Fix brakes or replace axle?
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Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,493
Likes: 16
From: Kuna ID
Fix brakes or replace axle?
I was servicing the bearings and replacing some tires on my flatbed last night. It has 3 mobile home axles under it. Two of the axles are braking axles. When I pulled the drums off the middle axle, the magnets fell out...down to one braking axle. Being unfamiliar with the cost of braking parts for these axles and not even being sure where to go to find them, there is a guy locally who sells complete MH axles for $100 each. He's the guy I got my tires from as well. It's a place that sells mobile homes so they dont carry parts for the axles or anything. Wondering if it would be easier or even cheaper to just get a complete axle.
On a positive note, all my bearings were in good shape and since I was able to align the tires better than the PO, the trailer doesn't shake anymore.
On a positive note, all my bearings were in good shape and since I was able to align the tires better than the PO, the trailer doesn't shake anymore.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,493
Likes: 16
From: Kuna ID
I went through several forums looking for info about the MH axles before I bought the trailer. It's all very conflicting, as lots of people say they are worthless after a short while and a lot of people say they have been using them for years with no problems. I just serviced the bearings and every thing is still nice and tight, it's just the brakes I'm having trouble with.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 236
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For the price of repalacing individual parts, i.e. shoes, magnets, springs, etc. you can but a whole assembled piece for just a little bit more. and much easier to change out. My 7000lb axle brakes were shot and cost $75 bucks a piece to replce. I did the math, and it was $65 bucks or so to replace individual parts plus all the time to do the work. The assembled plates on mine were bolted on from the back with four bolts. There are also two wires, and it doesn't matter if you cross them. The brakes will still work. After installing, adjust them through the little slot on the bottom inside, turn the star wheel with a flat screw driver until you hear just a little bit of noise when turning the wheel. On my 18' flatbed I have MH axles. I haul 8000 lbs of hay regularly, about 30 miles one way. I've been doing this every two weeks for three years with no problems. So the call is yours. I hope I gave you a little insight.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,493
Likes: 16
From: Kuna ID
Seeing the prices you had for your parts, it looks like it would be cheaper to get another axle and probably just swap the brake parts over. I only need the magnets as the pads still had plenty of life. The MH axles have served me well so far and the trailer was a steal so I'll keep it going for now.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 1,415
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From: Lower 48
If it works, don't fix it.
The only problem I've ever encountered using MH axles is that for the original application they don't have much grease put in the bearings, so that has to be done right off the bat, but it the bearings are in good shape I don't know that I'd change them. Buying another axle for parts is a good idea though.
Take it Easy,
Trail Rider
The only problem I've ever encountered using MH axles is that for the original application they don't have much grease put in the bearings, so that has to be done right off the bat, but it the bearings are in good shape I don't know that I'd change them. Buying another axle for parts is a good idea though.
Take it Easy,
Trail Rider
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
You can get backing plate kits for $40 each from Valley Brake, they're a standard 12x2, you may need mount flanges if your axles don't have full backing plates now. I need to do this on mine, just haven't had the spare cash.
For those who trash on MH axles, remember this: These "worthless" axles have the same tubes and spindles as your gold-plated 7k 8lug axles, and the tires actually can hold the rated axle weight. Back in the 80s, manufacturers were allowed to go 25% beyond the tire load ratings, but not anymore. Now you can get 12ply tires that are rated for 2800lbs each, or 14ply tires rated at 3200lbs each.
I have been running used axles and tires for just over 5,000miles now, with no failures aside from the brakes coming apart. No loose lugs, no blowouts, no changes in alignment.
For those who trash on MH axles, remember this: These "worthless" axles have the same tubes and spindles as your gold-plated 7k 8lug axles, and the tires actually can hold the rated axle weight. Back in the 80s, manufacturers were allowed to go 25% beyond the tire load ratings, but not anymore. Now you can get 12ply tires that are rated for 2800lbs each, or 14ply tires rated at 3200lbs each.
I have been running used axles and tires for just over 5,000miles now, with no failures aside from the brakes coming apart. No loose lugs, no blowouts, no changes in alignment.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 236
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I better clarify a little bit. The $80 backing plates were for my 20' horse trailer, with 8k axles. I haven't done any work other than maintenance to the mh axles.
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