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07-28-2015, 09:29 AM
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#1
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1 Rivet Member
1967 20' Globetrotter
Montreal
, Quebec
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 14
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Axle alignment?
This is what I have
Inside tire wear
Negative torsion arm position
Three year old dexter axle
On 1967 globetrotter, 3200lbs on Goodyear Marathons.
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07-28-2015, 09:38 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master
1991 34' Excella
Princeton
, New Jersey
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,070
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Was the axle ever aligned when it was installed? What is the traveling weight of your trailer to be riding on a 3,500 lbs axle?
You can not assume that a new axle is aligned. The manufacturing technique does not ensure True Alignment.
Yes you have a problem.
__________________
WBCCI 12156 AIR 3144 WACHUNG TAC NJ6
2004 Excursion 4x4
1991 34 ft. Excella +220,000 miles, new laminated flooring, new upholstery, new 3200 lbs axles
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07-28-2015, 09:39 AM
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#3
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Winemaker
2022 25' Flying Cloud
Avila Beach
, California
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 243
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At 25k miles on my 2012 FC 28ft I had the same thing. Not sure if it came that way from the factory or I hit a curb which is altogether possible. In any case, I took it to C&G Trailer Repair in Bellflower, Ca. for the axle to be straightened which they did for $300. This is the only place in all of Ca. that has the tool to straighten Dexter axles. I had to call AS to find out where to have it repaired. You will probably have to do the same. Good luck.
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07-28-2015, 09:51 AM
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#4
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1 Rivet Member
1967 20' Globetrotter
Montreal
, Quebec
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 14
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Hi, the trailer is running at around 3200lbs. The axle was not aligned after install. I guess that I assumed it would be aligned out of factory. The tires and axle were replaced at the same time, 25-30k miles ago. The tire in the picture deteriorated fairly quickly. Doesn't seem to be bearings. Currently located in High Level, Northern Alberta, Canada, where a local truck and trailer shop is going to have a look this afternoon.
Thanks so much for having a look and any advise you might have!
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07-28-2015, 10:20 AM
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#5
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Rivet Master
2014 27' FB Eddie Bauer
Chelsea
, Michigan
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,792
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If you were closer to home, I would suggest a run down to Plattsburgh to see Colin Hyde.
__________________
Bob Martel
WBCCI# 5766
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07-28-2015, 10:24 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cflower
Hi, the trailer is running at around 3200lbs. The axle was not aligned after install. I guess that I assumed it would be aligned out of factory. The tires and axle were replaced at the same time, 25-30k miles ago. The tire in the picture deteriorated fairly quickly. Doesn't seem to be bearings. Currently located in High Level, Northern Alberta, Canada, where a local truck and trailer shop is going to have a look this afternoon.
Thanks so much for having a look and any advise you might have!
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A 1967 20 foot Airstream, was built using a 4000 pound axle, as per Henschen and Airstream specs.
It would appear that your axle was replaced, but with an incorrect weight capacity.
All Henschen (now gone) and Dexter axles are aligned when the axle was built.
You can see that by the bend in the axle tube.
However, not all torsion axle manufacturers align their axles.
Andy
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07-28-2015, 11:03 AM
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#7
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1 Rivet Member
1967 20' Globetrotter
Montreal
, Quebec
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AnnArborBob
If you were closer to home, I would suggest a run down to Plattsburgh to see Colin Hyde.
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Yes, for sure!
Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
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07-28-2015, 11:09 AM
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#8
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Winemaker
2022 25' Flying Cloud
Avila Beach
, California
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 243
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There have been other postings of people whom had same problem on 1-2 year old trailers so...there may be some inherent problems with the Dexter axles. When they aligned all four wheels, the good wheels were within 1/8" Tow-in/out and the bad wheel was in excess of 1/2". I saw C&G do the alignment and it is a very specialized tool. They bend the axle just outboard of the attachment plate. I personally would be very careful about letting people try to bend them without the proper tool. C&G told me that they purchased the tool used from Airstream for $7k.
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07-28-2015, 12:36 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
1991 34' Excella
Princeton
, New Jersey
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,070
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There is no way this type of axle can be aligned at the factory. It is just not in the cards because of the method of construction. My new axles that I picket up at the factory were out of alignment. Took them directly to the shop when I put them on and after about 100,000 miles on that set I had them realigned.
The "curb" gets a bad wrap here. Just as this type of axle can not be aligned when they are made, it would take one hell of a curb hit to misalign one.
If you replace the axle just factor in the cost of aligning it.
Now if you want to see how far the axle is out get a coupe of friends and a ball of heavy twine. Have one hold the twins at the rear center of the tire and have another, while holding the twine out past the coupling on the tongue, move the twine in until it just touches the front edge of the tire. Now have another measure from the twine to the center of the coupler while at right angles to the twine. Repeat on the other side, assuming that tire is waring normally, and the difference will tell if the axle is out. You can check camber angle with a simple level long enough to touch top and bottom of the tire and placed vertically across the center line of the tire.
