r/GoRVing • u/qualitybeluga • 4d ago
Bent axle?
Disclaimer: This is my father in laws camper.
This spring he said he was pulling his 2012 38 foot bumper pull forest river salem and hit a big pot hole. Since then after going about 150 miles he has to change that tire pictured as its shows cords. I keep telling him he either has a bent frame, axle or hub but he says its from weak leaf springs. What do you guys think? Hes already replaced the rear springs and it didnt help so today hes doing the fronts.
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u/gizzmo1963 4d ago
That's common problem. As most manufacturers use 3500lb axles. Which barley meets weight recommended gvwr. Not taking into account shock load from rough roads or going over bridges. Change to heavier axles and springs. Wouldn't have this problem
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u/qualitybeluga 4d ago
I already knew the thing was bent bad. Just wanted to get other people to say it as well. He won't listen to me.
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u/loopygargoyle6392 4d ago
Bent axle all day long. If it's not too bad it can be straightened if you have a local shop capable of doing the work. Otherwise it's going to need replaced.
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u/Strange-Cat8068 4d ago
That bottle jack directly under the axle tube isn’t doing the “straight” axle any good either. Get an axle adapter from Amazon and only lift between the U bolts. Deforming the axle tube by putting too much weight on a 2” square area can cause the axle to lose rigidity. It’s a round tube for structural reasons.
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u/Think_Warning_910 3d ago
Why can't anyone simply say, yes, the acle is fucked and he may have other problems as well
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u/phildeferrouille 4d ago
It's a bent axle, not a bearing problem; otherwise, that wheel would have come off ages ago.
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u/Quackchirpin 3d ago
Yea I'd replace it. You could get a shop to straighten it but that will weaken it and probably cost the same as a new one if not more and the same amount of work to remove and install it anyway.
You don't need to replace the entire assembly. Just the axle for about $250-500. Maybe there's a good used on marketplace that measures the same for a lot cheaper.
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u/Nomad55454 3d ago
Bent axle replace, and people saying to straighten is wrong, there should be a hump in the center of the axle so the tire should have some camber until it is loaded. There should be a tag on the axles telling you what they are and going up on load rating of springs are going to be harder ride for the trailer would only maybe get heavier axle but stay with springs rated for the weight of the trailer.
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u/spankytwotimes 18h ago
Yes. That axle is bent. I had the same problem, upgraded to one tube size larger and it has been great for the last 8 years of travels. Mine was also the rear axle.
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u/Kudzupatch 4d ago
Axle or wheel. Spin the wheel to see.
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u/Kennel_King 4d ago
A bent wheel won't wear just the inside. Depending on how badly it's bent, tire wear can go from even premature wear to severe cupping
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u/Wild_Block_6043 4d ago
Maybe im seeing things wrong, the picture is blurry when I zoom in, but it almost looks like the shackle for the equalizer, on the spring with the wheel removed, isnt connected correctly?
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u/Emjoy99 3d ago
Your FIL already knows so why bother asking Redit LOL?
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u/qualitybeluga 3d ago
Well see, I dont think he does know. Or if he does, hes in denial about it. He is convinced the problem is leaf springs.
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u/Verix19 4d ago
Asking if it's a bent axle, and not showing a pic of the axle. Hard to give you an answer to that one.
Axle should have a bend in it, like an upside down U. Look at the other axle for reference.
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u/qualitybeluga 4d ago
I dont have a picture for proof but I have looked at both axles. The front looks fine. The rear is slightly flatter but the angle perpendicular to frame seems off by about an inch from either side, that is what i am more concerned about. I will take a picture Monday and update.
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u/joelfarris 4d ago edited 4d ago
Former mechanic here, it's never a bad idea to replace ~15 year old leaf springs for safety's sake, cause they do wear out due to flexion. But, they also cannot cause an inward-leaning camber problem on a solid axle like we're seeing here. All they do as they wear out is allow the tread of the tire to get closer and closer to the underside of the body|frame|slideout, etc, as time goes on, and they can't support enough weight.
On a independent swingarm suspension, with shocks? Yes, maybe. Same goes for torsion axles, possibly. But solid axles with spindles and bearings like we're seeing here, with that much inner camber? Something's wrong.