to from the axle
MFG like Dexter.
The problem may be that the springs are curved and without load on them, which would flatten the curve some, and once the
trailer is built and the springs are loaded and straighter, the nuts may be loose.
We believe they the trailer MFG should have re-torquing the axle nuts at the trailer MFG plant once the trailer is completed, but
is this being done, none of us were sure, we all believed they would but few had ever checked to make sure.
Note: This is only a problem with axles mounted below the springs
We know that the pins that holds the springs together can snapped off if loose which would allowed the springs on either
side to slide back depending on which side snaps. Once this happens one axle will going one way while the other will going the
other way.
So while discussing this we all agreed that If you have a rear tire wore really fast on the inside edge you may have either a loose
wheel bearing which of course will cause this type of problem, rear shackle bolts have spun and bent the flanges or a loose axles
bolts which are supposed to be tightened between 75 to 80 foot pounds. I was sort of ahead of the game so to speak since
I had already check our axles bolts right after we bought our new trailer home. But I called Dexter to make sure because we have
7000pd Dexter axles and they confirmed 70-80 ft lb, I also confirmed such at the Kz rally this past summer an re-check such
while they were there looking at our trailer ...
When you do maintenance or have any reason to be under the trailer take a good look at the the spring packs if any look like
they are not uniform then you should have a closer look. Commonly a broken center bolt allows the springs to move some so
you can see they are not uniform or you will see rust between edges of the leafs.
This is the link for the Dexter manual, and on page 67 is the torques for the suspension fasteners. The torque for the u-bolts,
the 1/2" U-Bolt, is 70-80 Ft Lbs. www.dexteraxle.com/docs/default-source/default-document-library/light-duty-suspensions479b809d2ba463c18d7aff64007a4014.pdf?sfvrsn=0
Again this not to scare anyone, but it may be a good Idea when doing your PDI to have the tech check such, I'm going to
add it my PDI list for sure
Safe Travels
Chuck & Hildi
