What Bearings are Needed for 3,500 lb Tandem Axles?

Updated 07/28/2017 | Published 07/27/2017

Question:

I have a 6.5 x 16 Landscape trailer that has tandem 3500 lb axles. The only information I can get from the Manufacturer is that it was built with tandem 3500 lb Tie Down Engineering axles. I want to replace all the bearings but want to figure out what bearing kit I need for them before I rip it all apart. Is there anyway of finding out? Also they said it has brakes on both axles, but when I check only the forward axle brakes lockup. What could be causing this? Could it be that only 1 axle has brakes? How would I go about finding this out. Thanks

asked by: Warren K

Expert Reply:

The bearing in the photo shows a Timken M12659, which does not match any of the bearings we offer. You would need to find out the number of the other bearing as well, and knowing those along with your axle capacity should lead you to the correct kit for your trailer.

As for your brakes, it is possible for only one of the axles to have brakes on it, and on a tandem axle trailer the brakes are likely to be on the forward axle, which is the one you described as locking up. To find out which axle has brakes you would need to remove the hub and drums. There are many reasons why trailer brakes could lock up, but I'd need to know more about what type of brakes you have. If you let me know I'd be happy to troubleshoot the problem with you.

expert reply by: Kyle S