Thanks Thanks:  0
Likes Likes:  0
Needs Pictures Needs Pictures:  0
Picture(s) thanks Picture(s) thanks:  0
Results 1 to 8 of 8
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Sydney
    Posts
    210

    Default Bending Trailer Axles

    With the change in wheel offset used on most new trailers are they more inclined to bend axles?

    The reason for asking I currently have a bent front square 45mm axle on my trialer and it has late model Ford wheels.

    Looking at it there's more axle outboard of the springs where they use negative offest wheels than on positive offset wheels.

    I realise the wheel sticks out further on the earlier positive offset wheels so the amount of axle/wheel outside the spring is equal but the additional wheel sticking out the end on the earlier one is more flexible and inclined to absorb a hit rather than transfer the impact to the axle.

    Is there any logic in my thinking.

    No doubt Yonee can provide some expert opinion.

    I'm just going to order a new (heavier) axle and replace it.

  2. #2
    Yonnee's Avatar
    Yonnee is offline Trailer Bloke & Mild Mannered Moderator
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    Tooradin, Vic.
    Age
    52
    Posts
    1,318

    Default

    I seriously doubt that just the offset of the wheels is the cause of the axles bending. I do see where you're coming from with more axle overhanging the spring, but the safety margin in the axle rating would compensate for any offset change, and I can't see it changing that radically. Commodore wheels have been used on trailers since the 80's, and their offset is even greater than the post AU Falcon's.
    I would be looking into the supplier of the axle and grade of steel used in its manufactre first.
    Too many projects, so little time, even less money!
    Are you a registered member? Why not? click here to register. It's free and only takes 37 seconds! Doing work around the home? Wander over to our sister site, Renovate Forum, for all your renovation queries.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Sydney
    Posts
    210

    Default

    Thanks Yonnee,

    I know the trailer was used hard as there are marks under it where the suspesion has bottomed out and the shackles have left imprints in the chassis.

    Strange thing is you only notice the bend when the trailer is loaded. Almost like a loose wheel bearing but the bearing is fine on that corner.

    I'll just replace the axle with a new one from a local manufacturer who makes their own that I've used before.

  4. #4
    Yonnee's Avatar
    Yonnee is offline Trailer Bloke & Mild Mannered Moderator
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    Tooradin, Vic.
    Age
    52
    Posts
    1,318

    Default

    The axles will flex under load, so if there's a slight bend, it will be accentuated under load. If the axle's a straight beam, rather than an overlay or drop, you could spin the axle round 180* so that the bend becomes a slight positive camber when unladen.
    Too many projects, so little time, even less money!
    Are you a registered member? Why not? click here to register. It's free and only takes 37 seconds! Doing work around the home? Wander over to our sister site, Renovate Forum, for all your renovation queries.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Sydney
    Posts
    210

    Default

    It's the front axle and has discs.

    Will the calipers mount correctly if spun 180degrees?

    I thought the calliper mounts were angle slightly upwards so the cable ran in a straight line to the tow coupling.

    If they can be spun sounds an easy fix.

    By the way the trailer was built by one of Sydney's biggest trailer outlets so may explain why it bent!

  6. #6
    Yonnee's Avatar
    Yonnee is offline Trailer Bloke & Mild Mannered Moderator
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    Tooradin, Vic.
    Age
    52
    Posts
    1,318

    Default

    Didn't even think of disc brakes.

    Hydraulic calipers will still work, as long as you swap left to right so the bleeder is still at the top. Mechanical centre-pull calipers will also work left/right/front/rear, only standard Mechanical calipers (with the straight lever) need to be orientated on the front of the axle.

    However, if you spin the axle over 180*, then round 180* (so left side becomes right side), then the caliper mounts should still be in the right spot.

    Edit:
    Just re-read your post and realised you have standard Mechanical cable calipers. Some mounts are made to have a slight angle to compensate for the axle not sitting on the springs exactly square to the trailer and some aren't. They will still work. The effectiveness of these brakes is not anything to write home about in any case, so having the angle change slightly wont make a drastic difference. I'm sure, with your skills, you could trim off the mounts, spin them over to restore the original angle.
    Last edited by Yonnee; 24th Mar 2012 at 09:39 AM. Reason: More info.
    Too many projects, so little time, even less money!
    Are you a registered member? Why not? click here to register. It's free and only takes 37 seconds! Doing work around the home? Wander over to our sister site, Renovate Forum, for all your renovation queries.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Sydney
    Posts
    210

    Default

    Yonnee,

    Thanks for the reply.

    A bit slow responding as I was away for the weekend.

    I'll try spinning and rolling the axle. It's only 8 nuts to undo and the brake cable.

    I agree the brakes are pretty poor but at least they keep working and don't corrode up without you knowing.

    A little positive camber will most likely flatten out a bit with a load on it.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Sydney
    Posts
    210

    Default

    A 50 tonne press makes short work of a bent axle!

    The front axle is now pointing in the right diresction.

    Only took around 20 moinutes to make it point int the right directon.

    Once fitted it now shows the rear axle is also bent.

    Looks like next weekend's task.

    'Good opportunity to chat with a good mate.

Similar Threads

  1. Stub axles and using RHS for the axle
    By surfin in forum TRAILERS & OTHER FABRICATED STUFF
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 3rd Jul 2010, 12:58 PM
  2. 6 stud toyota stub axles for trailer
    By YarrD in forum TRAILERS & OTHER FABRICATED STUFF
    Replies: 35
    Last Post: 10th Aug 2009, 11:59 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •