Methods to Remove Trapped Water Inside AL-KO Axle Beam
Published 12/20/2017
Question:
Hi, I have a utility trailer with an AL-KO 5200-pound axle. It has been parked outside its entire 9-year life. I was recently inspecting the electric brake wire running through the axle and when I pulled the wire out of its hole in the axle, it was wet to the point where Im sure there is standing water in the axle. Is this normal and should I drill one or two small drain holes in the bottom of the axle? Thank you!
asked by: Jay S
Expert Reply:
It seems that water will always find a way to get into any place that can contain it, including an axle tube that has seen lots of exposure to the elements. This is not at all unusual.
I do not recommend drilling drainage holes into the axle since this has the potential to weaken the tube or at least affect its warranty. Instead I can suggest a couple of non-destructive methods to get that water out.
One is to insert some cotton cloth or other wicking material to let gravity draw out the moisture. This will certainly be best done in warm weather when there is no chance of any of that water being frozen inside the axle beam. This will not be a fast process.
Another method is to apply high pressure air to one of the openings in the axle to blow the water out of the hole on the other end. If you have a compressor or portable air tank this will be the quickest fix.
The other option is to jack up one side of the trailer for a period of time to let the standing water drain.
Of course, you can also tow the trailer for a few miles to allow that water to drain out from the normal motion of the trailer and axle.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Trailer Axle w/ Electric Brakes - Easy Grease - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 89" Long - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Axles
- Leaf Spring Suspension
- Standard Grade
- Electric Brakes
- 3500 lbs
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- 74 Inch Spring Center
- 89 Inch Hub Face
- No Drop or Lift
- etrailer
more information >
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