How do I know if my torsion axle is bad? If the deflection, or amount of travel of the wheels, on the torsion axle has increased, caused the trailer to bottom out, or is not the same on each side then that would be a good indication that something is wrong. Having the weight off of the tires if the trailer will be sitting in the off season is not a bad idea.
Can a torsion axle wear out over time?
Thanks for all your help. It is certainly possible for any axle to wear out enough over time to need replacing. Since the suspension is built into a torsion axle if the suspension part was to wear out pretty much the only solution would be to replace the axle.
How do I know if my torsion bar is bad?
If one corner seems to sag excessively, then that torsion bar has gone bad. Any metal object can succumb to metal fatigue over time, especially if under constant, heavy loads. Pay special attention when driving over speed bumps. If you hear a bang, then the torsion bar has grown too soft and allowed some suspension parts to come into contact.
How do I know if my rear axle is failing?
If you have a failure, run your hand along the bottom of the axle beam until you feel the axle tag, usually near the middle of the beam. It is spot welded to the axle and has an individual number for each axle. The number will start with the letter A, followed by 6 numbers.
Why is my front torsion axle bent on my trailer?
Either that torsion arm is messed up or your spindle is bent pretty bad. 73449 You should definitely get enough travel on those torsion axles to prevent what you're describing. A couple of things come to mind that could be causing this. The first would just be the weight of the trailer.
How long does torsion axles last?
Torsion axles, the metal parts, last forever, except when rust comes into play. The rubber rods is always the failure. Ball park life, when used frequently, like 2 to 3 times a year, is about 25 years.
How do you check for torsion suspension?
The first test is to jack up each side of the trailer and watch to see if the wheel moves down as weight is removed from that side, if on either side the wheel does not drop at least 1½” the axle needs replacing.
How long do Dexter torsion axles last?
the lifespan is 15-20 years.... no matter how many miles towed or how stored (weight off frame, etc.) Subject: RE: Rubber Torsion Axle Life Expectancy? This is related to Dexter Axles...
Can torsion axles be rebuilt?
Torsion axles use internal rubber cords to provide the suspension motion and they really are not practical to repair/rebuild. Certainly any axle that was damaged in an accident should be replaced purely for safety reasons.
Can you fix a bent torsion axle?
If the torsion bar that connects the frame brackets together is bent, then you would need to buy a new axle. However, if the spindle on the torsion axle is bent, you can replace it.
How do you maintain torsion axles?
Torsion Axle Maintenance Torsion axles do not require any regular maintenance, unlike springs that need constant review for worn or loose parts. Spring axles must be checked regularly to make sure the spring surfaces are not corroded, creating a weak point in the suspension.
Can you adjust torsion axles?
Generally there's nothing to adjust on a rubber torsion axle. The angle is set at the time of manufacture.
Are torsion axles any good?
Both torsion and suspensions have a record of reliability. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, but it comes down to your preference because they both work great in their own way. Torsion axles are made up of thick rubber cords concealed in the axle's tubing.
How do you check trailer axles?
You can check axle alignment by measuring from the center of the coupler back diagonally to the center of one of the wheels. Then take the same measurement to the other wheel center. They should be identical or within 1/8 of an inch, give or take 1/16 of an inch.
Can you weld on a torsion axle?
Expert Reply: Torsion axles use internal rubber cords that make it tricky to weld them, such as for installation of a brake flange to let you install electric drum brakes on the axle.
Can you adjust torsion axles on trailer?
0:051:36How To Adjust A Torsion Axle - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can adjust your your axle to whatever height you want it.MoreYou can adjust your your axle to whatever height you want it.
How do you lift a trailer with torsion axles?
3:404:22etrailer | Dexter Axle Torflex Lift Kit Review - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUp to where it hangs off the ground you want to give yourself a considerable gap between the groundMoreUp to where it hangs off the ground you want to give yourself a considerable gap between the ground and your tires when you got it up to ensure that once you get your kit installed.
Why is a Boler axle 0° up?
Since the standard Boler axle is installed as a leading arm, a 0° or 10° up is beneficial because suspension movement arches in the direction of travel which provides a smoother ride , a down angle will result in a rougher ride because the arm arches against the direction of travel.
What happens when a trailer tire wears out?
