Difference Between Idler and Braking Axle

Question

Question:

Whats the difference between a brake axle and a idler axle, also I have a single axle dual zieman jet ski trailer that I would like to increase the axle capacity to 3500lb rating, which axle do you recommend for direct bolt on.thanks

asked by: Rodney D

0

Expert Reply:

A brake axle would have brakes, either electric or hydraulic drum or disc brakes while an idler hub would have no brakes. Many times, a tandem axle trailer will have one braking axle and one idler axle.

The 3500 lb capacity # 35545I-EZ-89 axle you were looking at comes with idler hubs, but because it has brake mounting flanges, brake assemblies and hub/drums could be added at a later date if necessary.

To find a replacement axle, you'd need to measure the hub face to hub face dimension (A) and the spring center to spring center measurement (B) from your current axle. You'd then choose a replacement axle with the same dimensions. I've provided a diagram showing how to take the measurements.

Keep in mind that in addition to increasing the capacity of the axle, you'd also need to ensure that the suspension and wheels/tires were upgraded to upgrade the trailer capacity to match the capacity of the axle.

expert reply by: Mike L

0

click to enlarge

Rob T.

4/20/2020

Hi, I’m in the process of acquiring a Load rite single axle boat trailer with 5 lug drum brakes.Can I put a new set of hub assemblies on spindle and eliminate the drums? The boat is light and used in salt water and I don’t need the drum headache, my Shoreline trailer with a bunch of good replacement parts is just about done. Does spindle length differ or can I just unbolt backing plates, etc and install new hubs? Thank You

Reply

Chris R.

4/22/2020

As long as you truly don't need the brakes, there's not an issue replacing hub/drums with idler hub assemblies - as long as you choose the right replacement. In order to ensure it will fit your spindle you'll need to note the inner and outer bearings used for your existing hubs (the numbers will be stamped right inside the bearings themselves). Also make sure the new ones match the axle capacity. If you can tell me this info I would be happy to make a specific recommendation.

Reply

Answer 1

Yes, Lippert and Dexter 7k axles use exact same bearings. The only issue you might run into is a difference in grease seal size required. There are two sizes of grease seals that fit 7k axles and there isn't a rhyme or reason as to which you may…

view full answer...

Answer 2

The wall thickness of the tubing of the Dexter Axle part #7461121 you referenced is .16 inch. This axle comes with the spring seats welded on at 80 inches but you could move them to match what your trailer needs.

view full answer...

Answer 3

If they are double-eye leaf springs, it should not matter which way they are facing. But if they are slipper springs, the eye end is at the front and the slipper is at the back. The springs that we carry are not marked as to which end is front and I…

view full answer...

Answer 4

The bearings in trailer hubs are measured to very precise dimensions, to the nearest thousandth of an inch, such as 1.234-inches. To find a suitable replacement hub to fit on your existing trailer spindles either the bearing part numbers or these…

view full answer...

Answer 5

A 5,200 lbs axle like the #8327816 will not allow you to keep your current bolt pattern. You will have to compromise somewhere, whether it is getting another 3,500 lbs axle or switching bolt patterns. The typical bolt pattern for hubs on your…

view full answer...

Answer 6

We won't have a kit, but there's a chance we might have parts to piece something together for you. I'll need to know the inner and outer wheel bearing reference number, the bolt pattern and size of your current wheels. Hopefully,…

view full answer...

Answer 7

I can give you a pretty good idea based on the dimensions of the spindle. Based on the dimensions you listed you have an 84 spindle which would mean you have between a 2,000 and 3,500 lb axle. If the hub is a 6 lug hub then it would be 3,500 most…

view full answer...

Answer 8

The 8-14.5 tires will be 1" wider than your current 7-14.5 tires so you'll be losing 1/2" of sidewall clearance to your fender. I recommend having at least 1" of clearance to the sidewall so it would be best to stick with 7-14.5…

view full answer...

Answer 9

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…

view full answer...

Answer 10

We currently offer 7,000 lb trailer axles in two different lengths, 94" part #e93GR and 95" part #e88GR which is measured from the face of each hub. The spring centers are set at 79" and 80" respectively but these can always be…

view full answer...

Answer 11

Of the axles that we carry the part #T3584F-EZ-8974 that you referenced would be the closest one we carry to what you would need. The spring center measurement is the same at 74 inches. The issues is that this axle measures 89 inches from hub face to…

view full answer...

Answer 12

I strongly recommend going with a wheel that has a galvanized finish as opposed to just a silver powder coat for the best protection against corrosion. Even if you are going to only use it on a lake - as opposed to salt water - the Steel Mini Mod…

view full answer...

Difference Between Idler and Braking Axle

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Continue Researching