How to Check for a Bent Trailer Axle Spindle

Question

Question:

Other than by looking, is there a way to measure or determine with some level of precision if a welded on spindle is bent? I think maybe I can take a carpenters speed square and put it on the spindle and the other side against the brake drum backing plate and that will give me a pretty good idea if its bent. Any ideas? Thanks.

asked by: Mark

0

Expert Reply:

Assuming your tires are in good shape without any bulges the easiest way to determine if you have a bent spindle is to take a straight edge that is longer than the tire and lay it across the tire parallel with your trailer frame and then measure the distance from the frame to the straight edge in front and back of the tire. If the distance is the same then the spindle isn't bent.

Beyond that your best option would be to take the trailer to someone qualified in trailer repair to have them check the spindle alignment.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Greg D.

2/6/2020

I have a Midwest boat trailer that keeps wearing the inside tread of the right tire only left side wears perfect, I do have a kicker motor on the right rear of my boat any thoughts, my thinking is that the axle must be bent is there any way of checking this

Reply

Jacob H.

2/7/2020

There's a few different things that could be going on. You could have a bent spindle which is most commonly caused by curbing or overloading. The bearings could be going out on the right side which would cause the inside of the tire to wear unevenly. And lastly your axle may be bent. To check if your bearings are going out, you will need to lift the tire off of the ground and if there is any movement side to side then that means that there is play in the bearings and they need to be replaced. To check the spindles you can take both wheels of and compare the right side to the left and make sure they are at the same angle. Lastly, checking if your axle is bent you will need to take the wheels off and make sure the axle is level and sitting on level ground. You will then take a measurement from the ground to the end of the spindle. If the measurements are different, it means that your axle is bent.

Reply

Answer 1

Thanks for the information and picture James! Your Curt 5,100 lbs capacity axle uses item #25580 inner bearings and item #LM67048 outer bearings. So you would need the Bearing Kit item #BK3-300, which includes both bearings, along with both races, a…

view full answer...

Answer 2

If the trailer wheels scrubbed (dragged and scrapped the ground instead of rolling) when jack knifed then it could have thrown something out of alignment or damaged something. First, inspect the suspension. Look for any elongated holes where…

view full answer...

Answer 3

Hey Roland, thanks for reaching out! Overslung axles are a special order situation and we unfortunately only have standard axles here at etrailer. With that being said, you can order a standard axle that meets your specs and then use the Dexter…

view full answer...

Answer 4

Thanks for reaching out, Doran! The toggle switch for your FIC-ETJ3500 is pretty unique and it looks like for a direct replacement you'll need to reach out to FIC Jack Services directly at 1-877-957-1501. You might consider looking at and…

view full answer...

Answer 5

Hi there Andy; thanks for that info, and while we don't have 3,500 lb axles that are 86-1/2 inches long, we do have a 5,200 lb option with the Dexter Trailer Axle Beam #8327816. The spring center you mention is an odd one, as the #8327816 has…

view full answer...

Answer 6

Trailer axles will typically have the bend in the axle beam so that when the trailer is loaded down, the beam will flatten out causing the tire treads to make full contact with the pavement. If straight axle beams are used, the wheels could get into…

view full answer...

Answer 7

I reached out to MORryde for you and obtained the information that you requested for the MORryde X-Factor Crossmember Adapter Kit for Drop Down Applications part #MR43WR. I assume you're trying to clear some sort of drain line and if that's…

view full answer...

Answer 8

I recommend going with the Polar Wide Bracket Strap Hinge #PLR2008-AS. The strap is 8 inches long and has 3 holes to install on the door as well as 3 mounting holes on the bracket. The hinge is also made out of aluminum so it will have superior…

view full answer...

Answer 9

Thanks for the photo and it looks like you need a T-strap hinge; we don't have anything specifically for a 1993 Sooner trailer but you may be able to use the T-Strap Hinge #PLR3408. The mounting holes on this are 3-1/4" center to center and…

view full answer...

Answer 10

According to my research, your Sure-Trac ST8216TAT-B-070 trailer has 7,000-lbs axles like the Dexter Trailer Axle Beam with E-Z Lube Spindles #8327864. However to pick the correct axle for your trailer, you are going to need to measure from spring…

view full answer...

Answer 11

You can use leaf springs that are rated higher than the axle without any issues as long as they measure the correct measurement for your trailer. For example the 6-leaf double eye spring for 7,000 lb axles part #e64SR measures 24-7/8" eye to…

view full answer...

Answer 12

I contacted MORryde and this does happen from time to time as the weight of the trailer can spread out the axles due to downward pressure on the springs/suspension. Odds are the 35" wheel base #MR27ZR will be the correct one for you, but they…

view full answer...

How to Check for a Bent Trailer Axle Spindle

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Continue Researching