As the elastomer deteriorates the axle will start to sag, causing the trailer to sit lower, there can also be movement laterally in the torsion tube which will cause the wheels to toe out, this can cause slight swaying and tire wear.
What determines the ground clearance of a Boler?
The axle arm start angle is one of the primary factors that determines the ground clearance or ride height of your Boler. In most instances you are replacing your axle because it is worn out, as the elastomer deteriorates the ride height goes down and ground clearance becomes less, so don’t just guess at the start angle, read on.
What axles are used in the Boler?
The original Boler came equipped with an Ingersoll Rub-R-Ride rubber torsion axle and later was replaced with the Dexter Torflex. Rubber torsion axles are a good system that requires little servicing other than the usual bearing repacking and maintenance. One very unusual aspect is that the axle in the Boler is actually installed backwards.
How to measure a tire diameter?
First measure the diameter of tire and divide by 2 to get the radius. Measure from the ground to the top of the axle. If the measurement (Radius minus height) should be the 2.5″ or less. In the above example R=12″; Frame to ground = 11″ (12″-11″=1″ axle is good)
Where to place a jack on a trailer?
Place the jack on the frame behind the axle as close to the mounting bracket as you can. Lifting the trailer by any part of the axle will bend the axle and replacement of the axle will be needed.
Is bigger axle better?
Bigger is NOT better. The axle capacity is determined by the weight of the trailer, you want the suspension to work within the range it was designed to carry, if you put an axle on that is rated too low then the suspension will be at or near the maximum compressed range, when you hit a bump the axle will not absorb the bump and send the shock through the trailer and frame (bottom out the suspension). If you put on an axle that has too high a capacity, like a 3500 lb axle, the suspension will resist moving and again any bump will be sent through the trailer and frame. Ideally you want the capacity so that the suspension is slightly compressed when the trailer is just sitting, when a bump is hit the suspension compresses and absorbs the impact rather that transferring it to the trailer and frame.
How to Tell if Axle is Bad – 8 Ways to Find
There are eight ways to determine if the ATV axles need repair. If you see one of the following signs of CV axle injury, it’s time to have a specialist inspect your engine.
What Causes a CV Axle to Fail?
If the CV boot is ruptured, the CV axles and joints can wear more rapidly than usual. As this occurs, the joints lose grease and become unlubricated.
What Do You Do If Your CV Axle Is Damaged?
It’s good to take action quickly. If your axle isn’t repaired in time, then the car will not move. Take your vehicle to a professional mechanic for an inspection. If it’s determined that you need a new axle and CV joint, they can be replaced with newer parts or rebuilt.
Why are torsion axles not rebuildable?
They said the torsion axles are not rebuildable due to the process they use for bonding the bushing to the spindle. Apparently they press the spindle into the bushing and then dip it into liquid nitrogen to compress and bond the bushing to the spindle. Once that is complete the spindle and bushing assembly is then pressed into the axle beam. I know there's alot of trailers out there with a lot of miles on their torsion axles that have not failed yet so I'm quite sure it's just a quality of material issue and not a design problem.
What does it mean when the axle is good?
If the trailer starts to raise, the axle is good. If the trailing arm continues upward without lifting the trailer, the axle has failed. If you have a failure, run your hand along the bottom of the axle beam until you feel the axle tag, usually near the middle of the beam.
How to fix a torsion bar?
Step 1. Shine a flashlight into the wheel well of the car or truck. The torsion bar will be sticking out from the car's frame perpendicularly. Depending on the car, the other end of the torsion bar will be bolted to a control arm or the steering knuckle itself. Look for any cracks in the torsion bar. If there are any cracks in the bar, then it is ...
What happens if a torsion bar bolt is rusted?
Also feel the bolts that secure each end for rust. If the bolts are rusted, then it is guaranteed that the rust has spread to the torsion bar bolt holes. Make sure to repeat this process in each wheel well.
What happens if you hear a bang on a torsion bar?
If you hear a bang, then the torsion bar has grown too soft and allowed some suspension parts to come into contact. Any worn out torsion bar must be replaced. 00:00.
Why do cars use torsion bars?
The amount of the twist will differ depending on the material used in the bar. Torsion bar suspension is used because it is cheap and durable, but it can still go bad.
