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When to replace trailer suspensions
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20-08-2011 5:57pm#1Hello!
I was wondering: how would I know when to replace my boat trailer suspension units? They are very rusted. Initially I thought of trying to sand the rust down a bit and then treat with either POR-15 or Owatrol Oil plus an overcoat. However, there are parts that I won't be able to reach with a brush, so I think I might only be able to do a cosmetics job on it rather than sealing all of the rust from top to bottom.
Someone told me not fix anything unless it's broken, but sure if my suspensions break, it will already be too late, and possibly a disaster if my boat's on top of the trailer when it happens
What do yee think? Would it be easier for you to get an idea if I upload a pic?
Cheers!0
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Join Date:Posts: 6045
A photo is always good if it's a hub suspension you can get two of them for about €100 so might be worth changing if you are not sure about them, you also get new bearings and hub in the kit so it's worth it for piece of mind. 0 -
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Join Date:Posts: 6045
They do look a bit rough alright. For the time and effort you put in to cleaning and painting them and still not knowing how good the spring is in them I think I would get a set of these, just make sure you get the right ones for the weight of your boat.http://cgi.ebay.ie/350-Kg-Trailer-Suspension-Units-Extended-Taper-Hubs-/120716347756?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CommercialVehicleParts_SM&hash=item1c1b41496c#ht_2921wt_884
You could also try http://www.parnells.ie/parnell.swf they should have them in stock.
PS,If your not sure of what your doing don't try and open the spring chamber it might take your head off :eek:
But if you are going to have a go this might help.
The wheel/hub spindle is attached to a lever, called the torsion arm, which is fastened to the rubber encased bar. As load is applied, the bar rotates causing a rolling/compressive resistance in the rubber cords. This action provides the same functions as conventional sprung axles with several operating advantages including independent suspension.
Inspection and Replacement
All the components of you suspension system should be visually inspected at least every 10,000 km for signs of excess wear, elongation of bolt holes, and loosening of fasteners. Whenever loose or replaced, the fasteners in you suspension system should be torqued as detailed in the chart below.
Suspension Fastener Torque Values
Item
Torque (lbs.-ft.)
Min Max
3/8" U-Bolt 30 35
7/16" U-Bolt 45 60
1/2" U-Bolt 45 60
Shackle Bolt Spring Eye Bolt Equalizer Bolt Snug fit only. Parts must rotate freely. Locking nuts or cotter pins are provided to retain nut-bolt assembly.
Shoulder Type Shackle Bolt 30 50
Worn spring eye bushings, sagging or broken springs should be replaced using the following method.
Support the trailer with the wheel just off the ground. Follow the trailer manufacturer's recommendations for lifting and supporting the unit. Do not lift or place supports on any part of the suspension.
After the unit is properly supported place a suitable block under the axle tube near the end to be repaired. This block is to support the weight of the axle only so that suspension COMPONENTS can be removed.
Disassemble the U-bolts, nuts and tie plates.
Remove the spring eye bolts and remove the spring and place on a suitable work surface.
If the spring eye bushings are to be replaced, drive out the old bushing using a suitable drift punch.
Drive the new bushing into the spring eye using a piloted drift punch of a close fitting bolt inserted through the bushing. Warning! Be sure to wear safety glasses when removing or installing force fitted parts. Failure to comply may result in serious injury.
Reinstall repaired or replaced components in reverse order. Note: For multiple axle units, the weight of each axle must be supported as outlined in Step 2 before disassembly of any component of the suspension system.
If the equalizer or equalizer bushings must be replaced, follow the instructions above for lifting and supporting the trailer unit and then proceed as follows:
With both axles blocked up, remove the spring eyebolt, shackle bolt and equalizer bolt from the equalizer to be repaired or replaced.
Take the equalizer to suitable work surface and remove the worn bushings using a suitable drift punch.
Drive the new bushings into place using piloted drift punch or a close fitting bolt through the bushing. Caution! Be sure to wear safety glasses when removing or installing force fitted parts. Failure to comply mat result in serious injury.
Reassemble in reverse order.
All of the pivot points of your suspension system have been fitted with anti-friction bearing materials which do not require routine lubrication. However, when otherwise servicing the unit, these pivot points may be lubricated of you so desire.
Except for periodic inspection of the fasteners used to attach the TORFLEX axle to the vehicle frame, no other suspension maintenance is required on TORFLEX axles. They are, of course, subject to the maintenance and inspection procedures regarding brakes, hubs, bearings, seals, wheels and tires as outlined in this manual.0 -
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They do look a bit rough alright. For the time and effort you put in to cleaning and painting them and still not knowing how good the spring is in them I think I would get a set of these, just make sure you get the right ones for the weight of your boat.http://cgi.ebay.ie/350-Kg-Trailer-Suspension-Units-Extended-Taper-Hubs-/120716347756?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CommercialVehicleParts_SM&hash=item1c1b41496c#ht_2921wt_884
You could also try http://www.parnells.ie/parnell.swf they should have them in stock.
