How To Tell Apart 5,200 lb, 6,000 lb and 7,000 Axles

Question

Question:

Have a pair of unknown axles, 8 lug 12x2 brakes, Inner bearing 25580, outer 14125A. How can identify the capacity which they are without the numbers?

asked by: Aaron

0

Expert Reply:

As you may have already found, 5200 lb, 6000 lb and 7000 lb axles can all use the same components including inner/outer bearings, hubs and brakes. Here are some other things they share in common:

Dexter 5200 lb Regular Duty Axle
- 0.180 inch tube thickness
- 6 or 8 lug
- white brake magnet wire # BP01-180

Dexter 6K Heavy Duty Axle
- 0.250 inch tube thickness
- 6 or 8 lug
- white brake magnet wire # BP01-180

Dexter 7K Heavy Duty Axle
- 0.250 inch tube thickness
- 8 lug
- black brake magnet wire # BP01-225

The only way to determine the capacity of your axle for certain is by the serial number since you could technically have a 5200 lb or 6000 lb axle with the heavier duty brakes intended for the 7000 lb axles.

On Dexter axles like the one in the picture I have attached, the serial number will be engraved on the back side of the tube on the passenger side or near the center if manufactured after April 2001. An old trick is to use baby powder or flour on the axle so the numbers are easier to read.

If you can find the serial number I will be able to tell you the exact capacity of your axle.

expert reply by: Carla M

0

click to enlarge

Paul K.

2/25/2024

s/n 212278505

Mike L.

2/27/2024

@PaulK You have a Dexter 6000 lb capacity axle that has a 93 inch hub face to hub face distance and a spring center to spring center dimension of 78 inches. Hope that helps!

Carleton S.

3/4/2026

Just in case you had your eyes shut ! Did you notice that the the serial number is on a metal tag attached to the axle, not engraved into the axle as you stated. What if that tag is missing?

Robin H.

3/5/2026

@CarletonS yeah, the serial number is on the metal axle tag if it is a really old axle, The tag is a sticker on newer axles. Anyway, Dexter also engraves it on the axle so it can be identified if the tag is missing. It should be there if it is a Dexter axle. If it is some other kind of axle I can't say for sure. If you have nothing identifying the axle you're going to have to use the bearings themselves and the spindle to figure it out.

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Answer 2

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Answer 3

The Trailer Brake Magnet, #BP01-225, that you have referenced is designed for use with 12 x 2 inch Dexter electric drum brakes for 7,000 pound capacity axles. A similar magnet, #BP01-180, fits Dexter 6K, Alko 6K and 7K after 1988 (excluding…

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Answer 4

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Answer 5

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Answer 6

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Answer 7

Depends on the capacity Dexter axle you have. If your 12 inch drum axles are 6k rated the magnet you would need as a replacement is the part #BP01-180. If instead you have a 7k axle the correct magnet is the part #BP01-225.

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Answer 8

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Answer 9

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How To Tell Apart 5,200 lb, 6,000 lb and 7,000 Axles

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