Axles Worn Out - What To Do?

Groover

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 4, 2020
Messages
166
Location
Tucson, AZ
Just took my 2500RL trailer to a truck axle place because I was getting very uneven tire wear.

They found the bearings are worn, the alignment is completely wrong, shackles and spring bearings are worn, emergency breakaway not working. Here are the prices I got (ex tax):

Replaced bearings, services brakes, alignment = $1,200
Overhauled axles = $2,300
Upgrade axles to "hybrid style" = $4,300

Any thoughts on these prices? They seem very high to me.

I have an extended warranty but I guess it won't cover any of this because it seems to all be wear and tear.

I work on my own vehicles so I would consider a DIY alignment and perhaps bearing replacement. How difficult it is for one person to DIY replace the axles? I am thinking they must be pretty heavy.

Thanks!
 
This is JMO, and I'm offering it for free, so it is worth all you paid for it. :)

Does that price of $1,200 include parts? Such as bearings, brake parts, etc. Personally I think the problem with alignment may be the result of all the worn parts, and once all is refurbished, the tire wear/alignment problem will no longer be an issue.

What, exactly, is the $2,300 for "overhauled" axles? What does that entail? Once you've replaced the bearings and brakes, that's about it. Unless the axles are flattened, or cambered incorrectly.

What do they consider "hybrid axles"?

Do you know what the axles are rated at? And, not throwing stones, has the maintenance be done on wheel bearings and brakes? Or at the least the brakes and bearing checked a couple times since new.
The rating of the axles will determine how easily a DIY'er can handle the weight of them.
 
Thanks!

3,500lb axles

I have not serviced them - my bad I know.

The prices include parts and overhauling is replacing the worn springs, attaching parts, align the axles, and service the bearings/brake. So it seems an extra $1,100 for springs with installation.

They say the axles are not bent or damaged.

Looks like 3,500lb axles weight around 85lb? That might be doable...

Thanks.
 
Last edited:
Well, if the axles aren't bent or damaged, I certainly wouldn't replace them. Definitely new springs, new Dexter EZ-Flex equalizers, new wetbots and bushings. I'd thoroughly check the hangers for any wear or elongation of the spring hanger bolt holes. I'd check the axle bearing areas for any wear or fretting.

I really don't think the price of $2,300 is too far out of line for what you've enumerated. Parts alone could easily run around $1,000 if they replace all the bearings, wet bolts/bushing, springs, brakes, and check alignment. And I'd have them throw in the Dexter EZ-Flex equalizers. Best bang for the buck IMO.

All of it is do-able by a competent DIY'er, but it is a fair amount of work, and you'd need tools, jacks, jack stands, and the like. Very much a tough call. I'd be on the fence, honestly. But I'm a cheapskate. :)
 
Thanks Howard, I appreciate that. I am going to just pay for the diagnostic, get it back and consider what to do. I am leaning towards DIY.
 
Rip off.
Axle alignment should be around $400. New springs $250. Bearings, seals, etc, $100. Thrown in a wet bolt kit $150
New equalizer $130-$190 depending on brand.

$1060 +/-$30

It's an easy 1/2 day job for a qualified tech. $180 hr shop rate. X 5 hr $900. Throw in $100 for misc stuff.
Your looking at $2K not $4300.
I just can't see $4300 for all that unless you axles are worn from bearing damage.

I did pretty much most of that suspension work on my own TT. One side at a time. To replace all that stuff is pretty straight forward. Lots of youtube vids.
 
Last edited:
Check out complete axles at etrailer. About $500 per axle complete with bearings, brakes ($1000). add in springs at about $72 per ($288).
Add bushings, equalizer, new U-bolts, bits, pieces and beer & you still would have money left over for tools...everybody need new tools.
 
Looking at DIY upgrade to 5,200lb axles however I am concerned the weight of the axles makes it too difficult to DIY. I saw on etrailer that they can be 150lb, which I cannot lift on my own to get to the trailer.

Thanks.
 
If you thinking of replacing the axles upgrade to 4400 or even 5200 ones and select a spring one heavier than what you have. The bigger axles get you larger brakes.

Just my 02

PS as you in Tucson shop around. Find a heavy equipment trailer dealer and get a second opinion or better find a heavy truck/trailer repair center that has the equipment to properly check alignment and axle camber.
 
Does anyone know of a source for axles that have a spring centers of 68.50? It seems GD used a non-standard size.

I contacted etrailer who don't list axles like that and all they suggested was to buy the spring brackets separately and have them welded on, which of course is extra hassle taking them somewhere to do the welding.

Waiting on Dexter for a quote for drop-in replacements but I bet it won't be cheap.

Thanks!
 
Spring distance eye-to-eye of 68 1/2 inches? Or are you referring to the distance between the spring retainers on the axle?
 
68.50 Spring center is somewhat common. Just not what Etrailer carries. I bought some axles from Etrailer that came with the spring perch at a different position. I just cut it off and welded new ons on.
I also found some axles at a trailer supply place that had no spring perches. But they were way more $$$.
Both Dexter axles.
 
Does anyone know of a source for axles that have a spring centers of 68.50? It seems GD used a non-standard size.

I contacted etrailer who don't list axles like that and all they suggested was to buy the spring brackets separately and have them welded on, which of course is extra hassle taking them somewhere to do the welding.

Waiting on Dexter for a quote for drop-in replacements but I bet it won't be cheap.

Thanks!

Give Iron Bear Trailers a call. https://ironbeartrailer.com/ They are a Dexter distributer and have excellent pricing - less than Dexter direct or etrailer. They are located around Denver CO and can ship anywhere. I used them for my axle upgrade and they shipped out special order axles with springs and brakes attached.

