Trailer Axle?

[rkersh409]

I have a tandem axle boat trailer that I just replaced the front axle. When I took the axle off I noticed that one of the springs were broken. Bought a pair from tractor supply for $30 each along with some new straps and spring bolts. I had a guy in Beaumont make me a straight axle. When I installed it the port side tire looks good and straight with the rear axle tires. On the starboard side the tire looks like it?s trying to turn left. Put a straight edge on the tire and sure enough it is about an inch from the rear tire. So then I measured from the ball to the axle and they were dead on. Then I measured from one hub center to the other hub center and the starboard side was ?? longer. Will this cause my tire to wear faster? Also does this mean the guy did now weld the spindle straight?

 

[90stingray]

Re: Trailer Axle?

Is the trailer in a bind? Those axles sometimes look like that when turning and backing, etc... I would think that if it's visually out... and you have measured it and it's out... your tires are not going to last. If a human made the axle, i suspect he welded something incorrectly. Goodluck!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trailer Axle?

The axle manufacturers use a jig to make sure the spindles are properly squared to the tube before welding. The average metal fabricators do not have those fixtures so it may be the spindles are not true with each other.

 

[LilRedNeckGirl]

Re: Trailer Axle?

Well, anytime you replace things on the axle, its always smart to go get the axles aligned. If done properly, the new axle should be able to be aligned. If its out as far as you say, dont drive fast or far.
THe fact that your axle is plumb on the frame is good, the one being 1/4 inch longer then the other is mute as long as the springs line up on frame and axle. 1/4 inch relates to 1/8 longer on each side, @ mfg difference in specs.
The issie is the toe and camber of the one tire /axle if i understand you correctly. again, should be a simple alignment issue.