BENT AXLE?????

[k5ranger]

here's the deal......both tires(single axle) lean in at the top pretty far. i put a jack under the center of the axle and the tires straightened out. however, one straightened out more than the other. i also notice that the rear spring hanger on the side that leans more is broken. so what do you think? can i fix this at home or what?<br /> another thought...the axle has a "bow" in the middle that appears to be a design feature. i was going to flip the axle from the top of the springs to the bottom to make adjustments for going from 13" to 14" tires (clearance with the boat..i didn't want to raise the trailer bunks), that's when i started noticing all these problems. will flipping the axle help with the leaning tires or just make matters worse?<br />thanks....

 

[Bass Runner]

Re: BENT AXLE?????

Sounds like your boat is to heavy for your trailer causing the axle to bend.

 

[Cobotr]

Re: BENT AXLE?????

Axles are pre-bent on purpose. Normally the tops of the tires are further apart than the bottoms on an empty trailer. As the weight of the boat is loaded on the trailer, the axle should flex the camber of the wheels to nearly straight up. First of all, you need to correct the hanger problems. Then I would take the axle to an axle shop. They can put it in a jig and check/reset the proper angles (toe-in and camber) to give you the proper trailering charactoristics and tire wear. This should cost about $100. Be sure to mark the axle prior to removal as to what is forward and up on the axle so they know how it's orientated in the trailer.<br /><br />Other possible contributors to your problem:<br />Is the boat overloaded for the capacity of the trailer? Has the trailer axle ever been removed and possibly installed upside down?

 

[k5ranger]

Re: BENT AXLE?????

i don't believe the boat is averloasing the axle....but i'm not 100% sure. i am waiting till the holiday is over to take it to certified scales. <br /><br />the axle bend is going down similar to the other support rails on the trailer. could the spindles be bent? one tire leans more than the other. <br /><br />i am also taking it to a trailer shop around the corner from my house on tuesday.