Stripped wheel bolt = New Axle?!?

[MN Jeff]

I have my Sport 22FB into the dealer right now for wheel bearing re-packing, and was just told that they had trouble getting one of the wheels off and discovered one of the bolts was stripped. They are suggesting a new axle is required. This sounds *crazy* to me. Is this really the only option?

The trailer (2014) was purchased used from an authorized dealer and supposedly had full inspection which allowed me to pay $250 to transfer original owner's warranty which should cover through fall 2016. Just read fine print of warranty and it states it does not cover any part of the trailer not made by airstream (i.e. Dexter Axle?). Anyone have any advice?

[AldeanFan]

If it's a stripped lug nut/wheel stud then at most you need a new brake drum.

If the spindle nut that retains the drum and bearings has stripped the threads on the spindle you may have to replace the axle. The only way that the spindle would have been stripped would be for someone servicing the bearings to cross thread it. I would be contacting the dealer that did the inspection since they were the last ones to have the drums off.

[AWCHIEF]

Studs can usually be easily replaced. Sounds like your dealer workers need some training or they are going for what they hope is easy money from a less knowledgable customer.

[KJRitchie]

Can't a the correct sized die be used to clean the threads off a spindle or even the brake drum wheel bolts?

Kelvin

[MN Jeff]

Just heard back from dealer, and got clarification. It was spindle nut, not wheel lug nut. Good news (hopefully) was that once they got it off, they were able to clean the threads and get it back on no problem. Breathing a little easier now...

Thanks to all for the input.

[AWCHIEF]

Originally Posted by MN Jeff

Just heard back from dealer, and got clarification. It was spindle nut, not wheel lug nut. Good news (hopefully) was that once they got it off, they were able to clean the threads and get it back on no problem. Breathing a little easier now...

Thanks to all for the input.

Good new for sure.

[mimiandrews]

If the spindle nut that retains the drum and bearings has stripped the threads on the spindle you may have to replace the axle. The only way that the spindle would have been stripped would be for someone servicing the bearings to cross thread it. I would be contacting the dealer that did the inspection since they were the last ones to have the drums off.

Be sure to obtain and retain complete documentation of this incident, even if they claim to have "repaired" the problem. I agree that the only source of damaged threads on a spindle is technician error, and it shows quite a lack of experience on the part of the tech. If the threads cause a problem in the future, you want to be able to go back and prove this original damage.

[TG Twinkie]

One should ask. Why it was difficult to remove? Under normal circumstances the spindle nut should be easily removed. There must be some thread damage in the nut or on the spindle.
IMHO the old nut should be replaced with a new nut. The new nut should be able to be screwed on with fingers only then tightened slightly to preload the bearing. Over tightening the spindle nut will damage the bearings.
If the old nut strips off during travel you could lose the wheel entirely.
You should take the coach to someone who knows about trailer axles and get them to check it out. Just because someone works for A$ doesn't mean they know what they are talking about.

[streaminwild]

I'm glad you questioned the repair here, so you can question them there. They tried to make some easy money, but your knowledge of the axle assembly, took that away. Unfortunately, when it comes to money...you can't trust anyone anymore.

[mcomeaux]

Sounds like someone is trying to oversell you. Studs can be driven out with either a hammer or a press and new installed no problem. I'd question that one for sure. Replaced alot of damaged studs in my time in the automotive business and serviced many trailers and never ran across an issue requiring axle replacement. Unless your bearings were an issue as well and galled the spindles. Let us know the out come....Good Luck...

[greghoro]

Gonna scare you but did they chase the threads using the original threads or the new cross threads? Had this happen to a 61 Corvair and a year later found that the only thing holding the nut to the spindle was the cotter pin.

I would find it hard to believe that the spindle is integral with the axle assembly. It's a highly machined part. However, the spindle may be attached in a non-user repairable way or may not be sold as a separate piece.

Doesn't Inland RV sell replacement Dexter axles? Perhaps a call to one of their techs can help you identify alternatives


Greg

[Jacob D]

Originally Posted by greghoro

Gonna scare you but did they chase the threads using the original threads or the new cross threads? Had this happen to a 61 Corvair and a year later found that the only thing holding the nut to the spindle was the cotter pin.

I would find it hard to believe that the spindle is integral with the axle assembly. It's a highly machined part. However, the spindle may be attached in a non-user repairable way or may not be sold as a separate piece.

Doesn't Inland RV sell replacement Dexter axles? Perhaps a call to one of their techs can help you identify alternatives


Greg

Inland RV does sell Dexter axles, but so do a number of distributors around the country. You should be able to go on line and find them all. Perhaps there are customer service folks at Dexter who can answer your questions.

[TG Twinkie]

Look for Redneck trailer sales or any horse/stock trailer outfit. They usually have a service department.
There is nothing unique or special about the axle on an A$ trailer when it comes to servicing the axle or brakes.

[Boxite]

This is going to call for a highly-subjective decision for safety reasons.
The spindle nut and the associated axle threads are the main strength of the wheel retention....NOT the wheel studs.
IF they found them stripped, then the previous servicing shop did the damage, and they should have liability insurance to buy you a new axle and THAT IS WHAT I WOULD INSIST UPON!

The last thing you need going down Wolf Creek Pass is a wheel coming off the axle! Not only does this endanger YOU and your family... it also endangers everyone else on the road.