axles

[amendolaAS]

Hey everybody,, new to this site so im not sure if this is even going to post to the public, anyway i have a 71 sovereign and im wondering if i should replace the axles.. any help would be great.

[GCinSC2]

Welcome to airforums. A great source of info, opinions and outright BS.

I'll let others comment on what to look for regarding the axle but consider trying to get into or at least visit Alumalina this October over by table rock in SC. Over180ish rigs so far. Experts of all possible topics and free BS too.

I'll try a link in a minute.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=163240

Gary

[amendolaAS]

Originally Posted by GCinSC2

Welcome to airforums. A great source of info, opinions and outright BS.

I'll let others comment on what to look for but consider trying to get into or at least visit Alumalina this October over by table rock in SC. Over180ish rigs so far. Experts of all possible topics and free BS too.

I'll try a link in a minute.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=163240

Gary

I appreciate it dude.

[ALANSD]

Look at the height of the fender area over the wheel, also how does it ride? I find mnay replace axles that are perfectly fine. When the axle rubber dries out over the years the ride gets firmer, but in my experience with having a few Airstreams the ride can still be fine, and of course you do want to check the lube of the wheel bearings.
Many of us have not changed out the axles and are having no problems.Its might be an expense you can live without. But there are other opinions as always

[amendolaAS]

Awesome thanks! I haven't got it on the road yet.. doing a lot of cosmetic work to it and I have a lot of mechanical work to do as well.. I have lots of questions so stay tuned haha.. this is what she looks like

[ALANSD]

put up a picture from the back / side showing the wheels you can get better opinions on the axles

[amendolaAS]

I will when I'm working on it again.. it's in wv I'm in nc

[Action]

When you get connected to your, new to you, toy .... looking at it as posted above is a good quick assessment.

A more accurate assessment would be to lift the trailer and measure the amount of downward travel the wheel (axle) makes. If the tire/wheel assembly moves three inches (measured from any place on the tire/wheel assembly) that would be a very good thing! Less is not so good. You can do each side independently or all together as the suspension type (a rubber torsion rod internal to the axle) is independent on each wheel location.

In addition this rubber torsion spring system responds well to continued use. The less time the rubber springs are in service the greater chance to rubber will take a set and will no longer flex.

Good luck and post more pics when you have the chance.

>>>>>>>>>>>>Action

[ALANSD]

Good tip, that is to tow the trailer at least once a month even if it's just around your area for as many miles as you can. I find it makes my axles and tires more responsive.

[crispyboy]

I helped a fellow airstreamer change out the axles on their 68 model last year. They couldn't believe the difference in how the trailer towed and how everything was intact inside the trailer when they arrived to their destination. They were sorry the job wasn't done years ago.
I have changed them out on the three trailers so far. A 1981, 1988 and our current 1994.

[ALANSD]

Originally Posted by crispyboy

I helped a fellow airstreamer change out the axles on their 68 model last year. They couldn't believe the difference in how the trailer towed and how everything was intact inside the trailer when they arrived to their destination. They were sorry the job wasn't done years ago.
I have changed them out on the three trailers so far. A 1981, 1988 and our current 1994.

Take a road trip to Georgia sometime!

[TouringDan]

When it only costs about $1,250 to get a brand new suspension, bearings and brakes for a vintage trailer, this is a no brainer to me.

Dan