Posted 2011-02-04 10:10 AM (#129780) Subject: Is the axle bent?
New User
Posts: 2
Location: virginia
How do I know if a trailer has a bent axle? Tires do not show any odd tread marks. Bearings were packed and trailer inspected in late summer. Would the mechanic inspecting the trailer know if there was a problem with the axle?
Posted 2011-02-04 10:20 AM (#129782 - in reply to #129780) Subject: RE: Is the axle bent?
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
It's very difficult to know if an axle has a small bend in it. A difference of only a degree or so at the spindle can effect the longevity of your tires. It's best to take the trailer to a truck alignment shop and have it checked out.
If you're not showing any abnormal tire wear, chances are that there's nothing amiss.
Posted 2011-02-04 11:10 AM (#129787 - in reply to #129780) Subject: RE: Is the axle bent?
Expert
Posts: 3853
Location: Vermont
Originally written by todshow on 2011-02-04 10:10 AM
How do I know if a trailer has a bent axle? Tires do not show any odd tread marks. Bearings were packed and trailer inspected in late summer. Would the mechanic inspecting the trailer know if there was a problem with the axle?
Posted 2011-02-04 2:40 PM (#129797 - in reply to #129780) Subject: RE: Is the axle bent?
Expert
Posts: 2957
Location: North Carolina
Many trailer axles have a bend in the center. This is to apply the correct camber to the tire. When the tire is rolling down the road it tends to splay outward. Without the camber correction of the bent axle, the tire would wear unevenly.