Possible solution to the axle problem

[Ganaraska]

It occurred to me that the problem with old axles may not be failed rubber but frozen pivot joints. The trailing arm can`t rotate if the bearing is full of dirt and rust.


I have seen this before on old VW beetles that had a similar trailing arm suspension. If the suspension froze up the front end would get lower and lower until it bottomed out. The solution was to jack up the car and take off the wheels, grease the bearings and pry down the trailing arms. It might be necessary to do this 2 or 3 times before it freed up.


Might it be possible to drill the axle housing and install a grease fitting and use some lubricant that is compatible with rubber like glycerine, graphite or some kind of silicone grease?


Does anyone have an old Airstream that needs axles and is willing to try the experiment? What have you got to lose?

[Ganaraska]

I dreamed up this idea last night when I couldn't sleep. This morning I did some web searching and learned more about the way the axles are made. Now I am not so sure they even have a bearing at the end. So this idea is probably a dud. Still it would be interesting to have the opinion of someone who has worked with these axles and taken them apart,

[overlander63]

Trailer torsion axles are made by inserting a square-ish steel rod into a square tube, using rubber inserts as suspension. There are no bearings.