__________________
WBCCI 12156 AIR 3144 WACHUNG TAC NJ6
2004 Excursion 4x4
1991 34 ft. Excella +220,000 miles, new laminated flooring, new upholstery, new 3200 lbs axles
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07-28-2015, 01:09 PM
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#10
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Winemaker
2022 25' Flying Cloud
Avila Beach
, California
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 243
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I agree that this type axle is difficult to align to any given trailer but I do believe that, in my case, Airstream did align them. I know that align all new trailers as C&G told me that the reason they were able to purchase Airstream's old alignment tool is that they had made/found a new one. So..pretty sure they align at the factory. The other anecdotal information is C&G told me that most all trailers that are brought in with misalignment, it is the curb side front that is the problem, ie the tire which is leading when moving forward. It to believe that all newly installed axles should be aligned.
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07-28-2015, 01:35 PM
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#11
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2 Rivet Member
1978 Argosy 24
MooreHaven
, Florida
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 75
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Axles can/should be checked for toe in/out before installing.Simple to do with a couple of straightedges clamped to the wheel mounting surface.can be done while still attached to the pallet they ship on.The factory bend in axle tube is for camber.
__________________
This is only temporary unless it works! Red Green
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07-28-2015, 06:10 PM
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#12
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1 Rivet Member
1967 20' Globetrotter
Montreal
, Quebec
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 14
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This is really good info, thank you!
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07-29-2015, 12:02 AM
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#13
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4 Rivet Member
1972 25' Tradewind
Calgary
, Alberta
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 297
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Axles, just when you think you have it figured a new angle pops up. ( no pun intended) It amazes me as a newbie on a part, that needs replacing on every AS there is no sticky on 'facts' of axle replacement. It's not rocket science, yet it is confusing with endless threads over years discussing it. Then you toss in the east coast west coast axle dealer debate, the rocket scientists holding the holy grail of info for a few dollars on I'm sure a low margin item. Rant over.
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07-29-2015, 12:07 AM
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#14
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4 Rivet Member
1972 25' Tradewind
Calgary
, Alberta
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 297
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Oh by the way, I need two axles on my newly acquired '73 25 ft tradewind. Any suggestions?
I'll order today... ( with brakes and a looooong list of parts to come)
Cheers
Dave
<<< that's in Canada.
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07-29-2015, 12:15 AM
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#15
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4 Rivet Member
1972 25' Tradewind
Calgary
, Alberta
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 297
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and don't even get me started on plywood sub floors...
(Sorry for high jacking your axle alignment discussion)
Best of luck hope it works out, smooth and straight travels.
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07-29-2015, 03:13 AM
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#16
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Restorations done right
Commercial Member
1962 26' Overlander
1961 26' Overlander
Vintage Kin Owner
Currently Looking...
Baltimore
, Maryland
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,545
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I think your torsion arm is bent. By saying that, I think the bend is out board of where it mounts. Does that make sense? I have seen this a few times. It often happens when the axle is fully loaded and you hit a major pothole. I could easily be wrong.
Alignment. I hear all about this fancy tool that bends the axle. Why the heck would you do that when just by loosening the bolts and shifting the axle you gain a good 1/4" in either direction?
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07-29-2015, 12:51 PM
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#17
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Moderator dude
1966 26' Overlander
Phoenix
, Arizona
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,501
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If I understand post #1 correctly, there is a load of 3200 pounds on an axle rated at 3500 pounds. Or the normal load is over 90% of the capacity of the axle.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>Action
__________________
1966 Mercury Park Lane 4 DR Breezeway 410 4V, C-6, 2.80 - Streamless.
1966 Lincoln 4 door Convertible 462 4V 1971 Ford LTD Convertible 429 4V Phoenix ~ Yeah it's hot however it's a dry heat!
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07-29-2015, 01:24 PM
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#18
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Winemaker
2022 25' Flying Cloud
Avila Beach
, California
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 243
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For your new axle order you may want to consider disc brakes. According to C&G Trailer in Bellflower where I had my axles aligned they have been doing disc brake conversions and say they work great.
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08-02-2015, 06:31 AM
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#19
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Rivet Master
1987 32' Excella
Nepean
, Ontario
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,414
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Last summer I replaced my 27 year old axles at JC. Their price of $1,500 per axle included new brakes, installation, alignment and taxes; I had also increased the weight rating from 4,000 lbs per axle to 4,500 lbs per axle and went with the nev-r-lube hubs.
__________________
VE3JDZ
AIR 12148
1987 Excella 32-foot
1999 Dodge Ram 2500HD Diesel
WBCCI 8080
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08-03-2015, 03:12 AM
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#20
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Restorations done right
Commercial Member
1962 26' Overlander
1961 26' Overlander
Vintage Kin Owner
Currently Looking...
Baltimore
, Maryland
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,545
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Was ALIGNMENT an option or something? Is the normal installation process to just put it in and if you want it perpendicular to the road you pay a little extra for that?
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