Extra Bolts in Henschen Axles

[2ndbottle]

Does anyone else have the two upper bolts in their axle mounts? This is on a 1986 Sovereign 31'. As far as I know these are the original axles. I know most of the replacement axle mounts have holes on the top of the mount in this position, but everything I've read just mentions the two bolts going through the axle plate.

It looks like the top bolts would be up into the main frame rail which is 6x2 tube steel and would have been difficult to get a bolt in there.

I've gotten a quote for some drop in replacements from Colin Hyde, which I'll order as soon as I get a welder to evaluate the condition of the existing axle plate.

Thanks for looking!

[2ndbottle]

Well, in case anyone else comes across this on their axles I have an answer to the extra bolts.

I've ordered a new set of axles from Colin Hyde and in some years airstreams came with the frame bolts as well as the axle plate bolts.

I'll update this post again when I remove the axles and see whether the top bolts are indeed bolts, or studs welded to the main tube frame.

Here is a better photo of the axle to frame connection.

[Action]

You might consider spraying those with penetrating oil now.
The longer the soak the easier the removal might be.

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[2ndbottle]

That is good advice... Thank you! I'll give them a spray and a few taps with a hammer each day. Looking at them I wonder if they might snap. I'll try a breaker bar first and then an impact wrench.

We're removing the shell this weekend, so hopefully all will be revealed on the frame rails next week.

[Action]

If the penetrating oil gets in there it may prevent a snap.

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