Troubleshooting Uneven Trailer Tire Wear on Torsion Axle Trailer

Updated 02/24/2017 | Published 02/23/2017

Question:

I have Dexter torsion axle and am getting excessive wear on the inside tread. Axle is 3500lb and trailer is never overloaded. I have checked the bearing and they are fine. Can you point at anything for me to check axle is 7 years old, I have changed tires and the problem persists.

asked by: Al

Helpful Expert Reply:

The usual cause for trailer tires to wear more on the inside edges is indeed overloading. But if your 3500-lb torsion axle has not been overloaded then the most likely cause is a bent spindle (bent upwards, allowing the inside of the tire tread surface to make more contact with the road). If your bearings are not fully seated and if the hub is not secured with appropriate tension then this could allow enough play for the weight on the hub/spindle to tip the hubs/wheels/tires out of level.

If the internal rubber cords in your torsion axle are deteriorated (suffering what is know as torsion creep) then this too could cause the alignment issue. If you can see any of the axle's internal rubber cords exposed then the axle should be replaced. The longest life from a torsion axle is generally 10 years maximum, so a well-used 7-year-old axle could indeed be shot.

expert reply by: Adam R