PS,If your not sure of what your doing don't try and open the spring chamber it might take your head off :eek: But if you are going to have a go this might help.
The wheel/hub spindle is attached to a lever, called the torsion arm, which is fastened to the rubber encased bar. As load is applied, the bar rotates causing a rolling/compressive resistance in the rubber cords. This action provides the same functions as conventional sprung axles with several operating advantages including independent suspension.
Inspection and Replacement
All the components of you suspension system should be visually inspected at least every 10,000 km for signs of excess wear, elongation of bolt holes, and loosening of fasteners. Whenever loose or replaced, the fasteners in you suspension system should be torqued as detailed in the chart below.
Suspension Fastener Torque Values
Item
Torque (lbs.-ft.)
Min Max
3/8" U-Bolt 30 35
7/16" U-Bolt 45 60
1/2" U-Bolt 45 60
Shackle Bolt Spring Eye Bolt Equalizer Bolt Snug fit only. Parts must rotate freely. Locking nuts or cotter pins are provided to retain nut-bolt assembly.
Shoulder Type Shackle Bolt 30 50
Worn spring eye bushings, sagging or broken springs should be replaced using the following method.
Support the trailer with the wheel just off the ground. Follow the trailer manufacturer's recommendations for lifting and supporting the unit. Do not lift or place supports on any part of the suspension.
After the unit is properly supported place a suitable block under the axle tube near the end to be repaired. This block is to support the weight of the axle only so that suspension COMPONENTS can be removed.
Disassemble the U-bolts, nuts and tie plates.
Remove the spring eye bolts and remove the spring and place on a suitable work surface.
If the spring eye bushings are to be replaced, drive out the old bushing using a suitable drift punch.
Drive the new bushing into the spring eye using a piloted drift punch of a close fitting bolt inserted through the bushing. Warning! Be sure to wear safety glasses when removing or installing force fitted parts. Failure to comply may result in serious injury.
Reinstall repaired or replaced components in reverse order. Note: For multiple axle units, the weight of each axle must be supported as outlined in Step 2 before disassembly of any component of the suspension system.
If the equalizer or equalizer bushings must be replaced, follow the instructions above for lifting and supporting the trailer unit and then proceed as follows:
With both axles blocked up, remove the spring eyebolt, shackle bolt and equalizer bolt from the equalizer to be repaired or replaced.
Take the equalizer to suitable work surface and remove the worn bushings using a suitable drift punch.
Drive the new bushings into place using piloted drift punch or a close fitting bolt through the bushing. Caution! Be sure to wear safety glasses when removing or installing force fitted parts. Failure to comply mat result in serious injury.
Reassemble in reverse order.
All of the pivot points of your suspension system have been fitted with anti-friction bearing materials which do not require routine lubrication. However, when otherwise servicing the unit, these pivot points may be lubricated of you so desire.
Except for periodic inspection of the fasteners used to attach the TORFLEX axle to the vehicle frame, no other suspension maintenance is required on TORFLEX axles. They are, of course, subject to the maintenance and inspection procedures regarding brakes, hubs, bearings, seals, wheels and tires as outlined in this manual.
Delighted I found this thread! We tried to remove the axle on my rollercoaster 2 trailer this eve. We couldn't figure out how to get it off.
Is it bolted on? Absolutely gutted as thought we just needed new bearings and hub, little did I know there was damage to the spindle (last hub / bearing put a dent in the spindle. Ah, the joy of it all
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Thanks for the reply, I'll have a look. My mechanic mate and I couldn't figure out how to get the axle off. There's no visible signs of where it can be adjusted / detatched!? Maybe I just can't see it, as I haven't a clue what I'm looking atmartin46585 wrote: »hi there, your trailer looks like it has an adjustable axle on an independent subframe, held in place with the two sets of u bolts,
havr a look over on the farming section, on a labour saving thread where i posted a picture of a trailer that i have just finished making, same type of adjustable axle on its own sub frame, with 750kg extended suspension units....not even close to 700euros, but i am sure you can buy the complete axle ex stock....
DO you think it would be possible to get the small dent on the spindle re-fabricated?0 -
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Join Date:Posts: 6045
Martin seems to have you sorted, As to the dent is it where the bearing sits or just on the shaft, you might be able to get a welder to fill the dent and machine smooth , you might also be able to have the spindle removed and a new one put on if it's very bad, These should be able to do it for you http://www.aplusservice.net/index.php?id=trailerrepairs but I'm sure there is someone near to you.
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