Bent axle

[triple m outfitters]

I have a 1976 Tee Nee trailer (single axle). It hauls my 19 foot flat bottom boat. The trailer is well built compared to todays standards. I've owned the trailer for 20 years with no trouble at all. I'm a fishing guide so the trailer gets used hard. Last year I was using the only concrete ramp on the river, not knowing the high water washed away the end of the ramp. My wheels fell off the ramp. I put my truck in 4-wheel and tried to pull it up....anyway I bent the axle. Both wheels are toed out or in (not sure the correct language). The inside of both tires wear. I have a guy at a body shop said he can straighten them. has anyone had to do this? If so, is this a good fix or will it through normal usage go back to the toe problem? It's hard to find an axle, I did manage to find one but it's a lot of $$ and down time to fix. Thanks

 

[ajgraz]

Did the axle itself bend, or did the spindles bend, or did the welds between the spindle and the axle bend/break?

Is this some kind of super-unusual axle? Plenty of places online to buy an axle and have it shipped...you live somewhere remote?

 

[Scott Danforth]

big torch and pipe and you can straighten an axle.

new axles are probably the easiest and best bang for buck.

 

[M2HB]

They bend axles to set the camber and toe in. A lot depends on how badly your axle is bent. Axles are usually cheap. You can sometimes buy a heavier axle and use the lighter springs so it still rides well.

pictures would help.

 

[ahicks]

Another vote for just replacing it. Most axles are well under 200 complete and come with new bearings and hubs. There are common sizes that are pretty easy to come by, but custom axles, built to any spec you want or need, are not that much more. If the one you have is older, and you're using it hard, it sounds like something you shouldn't be messing around with. Replace it and move on!

 

[triple m outfitters]

Thanks for all your advice. I was leaning towards a new axle anyway. I knew I'd get good advice from my I boat friends. It's been a rough season for me so far with lots of boat troubles. The cost to ship is more than the axle itself. It didn't sound like a good fix to re-bend them. Thanks again, tight lines.

 

[jimmbo]

If you really want to treat yourself, get a Torsion Axle(springless). The axle on my EZLoader, bent and was replaced under warranty. I made a few calls to EZLoader and got the wholesale prices of both the spring axle and the torsion, and then went and offered the Distributor, who was replacing the axle, the difference to put in the torsion. It towed fine before, but the torsion axle is like having independent suspension. What the port wheel is doing have very little effect on the starboard wheel. Any trailer I get in the future will have the torsion axle