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rogerdodger · 11-12-2008, 06:57 PM

I tested my axles by jacking up each wheel under the brake drum, when I was doing the brakes. I found each wheel would flex 2-3-inches before raising the trailer off the ground. When the trailer is on blocks the angle if the axle is level. I think the 2-3" movement tells me the axles are not "toast" yet. Anyone??

Inland RV Center, In · 11-12-2008, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rogerdodger

I tested my axles by jacking up each wheel under the brake drum, when I was doing the brakes. I found each wheel would flex 2-3-inches before raising the trailer off the ground. When the trailer is on blocks the angle if the axle is level. I think the 2-3" movement tells me the axles are not "toast" yet. Anyone??

Roger.

Two things.

The jack up test demonstrates that the rubber rods have not solidified.

The position of the torsion arms on your trailer, demonstrate that the rubber rods have lost some of their ability to hold up the weight.

In your case, when the trailer is loaded, the torsion arms should not be more than parallel to the chassis. If they are going upward, as they go rearward, then their time is almost up.

You can also further check out your axles any time you wish, by simply looking at the position of the torsion arms.

Andy

rogerdodger · 11-12-2008, 07:58 PM

Andy, when the axles are loaded, they are level. My concern is, when they are unloaded, they are still level. So, I think they have some life left, just a question of how much.

HiHoAgRV · 11-12-2008, 08:07 PM

In the simplest terms, a suspension is supposed to do 2 things.
1) support the trailer so it doesn't drag on the ground
and
2) move when you hit a bump

so,
if the thing isn't bottoming out

and
when one axle is run up a ramp for +2 inches and the other is still on the ground, it must be moving

you are ok.

Inland RV Center, In · 11-12-2008, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rogerdodger

Andy, when the axles are loaded, they are level. My concern is, when they are unloaded, they are still level. So, I think they have some life left, just a question of how much.

Roger.

Your correct. How much life is left, is the question.

All you can do is check the position of the torsion arm, before and after each trip. When the torsion arm starts going up hill, the partys over.

That could take a few weeks to a few years. You have to be the judge.

The only other thing to watch for is furniture damage, or rivet heads that start to disappear. Then you know it's time when that happens.

Have a safe trip with your family.

Andy.

rogerdodger · 11-13-2008, 01:01 AM

Thank you for the info. We travel light, and travel for short periods of time, long weekend, or 4-5 days at a time. when not using the trailer, I plan on keeping it on jackstands, as has been recommended elsewhere on this forum. I keep the tires lightly on plastic style blocks, ones with holes so the tires stay dry and cover them up. I will continue to monitor angle when loaded.
Thanks again,

mustang · 11-13-2008, 01:18 PM

I do know that any Airstream dealer can check your unit. Also Becareful jacking up you axle by the drum. They are not designed to do that. You risk cracking them or bending them and probably wont realize that till you apply your brakes on the road.

**jcanavera** · 11-13-2008, 02:23 PM

OK folks. Several of the moderators have taken action on posts in this thread which for all intents have attempted to hijack the thread from the original poster's intent and drudge up issues on another thread that went south.

The moderation staff tires of constantly having to deal with issues resulting from axle discussions which get pulled into personal issues. Side comments or other pointed remarks which are added into to posts or are posts themselves that intend to potentially provoke or inflame others will result in your future posts being moderated. We don't want to do this but we are being left with no choice.

I have reopened this thread for those posters who wish to provide productive content.

Jack

RBolton · 11-13-2008, 05:50 PM

Mikethefixit · 11-13-2008, 06:12 PM

Roger Dodger
Like Charlie Brown above me . He is thinking of saving his pennies, and so should U. When the time comes U will be ready.

Roger
Over

juel · 11-13-2008, 06:38 PM

I'd like someone to post of picture of what I should be looking for and what I don't want to see. I'd also like a good picture of a trailer "jacked up" properly. I hear a lot about torsion arms and angles, but frankly it's all just words to me. Now I'm sure somewhere on this Forum there are pictures, and I've checked out Andy's site; however, I would just like to see a classic trailer with "yes" and "no" on the axel pictures, and "jack it up here" on the other pictures. My 78 and 76 ride very high up on the wheels and I can pull them with a coke can on the counter that will never move, but both are old and only pulled a few times a year.

**Janet H** · 11-13-2008, 06:49 PM

I would like to suggest that it is hard to diagnose from photos - angles can be deceiving.

Inland RV Center, In · 11-13-2008, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by juel

I'd like someone to post of picture of what I should be looking for and what I don't want to see. I'd also like a good picture of a trailer "jacked up" properly. I hear a lot about torsion arms and angles, but frankly it's all just words to me. Now I'm sure somewhere on this Forum there are pictures, and I've checked out Andy's site; however, I would just like to see a classic trailer with "yes" and "no" on the axel pictures, and "jack it up here" on the other pictures. My 78 and 76 ride very high up on the wheels and I can pull them with a coke can on the counter that will never move, but both are old and only pulled a few times a year.

The Airstream looks ok, but the proof is in the position of the torsion arms.

The second test is to jack up one side of the trailer at a time. The tires should drop about 2 to 3 inches. If so, the rubber rods are not solidified, and have life left. If the tires do not drop but a small amount, then the rubber rods have solidified, making the axle bad.

According to Henschen, when the trailer is loaded for travel, if the torsion arm, as it goes rearward, are uphill, the axles are done.

If the torsion arms are parallel to the chassis, the axles are on their last legs.

The following article will help you.

Dura Torque Axle

Andy

rogerdodger · 11-13-2008, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikethefixit

Roger Dodger
Like Charlie Brown above me . He is thinking of saving his pennies, and so should U. When the time comes U will be ready.

Roger
Over

From one Roger to another, I hear ya loud and clear.

Roger, over and out.

mustang · 11-13-2008, 07:19 PM

There is a great illistration in this post

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f437...les-41446.html

I am not good so I hope it works for you

Tin posted them

ROBERT CROSS · 01-01-2009, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by juel

I'd like someone to post of picture of what I should be looking for and what I don't want to see. I'd also like a good picture of a trailer "jacked up" properly. I hear a lot about torsion arms and angles, but frankly it's all just words to me. Now I'm sure somewhere on this Forum there are pictures, and I've checked out Andy's site; however, I would just like to see a classic trailer with "yes" and "no" on the axel pictures, and "jack it up here" on the other pictures. My 78 and 76 ride very high up on the wheels and I can pull them with a coke can on the counter that will never move, but both are old and only pulled a few times a year.

You can tell that our 63' Safari needed axle replacement by how much of the tire sidewall is visible, none. [Sorry this was the best photo I could find]

The other photo shows where I place the jack stands for winter storage, I use the vertical axle plates as jack points.

Hope this helps.