Broken Hub, Twice
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From: WA/AZ
Broken Hub, Twice
This has happened twice on the same spindle of my 10,000# 5th wheel.
It's a 2010 model with two 3500# axles and relatively low, highway, miles. The bearings are fine and could have been reused, although I didn't.
Has anyone seen this even once before?
I suppose the logical thing to do is replace the axle. I wonder if I should use a heavier axle if I do.
Any input is appreciated.
Last edited by moto vita; Nov 23, 2013 at 11:00 AM. Reason: add
Fleet Mechanic
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From: Upstate NY
I for sure would be talking to the axle manufacturer about that 2x failure. It may be that they had a bad batch of drum assemblies and while not advertising the fact, may help you with some freebie materials. If that was a Dexter assembly, I would think 6000 pound axles with 6 lugs, 8 with 7000 pound and up axles (though that's not cast in iron either)
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I for sure would be talking to the axle manufacturer about that 2x failure. It may be that they had a bad batch of drum assemblies and while not advertising the fact, may help you with some freebie materials. If that was a Dexter assembly, I would think 6000 pound axles with 6 lugs, 8 with 7000 pound and up axles (though that's not cast in iron either)
The cost of the parts is not my primary concern. I just would like to minimize the likelihood of a breakdown in the middle of the desert.
The axles are branded "Lippert" as I recall, I'm sure they are the cheapest import that was available to the manufacturer at the time.
Fleet Mechanic
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From: Upstate NY
The second hub that broke was the replacement for the first and was purchased on the open market, years after the axle was assembled. I was reimbursed for it by the trailer manufacturer.
The cost of the parts is not my primary concern. I just would like to minimize the likelihood of a breakdown in the middle of the desert.
The axles are branded "Lippert" as I recall, I'm sure they are the cheapest import that was available to the manufacturer at the time.
The cost of the parts is not my primary concern. I just would like to minimize the likelihood of a breakdown in the middle of the desert.
The axles are branded "Lippert" as I recall, I'm sure they are the cheapest import that was available to the manufacturer at the time.
As my suggestion, call Dexter, tell then what you have and they may 'help' you with a set of replacement axles (stay away from their 42mm Nevr-Lubes though).
I understand what you are saying about break downs. I don't have many, but they can sure ruin a weekend or vacation. I'm waiting for a couple of gears for one side of our 5ers landing gear. I was concerned about a noise, gave it a try in the driveway - pop!!. The drive pin under the gear at the top of the leg sheared tearing the bottom out of that gear. We would have been very unhappy had that happened while we were in New Brunswick last month, 750 miles from home and a much better slection of tools.
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So have you heard of this type of hub failure due to overloading? Or for any reason? I have to think that two failures on the same spindle cast substantial suspicion on that axle and if I'm buying an axle I'd prefer to use a heavier one.
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From: Frederick, MD
I think you are correct that there is more going on here then just a possible overload situation.
I have never heard of this type of failure.
I have never heard of this type of failure.
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Fleet Mechanic
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From: Upstate NY
Scott - I would be very surprised with 6 lugs and with that heavy a drum that the axles are 3500 pound capacity. They are probably 3500 per end with 7000 pounds per for a total of 14,000. They may also be 5 to 5500 pound capacity - Lippert does some strang things. Also, some of that trailer static weight is on the hitch, 10-15% on a TT, 15-20 on a 5er's pin
I would look at side load on a particular wheel, especially when backing. If the trailer still has ST (trailer tires) look how they distort. It appears that they are worse, especially the fronts of a tandem axle arangement when backing into a parking site then pulling straight ahead.
I would look at side load on a particular wheel, especially when backing. If the trailer still has ST (trailer tires) look how they distort. It appears that they are worse, especially the fronts of a tandem axle arangement when backing into a parking site then pulling straight ahead.
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From: Frederick, MD
You are probably right. I took his numbers at face value.
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The manufacturer, Open Range, says total GAWR for both axles is 6395 lbs.
If I had to guess, which it seems I may have to do, I'd guess a misalignment of the two bearing mounting surfaces of the spindle.
I'm open to any other suggestions of a possible cause as well as suggestions for a replacement axle if I go that way.
If I had to guess, which it seems I may have to do, I'd guess a misalignment of the two bearing mounting surfaces of the spindle.
I'm open to any other suggestions of a possible cause as well as suggestions for a replacement axle if I go that way.
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From: WA/AZ
I would look at side load on a particular wheel, especially when backing. If the trailer still has ST (trailer tires) look how they distort. It appears that they are worse, especially the fronts of a tandem axle arangement when backing into a parking site then pulling straight ahead.
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