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

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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.

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Answer 1

You need the Wheel Retaining Ring #33-52-1 for your 10K axles and wheels. This ring has the single tab and will allow you to use your current flat faced wheel with Coned Lug Nuts #6-109. The retaining ring will sit outside the the wheels(see image).…

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Answer 2

Hey Jeff, yes the EZ Flex equalizers like the part #K71-654-00 that you referenced are compatible with the MORryde X-Factor part #MR33WR that you have as well since you use standard hangers with the EZ Flex.

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Answer 3

Of course! Looks like you stumbled upon the 10-pack that dealers like to grab. For just the single pair you'll use part #AKEBRK-35-SA. This will give you a single pair (left and right) 3,500 pound self-adjusting brake assemblies. Since you need…

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Answer 4

The hub you have like part #84545BX uses the bearing kit part #BK2-100 for replacement bearings/seal/races. I attached a review video for this bearing kit for you to check out as well.

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Answer 5

Thank you so much for the info and the pictures! According to my research it looks like your Cummins Onan RV Generator uses a 3/8" NPT Female fitting so you'll need a hose like part #100040-144-MBS. I have attached a link to all of our hose…

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Answer 6

If your tires are in good shape and don't have 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 making sure it is parallel with your trailer…

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Answer 7

I have included a picture that shows the measurements needed for a spindle, bearings, seals, faces, and hubs. The spindle measurements are labeled A through F. A is the spindle shaft diameter B is where the grease seal sits C is where the inner…

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Answer 8

You will need to measure the diameter of the spindles where the seal and bearings ride. Check out the picture I attached that shows where this is. You will need an exact measurement so either a digital or dial caliper will be needed. To pick out the…

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Answer 9

The #99 trailer spindle is typically found on 9,000 lb and 10,000 lb axles. This is not a spindle that we carry at this time, but I did find some of the measurements. I have attached a diagram showing the dimensions of a #99 spindle for you to check…

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Answer 10

When installing trailer suspension I recommend that you completely mock the setup to determine the best placement for the hangers. To do this I would put all of the suspension together and clamp it in place with the rear shackles at a very slight…

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Answer 11

I'd be happy to help you out, John! To replace the brakes on your 5th wheel trailer you need the etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes #AKEBRK-7-SA which come with a self-adjusting feature so once you initially set them up you won't have to adjust…

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Answer 12

Typically a trailer axle will have some camber in it - some bend - such that when it is not loaded the tops of the wheels bow outward slightly, with the outside edges of the tire treads making first contact with the ground. This allows that when the…

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How to Check for a Bent Trailer Axle Spindle

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