How to Determine Correct Axle Capacity for Brake Replacement

Updated 09/25/2019 | Published 09/23/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 5,200-lb Axles - 12" Diameter - 6 on 5-1/2

(1083)

$210.17

Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - 15123

(2110)

$11.70

Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - 25580

(2110)

$19.01

etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left/Right Hand - 5.2K to 7K

(3118)

$186.02

Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 5,200-lb and 6,000-lb Axles - 12" - 6 on 5-1/2 - Pre-Greased

(1259)

$147.69

Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - LM67048

(2110)

$14.43

Question:

I have a 1990 Nu-Wu Snowbird. GVWR 9055 front axel 4070 and rear 4070. I can find no serial number to identify the axel. I know its a Dexter 6 X 5.5. I am looking to replace the backing plates and drums, Drum have stamped on them 8-201 and 143 9. Backing plates have the Dexter triangles reading Dexter 36-89, FRI-FF-SE0-FT and X2PXQ. I may have a few of the letters wrong it was hard to read. How can I identity which size axel I have? Would the self adjusting backing plates work? Thanks in advance for your help.

asked by: Larry N

Expert Reply:

The information you've provided is a good start to narrowing down what size axle you have. The GVWR of 9055-lbs on tandem axles tells me they are likely either 5200-lb or 6000-lb axles. The bolt pattern of 6 x 5.5 is also consistent with that, as is knowing that the drums are 8-201 (which are for the 5200-lb/6000-lb axles). The best and most fail-safe way to determine the actual capacity of the axle is going to be by checking the bearings that are on the hubs, but both axles are going to use the same replacement parts.

A 5200-lb axle is going to have an outer bearing with a 1.25" inner diameter that will have # LM67048 stamped on the outer ring and you can replace the hub and drum with # 8-201-5UC3 . Conversely, a 6000-lb axle is going to have the same inner diameter of 1.25" but will be stamped with a # 15123 on the outer ring and you can replace the hub and drum with # AKHD-655-6-K ; both axles use the same inner bearing # 25580 . For future reference, this is the information you'll need to correctly replace the hub and drums on the axles.

The brakes will be much easier since the brakes for both weight capacities are the same. You will be able to use a self adjusting brake like the # AKEBRK-7-SA , which is a kit with both left and right hand assemblies and are self adjusting electric brakes.