Bent Tag Axle

[Jim Keaty]

My Mechanic just informed me that my tag axial is bent. Any suggestions? Should I try to straiten it or should I look to replace it? Jim

[bkahler]

Jim,

I'm guessing when the mechanic says the tag axle is bent he means one of the spindles is bent. One of the other members here on Airforums had one of his tag axle spindles break off and the wheel disappeared off into the distance never to be seen again.

The repair shop tried to weld on a replacement spindle with horrible results. He ended up buying a used tag axle and is now back on the road. I would highly recommend you find a new or used replacement tag axle assembly rather than trying to fix the one you have.

That's just my opinion of course.

Brad

[jdalrymple]

The axle has a hump in it when installed.

I would confirm it is truly bent.


If the tag axle is the original, common opinion is it needs to be replaced, anyway.



Regards,


JD

[HowieE]

As mentioned above the tag axle has a center high hump to set the camber angle. If there is additional problem take it to a heavy duty truck axle shop.

[STstudios]

Hi Jim,

I'm the one who bought the tag axle from bkahler. Actual story is: thought my axle was bent - when in fact it was not (rear air bags were very low) which caused a slight sag and "tipping in of wheels" making appear as axle was bent.

Blew out a tire (on trip to S.D.)- had tire replaced by shop.
Shop thought axle was bent also.
Shop put the wrong sized bearing in (that's what happens when you travel with beautiful models that distract the mechanic) :-(
- had a gap between locking nut
- about 80-90 miles out, the bearing came loose, sheered the nut right off and off flew my wheel and new tire!

The wheel ripped the aluminum behind wheel well, tore off trim, rub rail and fortunately didn't take out my tanks or hurt anyone behind me!

I would double check your rear air bags. When properly inflated, you will have the additional lift needed and the wheels and axle should be fine (UNLESS you actually have a bent axle). Good luck!

Sam

[Roquefort]

Hmmmm?
My tag also look's a bit "bend", but i don't know yet.
Wheebearings are 1 year old now, tires brand new.
Any idea WHAT the exact hight for the airbag suspension need's to be?
Mine are also replaced in early 2015, we re-inforced the pads also to alicn them and to avoid "scratching".
The came from "Goodyear", were choosen after the OEM part number.


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums!

[Grosspoluter]

I to thought that my tag axel was bent. But after correcting my rear air bags to the correct height (10 1/2 inches)
there is still a 2* negative camber on the tag axel wheels (With the drives at a perfect 90*) is that acceptable? is there a spec for the tag axel camber ?
I'm sure one or more of you guys have the answer (or at least an opinion) so thanks in advance

[Grosspoluter]

I forgot to mention that along with the right rear air bag height I also have 55 lbs if air in the font bags
I adjusted the rear air bags by adjusting the air valve linkages
Some of my linkages were badly rusted and bent so I fabercated some new rods
Originally my tag tires started to rub the frame when the bags were only 7 1/2 tall (next time I take the rig out I'll check the rear bag height to make sure they are not leaking down)
I Also should mention that tank looks to be in good condition and the compressor does work

[bobmiller1]

2 degrees negative camber is definitely a problem, not that we put a lot of mileage on these rugs every year, but I can only guarantee that the 2 degree will become more like 3 to 4 degree driving over dips on the road with a full fuel and water tank. I will check the original tag axle camber spec and report back, Regards, Bob

[Grosspoluter]

Thanks Bob for taking the time to look it up
My research only seems to talk about the front end and that spec seems to be .25* (+\~ ) .25*
I'm still very interested in what you find out
Thanks again
I'm taking my measurements with a full fuel tank but empty water tanks

[Grosspoluter]

IF I did my math right
(I admittedly flunked general math in high school)
It looks like a 2° negative camber would equal to approximately a half inch in on top of a 33 inch wheel / tire and a half inch out on the bottom of a 33 inch wheel /tire. (total of 1 inch) Maybe less when you consider the tire bulges out near the center circumference of a 33" tire ()
But never the less I understand ideally you want the entire foot of the tire on the road surface. So a perfect 90° to the street is the most desirable)

[Grosspoluter]

Ok update...
After using a few bottle jacks, body/frame hydraulic jacks, and blocks and chains I’ve got the rear tags to ONLY
-0.8° (less than -1°) that’s with the rear air bags at 10 1/2 high
Perhaps I’m being over cautious not wanting to pull on the axel TOO much
bobmiller1 did you ever find anything on the tag axle camber spec?

[bobmiller1]

No, I never found any specs set in stone, but being that it is a tag axle of torsion type and doesn't steer I would set mine to 0 degrees, Colin Hyde may be able to help you because it's very similar to a trailer axle. Regards, Bob