Uneven Tire Wear

[reeran]

I have bad wear on the shoulder of one tire only (2008 27FB). I have front to back rotated the tires and the same thing happens with the other tire in that location. I suspect a misalignment of that wheel but it would be nice to get some advice regarding this before we tow 150 miles to an axel specialist. Can it be fixed, will they say get a new axel (ouch we can buy lots of tires) or can I check/fix it myself somehow. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks
Clive

[190-b-651]

Mark your tires with chalk stright line across drive straight forward until you can see if they wear evenly or not. If not you have a alignment problem if they wear evenly its caused by turning remember the lightest axle will slide best to not make sharp turns when ever possible.

[Lumatic]

bent spindle? to check alignment run a straight edge, such as a fluorescent tube, across both tires and compare side to side. photo would help

[davejay]

Hey,
There s two kinds of wear, toe and camber. If it is a toe problem, your tire will have a sawed edge accross the tire face. If it s a camber problem, the wear will be on the outside or inside edge, and it will be smooth. Outside edge is positive camber, inside edge is negative camber. If you have a torsion axle, meaning no leaf springs, , then the axle is inside the tube, that has brackets welded to it, and is bolted to the frame. If that's the case. You may be looking at an axle assembly. Find a GOOD truck alignment shop they still bend axles on some of the older trucks. But you got to find a shop that knows their stuff. If you got an axle problem. Get the model number, and make of the axle. It s on a tag on the axle. A place like northern tool has axle parts. They may be able to order one for you. I don t think your axle is an airstream only axle.
My 325 tag axle is an off the shelf tag. I got the complete brake assembly at my local trailor supply store. The sell complete axles too. With the exception of the ten bolt drum I can get anything from them. Let me know the numbers, I ll see if I can find one for you ,or at least see if it s available. As far as I can see, the only thing exclusive to airstream is the curved aluminum on the ends And windshields/ glass for windows . Chassis stuff seams to be jobbed out to differant companies DJ

[cwf]

Have you owned since new?

Well, it takes special equipment to make "forming adjustments" to torsion axles.

Taking a close look at the design will help comprehend. There are YouTube videos under "Dexter"'axles showing how they assemble and adjust.

It is likely there was a time the axle tube was used to jack the trailer... that will damage alignment and perhaps the function of the torsion Arm. Another option is a hit to the tire when turning or hitting road debris which can misalign the torsion arm and/or the axle tube.

Look under the trailer, is there any damage to the axle tube? A dent or unusual Bend? If the axle shows damage, a replacement is advisable.