Trailer Axle Question...

[Bass_boat_boy]

Good day all, I was putting the cougar away in the garage for the winter and was jacking the trailer tires up off the ground when I noticed something odd. Tires with full weight on the ground or up in the air are solid. When the tire slightly touching the ground there is a slight wobble in the torsion arm? Is this normal? I checked the nut its torqued down. Is it the rubber in the axle that is slightly compressed is the reason for the movement?

thx all...

[Bass Cat Boats]

There shouldn’t be any wobble in the end units and you can see the axle splines move on the axle spline. Either film that looking for play, or watch it when someone is moving the wheel. You,use figure out where the play is as that’s likely going to wear tires and bearings.

[Bass_boat_boy]

There shouldn’t be any wobble in the end units and you can see the axle splines move on the axle spline. Either film that looking for play, or watch it when someone is moving the wheel. You,use figure out where the play is as that’s likely going to wear tires and bearings.

So why is there no play when the tire is lifted off the ground or full weight on the floor. Only play when the axle has slight pressure. I don't really understand. If there is play it should be all the time.

[Bass Cat Boats]

There is, you probably just can’t shake it when there’s pressure on it. It’s a pretty good bit of weight and leverage.

[Bass_boat_boy]

There is, you probably just can’t shake it when there’s pressure on it. It’s a pretty good bit of weight and leverage.

Yes but when the tire/axle is off the ground there is no play.

[apdriver]

Have you removed the wheel and tire so you can inspect everything with a critical eye? It’s hard to see and tell much until it’s removed. The torsion bolt should be torqued to 150 FT/lbs. Takes a good size torque wrench.

[Bass_boat_boy]

Have you removed the wheel and tire so you can inspect everything with a critical eye? It’s hard to see and tell much until it’s removed. The torsion bolt should be torqued to 150 FT/lbs. Takes a good size torque wrench.

Inhaved removed the wheel but i did check the nut and she is on there. The odd thing is up the the air there is no movement. If t arm was loose I would thing it would have some play up off the ground.

[castforcash]

Inhaved removed the wheel but i did check the nut and she is on there. The odd thing is up the the air there is no movement. If t arm was loose I would thing it would have some play up off the ground.

There's a good chance the bolts have stretched. Get a new set from basscat and replace them. Maybe take it to a trailer shop and get everything checked out. I made the mistake of not checking mine more often and by the time I realized there was something wrong it cost me 2 new axle assemblies. The splines were damaged from trailering with loose end units.

[castforcash]

Inhaved removed the wheel but i did check the nut and she is on there. The odd thing is up the the air there is no movement. If t arm was loose I would thing it would have some play up off the ground.

That bolt and nut may seem tight to you, but what happens is it stretches from impact. 150 ft/lbs is a lot, so if you're just checking it with a ratchet and not a torque wrench or breaker bar you may think it's tight enough, but it's not.

[Bass Cat Boats]

If he’s able to shake it, then something is definitely loose. The root issue must be found by a qualified technician.

BCB

There's a good chance the bolts have stretched. Get a new set from basscat and replace them. Maybe take it to a trailer shop and get everything checked out. I made the mistake of not checking mine more often and by the time I realized there was something wrong it cost me 2 new axle assemblies. The splines were damaged from trailering with loose end units.

[kmelford]

It's good that you saw an issue before you had a real problem. I replace my bearings and brakes every two years and that timing has worked for me for the last 20 years. Unfortunately I had a bearing blow out about 70 miles from home (nightmare on the road). It turns it caused damage to the entire assembly including the axle.

I plan to better understand how to check and maintain the bearings going forward, including what tools and items I should keep with me on the road. I learned way too much this time! Good advice is welcome!

Thanks!

[WjColdWater]

A few thing to look for.
https://www.bbcboards.net/showthread.php?t=1230531

[kmelford]

Thank you! That's an impressive process and report! The axle and suspension system has definitely changed for the better since mine was built in 2008. My spindles are more vulnerable to damage if I start to lose grease and they are integral to the axle structure. It seems that the entire axle needs to be replaced if the spindle gets damaged. The design is very different than yours.

I noticed that BC and others are recommending to replace bearings every 4 to 5 years. I've been doing that every two and now I'm not sure why I had the issue. My guess is the that the brake heated up on that side and the grease flowed out...... maybe?

I plan to have a spare packed bearing ready to go along with the right set of tools on the road. Thanks again!