Tag axle question

[noiva]

I've asked this question on the sub-forum about axles, but I suspect I'm not getting answers because mostly trailer owners would read that, and they may not be aware the tag is a trailer axle.

I was under my 370 last week doing some other work when I noticed a rather large ring dangling around the left side tag axle inside the brake hub. Upon inspecting the right side assembly, I saw that the ring appeared to be a "keeper" ring to secure the backside of the brake assembly. By maneuvering the loose ring I was able to work it back in what I think is its correct position. My concern is that this ring may need to be more securely pressed in, or that something could actually come apart if it falls off again. I'd greatly appreciate any help form someone with a tag axle who knows what this ring does, and how I should assure it's installed correctly.

Thanks,

[Pat370]

Tim, is that ring that you talk about a rubber grommet.

Your buddy
Pat370

[noiva]

Originally Posted by Pat370

Tim, is that ring that you talk about a rubber grommet.

Your buddy
Pat370

Pat, No. It reminds me of a large "snap ring" without the little holes at each end to put a snap ring tool in. There's clearly one in place on the right side as well, and it's definitely steel.

Your "coffee club" friend,

[Pat370]

Tim, I think the ring is used to hold the brake dirt back cover from moving inward. The reason that it did not move is that it is rusted
to the spindle after 17 years.

Until the coffee break,
Pat370

[noiva]

I'm very sorry to have made a misleading report about the loose ring on my tag axle. I just CLOSELY inspected the location of the ring (which I couldn't do when I first posted about this because the Blimp was in the shop getting the GV unit installed ), and the ring is NOT on the backplate of the brake , but on the end of the axle where it takes a 90 degree turn toward the rear where the brake is located. So, the ring is actually at the end of the axle on the inside. NOW does anyone know how serious the loose ring is? I've worked in back in position to match the right side, but I want to be sure there isn't something more I should do. I'm sure it's the same setup as the trailer axles, being part of the suspension itself. Any ideas??????

Thanks,

[noiva]

Help, folks. I've placed a post on the axle forum, but was afraid most of you might not go there often, so here's the link: http://www.airforums.com/forum...tml#post276169

Any help with this would sure be appreciated.

Best,

[noiva]

Just so you guys with tag axles know, my experience so far with Henschen has been less than expected - to say the least.

Sorry to report that I've had no luck yet with Henschen. I've sent them a complete description of the problem along with pictures. After two days of no response, I called. Still no help. I was told that there was no one there at the time who could help me, but they did take my name and number for a call-back. Unfortunately, they couldn't even tell me an approximate time or even day for the call-back. I'm very disappointed, but maybe I'll actually hear back from them. Doesn't speak well for them, however. I'd hate to be on the road, and have this much trouble trying to get information.

Anyway, Andy may have given me the information I needed. I've removed and cleaned the retainer ring - looks good. I've scraped the grove it sets in (full of mud), and reset the ring. If it stays, that's it. Andy had suggested that mud could have caused the ring to become dislodged. He may well have been correct.

Still seems unfair that Henschen appears so disinterested in helping with one of their products.

[noiva]

Looks like I was just a little too hasty with my criticism of Henschen. I just got a call from them in which a technician assured me the ring was not a safety issue. It was discontinued 12 years ago because the ring and nylon bushings serve no real purpose - other than fill the cavity that was created to put them in. Anyway, should anyone else have a ring come loose - I was advised that cleaning the ring (assuming it isn't broken) and the groove it seats in will correct the problem. Mine apparently came loose due to a buildup of mud from having been parked in a field for the duration of the storage time with the PO.

Should a ring break, it can be replaced by going to an industrial supplier of that machine equipment. I found several identical rings just looking on the Internet last evening. The important thing to know is that it is NOT a safety issue. One could continue on with the ring out of place.

My thanks again to all who offered help,