Bent axles??? - Montana Owners Club

FLtravelers · 02-16-2011, 03:07 PM

My other issue. We've worn through some tires with what looks similar to a toe-in problem.

Last year I had a trailer shop and a Goodyear tire shop say that everything was aligned ok. Three tires (and 20,000 miles) later, a different trailer shop says bent axles can be replaced for $1,400.

When I put a straight-edge across the side of the tires, there is a space at the front of the tires ODS and a corresponding space at the back of the tires DS. That says out-of-square to me.

Can this be bent axles or not installed square?

sailer · 02-16-2011, 03:11 PM

Sounds like bent axels , as that relates to keystone saying toooooo much stuff in the unit,, my guess ,,,sailer

richfaa · 02-16-2011, 03:14 PM

Axles can be straightened at a fraction of that cost and even then 1400.00 for axles and who says they are both bent...is a bit much...

FLtravelers · 02-16-2011, 03:20 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by richfaa

Axles can be straightened at a fraction of that cost and even then 1400.00 for axles and who says they are both bent...is a bit much...

I was told that straightening axles usually doesn't last very long, and of course the trailer shop says "their measurements" show that both are bent. All four tires do show irregular wear.

c214dick · 02-16-2011, 04:09 PM

I just went through this with my 08 3400RL. Call Dexter direct and explain your situation. I needed one axle and they charged me a warranty price, including FedEx shipping from Georgia to Florida, $158 total. I was charged 2 hrs labor by a local shop that was recommended by my insurance company. Additional cost was for the two replacement tires plus mounting. The shop I used specializes in heavy truck suspensions. They could have sent the axle to their other shop for straightening but felt the price I was charged for a new axle was a much better deal. You may want to contact your insurance company to see if they will cover it under collision, less your deductible. I would first price out your total expense to see if it is worth the chance of your rates being raised. Good luck.

Art-n-Marge · 02-16-2011, 06:21 PM

Actually bent axles is a misnomer. The axles are supposed to have an upward bend to them, that is a slight bow aimed up. Both my axles have that on my rig.

Sometimes if the axle bends then it ends up straight and that's not right.

Recently someone also pointed out that their axles had the proper bend to them and the problem turned out to be the spindles were bent causing the poor tire wear.

C214dick's recommendations to contact Dexter first is a good idea. Hopefully they can tell you how to debug what's causing the root of your problem; axles, spindles or something else.

I hope you post what is done to correct your rig. This goes for the other posts you've made with other troubles you are having. Good luck with everything.

thor · 02-16-2011, 11:26 PM

first i would weigh my trailer .if it weighs too much them get it in the right specs.then see how the axles look.if they are ok then ponder about fixing them.

FLtravelers · 02-17-2011, 02:14 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by c214dick

I just went through this with my 08 3400RL. Call Dexter direct and explain your situation. I needed one axle and they charged me a warranty price, including FedEx shipping from Georgia to Florida, $158 total. I was charged 2 hrs labor by a local shop that was recommended by my insurance company. Additional cost was for the two replacement tires plus mounting. The shop I used specializes in heavy truck suspensions. They could have sent the axle to their other shop for straightening but felt the price I was charged for a new axle was a much better deal. You may want to contact your insurance company to see if they will cover it under collision, less your deductible. I would first price out your total expense to see if it is worth the chance of your rates being raised. Good luck.

Where in Florida did you have it done? I'm just north of Gainesville, but will drive to whoever can do it right.

FLtravelers · 02-17-2011, 02:18 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by thor

first i would weigh my trailer .if it weighs too much them get it in the right specs.then see how the axles look.if they are ok then ponder about fixing them.

I'm usually about 1,000# under GVWR. Right now I'm probably 2,000# under (empty).

c214dick · 02-17-2011, 03:27 PM

Tampa Springs, 4225 W Hwy 40, Ocala, 352 690 1656, ask for Kevin. Tell him I recommended his shop and that they just replaced my axle so he will remember. He did not have a problem with me ordering the axle from Dexter and the tires from another source. He has a guy next door that can mount the tires. The number I have for Dexter is 260 636 5311 and ask for Vicky. If you have Tampa order the axles they will charge extra. You will also need the numbers that are stamped on the axles for Dexter to build new axles. From the time the axles were ordered it took about a week for them to build and ship, another 2 days for transit time. Are you sure they both need to be replaced? Tampa was able to measure mine and determined it was just one axle. Call if you want any additional info as I still have all my notes. FYI, don't let the shop's appearance upset you. It's kind of messy but they are busy and the truckers love them.

Dick Whiteside 847 217 2241

FLtravelers · 02-17-2011, 04:50 PM

THANK YOU DICK! Ocala's just a short hop away. You just made my day. Now I can get a good night's rest (I always do). I'll call them tomorrow and let you know how I make out. No I'm not sure I need both. Looking forward to their analysis and getting this behind me. I'd much rather be tooling down the road.

mtheo · 02-17-2011, 06:29 PM

I just replaced mine, cost $138.00 each from Dexter.

RCN.Stoker · 02-18-2011, 08:23 AM

That second opinion from a recommended shop sounds like a good idea. Given the problems people have had with loose u-bolts I would also get those checked.

c214dick · 02-18-2011, 09:33 AM

Included in my replacement cost were new U bolts.

Waynem · 02-18-2011, 03:03 PM

Art is correct. The axles are supposed to have an upward bend to them.

FLtravelers · 02-18-2011, 03:47 PM

Taking it in on Monday. Will post results.

c214dick · 02-22-2011, 02:44 AM

So how was your appointment at Tampa Springs?????????

FLtravelers · 02-22-2011, 03:14 AM

Kevin was out yesterday so we just dropped it off. They still haven't looked at it.

c214dick · 02-22-2011, 07:13 AM

I didn't know you were going to drop it off. /when we made our appointment, we stayed hooked to it, they did the measurements, determined the damage and away we went. Two weeks later we brought it back, again stayed hooked while they changed the axle.

FLtravelers · 02-22-2011, 11:15 AM

Kevin from Tampa Springs called this afternoon while I was at Sam's ordering G614's to replace the Marathons. Different story, but Gainesville Sam's couldn't pull the tire up without the Item #702774, which I got from the Ocala Sam's.

Kevin said the front axle's bent, but the back one is fine. What does that say for Texas Trailer in Gainesville?

I'll call Dexter tomorrow and see what they can do for me. The only number Kevin could get off the axle is 216179. Does that sound right?

Ocala's a 150 mile round trip. I didn't want to do that twice. We're in our winter home so it's no problem. Saves on fuel and right now the Monty is limping with the bad tires and no spare. I'm waiting for new wheels (one is cracked - not related) and the new tires I just ordered. I'm going to have them put wet bolts on while they're at it.

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