Have you axle tag information handy. If you haven't done so contact Dexter with the information on that tag (center back of axle), They can send you the build sheet with all of the dimensions needed to speck out you new axles.

BTW Spring center of 68.5 is a common RV axle.
 
Give Iron Bear Trailers a call. https://ironbeartrailer.com/ They are a Dexter distributer and have excellent pricing - less than Dexter direct or etrailer. They are located around Denver CO and can ship anywhere. I used them for my axle upgrade and they shipped out special order axles with springs and brakes attached.

Have you axle tag information handy. If you haven't done so contact Dexter with the information on that tag (center back of axle), They can send you the build sheet with all of the dimensions needed to speck out you new axles.

BTW Spring center of 68.5 is a common RV axle.

Thanks! I have the Dexter build sheet. They were supposed to give me pricing but are slow. I will call Iron Bear!
 
Just took my 2500RL trailer to a truck axle place because I was getting very uneven tire wear.

They found the bearings are worn, the alignment is completely wrong, shackles and spring bearings are worn, emergency breakaway not working. Here are the prices I got (ex tax):

Replaced bearings, services brakes, alignment = $1,200
Overhauled axles = $2,300
Upgrade axles to "hybrid style" = $4,300

Any thoughts on these prices? They seem very high to me.

I have an extended warranty but I guess it won't cover any of this because it seems to all be wear and tear.

I work on my own vehicles so I would consider a DIY alignment and perhaps bearing replacement. How difficult it is for one person to DIY replace the axles? I am thinking they must be pretty heavy.

Thanks!

Replace with upgraded axles if you can. Likely the 5200 will work. Change springs and add replacement equalizer/wet bolt kit. Have the hangers checked to ensure they are true and you are good to go. They have U-tube videos showing how all this is done. Also one with a mobile RV tech doing all this on location except for checking trueness.

Good luck.
 
This is what I have so far. Am I missing or misunderstanding anything regarding this?

REPAIR - 3,500lb

Spindle: https://www.ebay.com/itm/292806391674
- HD 3" tube
- $237 (two needed)
- $60 shipping (two needed)
Bearing and seal kit: https://www.ebay.com/itm/351380741008
- $44 (one needed)
Springs: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Leaf-Springs/etrailer/e22YR.html
- $65 (four needed)
Suspension kit: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Leaf-Spring-Suspension/Dexter/K71-449-00.html
- $244 (one needed)
U-bolts 3": https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Leaf-Spring-Suspension/Dexter/SP01-060.html
- $27 (two needed)

Total: $1,196


UPGRADE - 6000lb

Complete axle: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Axles/etrailer/e73SR.html
- $486 (two needed)
- 6 on 5.5
Conversion kit: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Leaf-Spring-Suspension/Dexter/K71-384-00.html
- $64 (two needed)
Springs: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Leaf-Springs/etrailer/e94SR.html
- $75 (four needed)
Suspension kit: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Leaf-Spring-Suspension/Dexter/K71-449-00.html
- $244 (one needed)
Wheels: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Tires-and-Wheels/Americana/AM33NR.html
- $118 (four needed)

Total: $2,116

The upgrade will also need welding for the spring mounts and moving tires over to the new wheels. Maybe I can sell the old Lionshead wheels? Not sure if they are worth anything though. No damage on them.

I would like the Dexter EZ-Flex but they are a bit pricey for me right now. :/
 
This is what I have so far. Am I missing or misunderstanding anything regarding this?

REPAIR - 3,500lb

Spindle: https://www.ebay.com/itm/292806391674
- HD 3" tube
- $237 (two needed)
- $60 shipping (two needed)
Bearing and seal kit: https://www.ebay.com/itm/351380741008
- $44 (one needed)
Springs: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Leaf-Springs/etrailer/e22YR.html
- $65 (four needed)
Suspension kit: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Leaf-Spring-Suspension/Dexter/K71-449-00.html
- $244 (one needed)
U-bolts 3": https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Leaf-Spring-Suspension/Dexter/SP01-060.html
- $27 (two needed)

Total: $1,196


UPGRADE - 6000lb

Complete axle: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Axles/etrailer/e73SR.html
- $486 (two needed)
- 6 on 5.5
Conversion kit: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Leaf-Spring-Suspension/Dexter/K71-384-00.html
- $64 (two needed)
Springs: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Leaf-Springs/etrailer/e94SR.html
- $75 (four needed)
Suspension kit: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Leaf-Spring-Suspension/Dexter/K71-449-00.html
- $244 (one needed)
Wheels: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Tires-and-Wheels/Americana/AM33NR.html
- $118 (four needed)

Total: $2,116

The upgrade will also need welding for the spring mounts and moving tires over to the new wheels. Maybe I can sell the old Lionshead wheels? Not sure if they are worth anything though. No damage on them.

I would like the Dexter EZ-Flex but they are a bit pricey for me right now. :/

Ouch the prices seem high. Please give Iron Bear Trailer a call to verify https://ironbeartrailer.com/. They did great by me on my axle and spring upgrade. Also on your quotes verify the tube wall thickness, You definitely don't want LW (light Wall).
 

New posts

Try RV LIFE Pro Free for 7 Days

  • New Ad-Free experience on this RV LIFE Community.
  • Plan the best RV Safe travel with RV LIFE Trip Wizard.
  • Navigate with our RV Safe GPS mobile app.
  • and much more...
Try RV LIFE Pro Today
Back
Top Bottom