Axle replacement

[tooth ferry]

2014 MHC 5200 Capacity rear axle has lost its arc so no camber at tires and eating up the inside edges of the tires. Can't find 5200 replacement but can get a 6000 in town. Any problems with running the 5200 and 6000 together? Of course Dexter recommends replacing both.

[AZ Traveler]

I would replace both. Axles are fairly inexpensive.

[tooth ferry]

The axles available locally have complete brake assemblies etc and are about 800 -900 plus tax plus additional installation for 2 axles. Isn't just a little more unless really a problem to run 5200 and 6000. Thanks for your opinion.

[Thorsell]

If replacing one, I would replace both with the 6000 axles. Will existing springs fit? Is it $900 for each axle, or the pair, with brakes? That is a good price for a pair. Replacement is backyard mechanic level skills.

[tooth ferry]

$800 -900 per axle with brakes.

[Delaine and Lindy]

Might try Lippert, I replace a brake axle, 6500 if I remember correctly, was less than $300.00. Was told Dexter has just gotten to high. Good Luck.

Happy Trails.

[kencare]

Why not try a semi trailer alignment shop, maybe $200.00
They can re-arc the axle.

[Carl n Susan]

How about buying just the bare axle? The existing brakes are interchangeable with either 5.2K, 6k, or 7K axles.

[tooth ferry]

Trying to get back on the road quickly and the only parts I can find locally are the ones complete with brakes,etc 6000 lbs. Have not been able to find a truck alignment shop that will re-arc the axle. That brings the question of is there a problem of running a 5200 axle on the front axle and a 6000 on the back axle? Is the weight difference due to different brakes, etc or different strength of the axle shaft? Anyone know of a shop that can re-arc my axle that is within 150-200 miles of Birmingham.

[psomers]

I live in Northport. Have you tried Red Neck in Tuscumbia? I think that is with in 200 miles of Birmingham. I have used them several times and they have about everything Dexter. Their #256-386-0328.

[Montana Man]

Consider that some folks here have bought new axles and even they needed alignment.

[Billbored]

etrailer.com can fix you up with about any suspension equipment. A tractor trailer shop can also get you going at about $125/axle, in about an hour in my experience. Had service done in Charleston, SC and San Antonio, TX.
Good luck,
Bill

[jimcol]

I ran for years with mismatched axles. Didn't hurt a thing. The only difference between the 5200 and 6000 is the thickness of the wall of the axel. Been a long time ago but I think it ran about $325 for the axle and installation using old brakes.

[whiterose]

You will need to match the length between end flanges and the length between spring mounting pads. These dimensions vary enormously for any weight axle.

[ToolMan]

I replaced a 5200# with a 7000# with no issues. I called and ordered direct from Dexter. There should be a sticker on the axle with id numbers that they can use to get the right axle.

[Dave W]

Eastern Marine have many Dexter axles listed. etrailer is no longer a low price leader for parts like they have been in the past


As far as not finding a 5200 pound axle - it's IDENTICAL to the 6000 pound axle, the ONLY difference being the outer hub wheel bearing. Change all four of the outer bearings and you now have 6000 pound axles. Change all four of the springs and you will have 6K suspension. Unfortunately that will not change the GVWR shown on the sticker but will be peace of mind. Or - you can just keep the 5.2 bearing with that 6K stamped axle.


You can use that same axle as a 7K axle but that's a little more complicated (costly!). All Dexter did ws change outer bearings, the inners are all the same, 5200-7000 and use the same D42 spindle.

[Carl n Susan]

I don't understand. If all Dexter axles 5200-7000 use the same D42 spindle. What would you change the outer bearing when using your original drums? I am pretty sure I made that exact change, 5200 to 7000, on my 2955 in 2010 using the same drums and bearings.

[jimcol]

Originally Posted by Carl n Susan

I don't understand. If all Dexter axles 5200-7000 use the same D42 spindle. What would you chnage the outer bearing when using your original drums? I am pretty sure I made that exact change, 5200 to 7000, on my 2955 in 2010 using the same drums and bearings.

I agree Carl. I made that change twice on my 06 3000RK. (didn't change both axels at the same time. Reused the drums and bearings both times. Both Dexter and the shop doing the work said the only difference is the the thickness of the walls on the tube.

[Dave W]

...then figure it out for yourselves. I've already done my personal due diligence.


Thicker axle 7K up tubes 'happened about 2019

[jimcol]

Well, this isn't the first time my reality has varied from another's due diligence. Just sharing my experience.