Melted bushing from a powdercoated torsion axle?????

[dh]

My first job out of college was a quality manager for Snyder Industries, one of the world's largest roto-molders. All I can say is, I had 12,000 gal tanks shipped back to the factory to get to the bottom of quality issues. With a question of component quality like this, we would have shut down production untill it was resolved. The trickle down effects and lawsuits can be devistating. Look at the TV comertials, class action law suits are big right now.

[dh]

Hmm, no reply from Flex Ride? I'd be giving Dexter a call...

[Wolffarmer]

Dear Flexride.

I have been considering using your axles in my next trailer but now I have 2nd thoughts.

Sincerely

Randy

[dh]

Mr Slow, This isn't really a failure, but an issue with the incorect materials being used in the manufacturing process. Only one reported failure on the forum so far, and it was caused by a design flaw in how a grease port was drilled in the spindles. Keep in mind, torsion axles have the spindles attached just like a drop axle does.

[dh]

I'm with you an that cowboy, I don't put torsion axles on utility trailers because of they tend to get used and abused. Also, on a tandem set up torsions will not load share, so in rough terrain it is very easy for one axle to see the entire trailer weight putting undue stress on spindles etc.

[aggie79]

I'm just inclined to think the bushings were made of a sub-par material and the company isn't willing to cop to the screw-up. And NOWHERE on any of their product info can I find a warning not to powdercoat their axles...

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Flexiride states the following in the FAQ:

"Can I have my Flexiride® axle assembly galvanized or powder coated?
No, the inner components of Flexiride® axles or halfâ€

[Trackstriper]

(Previous post in this space deleted)

Sorry, I think I was a little cranky about the bad press being given to UCF's Flexiride axle for something that I believe was totally out the scope of the manufacturer's intended use of the product.

Bruce

[Sawyer]

[quote="aggie79"]
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Flexiride states the following in the FAQ:

"Can I have my Flexiride® axle assembly galvanized or powder coated?
No, the inner components of Flexiride® axles or halfâ€

[Sawyer]

(Previous post in this space deleted)

Sorry, I think I was a little cranky about the bad press being given to UCF's Flexiride axle for something that I believe was totally out the scope of the manufacturer's intended use of the product.

Bruce

I'm not exactly sure why powdercoating their axle could be considered being "totally out of the scope" of their intended use of their product. Apparently they will powdercoat it for you prior to insertion of components if you want. Wish I had known that before! I'm not trying to start an argument or anything, I just don't think it's that crazy an idea to want to powdercoat a torsion axle.

[Steve_Cox]

That FAQ was rewritten on 5/12/2011. You can check the properties of the document. Interesting response, No?

[eamarquardt]

Ya know, if this were happening to me I'd be calling them daily. As far as they're saying they can't repair the alxe once it's been welded together, most things welded together can be ground apart and rewelded back together when required. Perhaps you can do the disassembly so they can refurbish it. Also, the swing arms, hubs/drums/brakes (I hope) can all be reused so maybe some "middle ground" would be for them to provide only the parts that are messed up.

Never give up, never surrender. I usually win after applying my considerable "tact and charm" or "worser".

Also, you might want to post a daily update of their responses (or lack thereof) and email them a link. Pressure, pressure, and more pressure. Give em heck till they capitulate!!!!!!!

Cheers,

Gus

[Trackstriper]

Sawyer, (sorry, I was writing while others were responding)

No fight at all....we'll have dialogue.



I really like the Flexiride design. It's a little different than the other torsion axles....I think a little more sophisticated. Others were somewhat condemning the manufacturer because it wouldn't hold up to being baked in an oven at 400F. That is what I think is "totally out the scope of the manufacturer's intended use of the product." You may have seen my initial comments prior to editing...sometimes I get a little sharp-tongued.

I completely concur with your estimation that the FAQs were abridged after this issue came up on the forum. I have a pair of the 1400# half-axles and have been over the FAQs a good bit too, prior to this overall discussion. The UCF FAQ sheet is probably the most detailed and comprehensive data available in FAQ form. I also do not remember seeing anything about not powder coating....or worse yet, hot-dip galvanizing....the assembled axles. I do not think that it ever occurred to them that someone might try. If you right click on the .pdf FAQ document you can see under "Document properties" that it was last modified on 5/12/2011. Coincidence? UCF was listening.

You might ask your powder coating guy if he prefers to take the tires off wheels to be powder coated prior to baking in the oven at 400F. It would be less expensive for the customer if he just left them on the rims. Ouch, there goes that tongue again...

Maybe call Dexter, AL-KO Kober, Henschen, Tie Down Engineering, etc. and see what they think about powder coating after component assembly. Get a second opinion. I don't think you'll get a thumbs up but I could be wrong.

I wish you well with this. Hopefully you pulled the hubs off the axle prior to coating. The cost for a new axle tube assembly shouldn't be all that great considering the crank arms and hubs should be OK. Who should pony up is the debate.

Bruce

[eamarquardt]

That FAQ was rewritten on 5/12/2011. You can check the properties of the document. Interesting response, No?

I just figured out what document you were referring to! Sometimes (while under the influence of "controlled substances") I'm a bit slower than normal.

IMHO, Flexrides actions are pretty CS, CS, and some more CS. I'd think that a bit of negative publicity pointing out this egregious behavior would go a long way to getting them to make things right.

Never give up, never surrender.

I think I'll send the HMFIC a note telling him what I think. If a number of others followed suit anyone with an ounce of intelligence would leap at the opportunity to "make it right".

Cheers,

Gus

[Trackstriper]

Ya know, if this were happening to me I'd be calling them daily.....

Never give up, never surrender. I usually win after applying my considerable "tact and charm" or "worser".

Also, you might want to post a daily update of their responses (or lack thereof) and email them a link. Pressure, pressure, and more pressure. Give em heck till they capitulate!!!!!!!

Gus, gotta love ya. But philosophically we might disagree. If I knew for sure, absolutely for sure, that UCF did a faulty job of building this axle then I'd be with you, lock arms....go get 'em. BUT, I don't know that.

Short of knowing for sure we would be the vigilante mob seeking redress from a possibly innocent party. Think it through. I mean, we have some numbers here...lots of eyes see this. Would it be best for them to settle a baseless complaint, as some companies do....just to make it go away, or stick with what they believe is true. This ain't no class action lawsuit...it's peanuts. How firm do you hold to your beliefs, do you bend to unjust pressure? They are the ones who have an intimate knowledge about the effects of heating their rubber. Maybe it's no problem at all. I'd be less concerned about the nylon bushing than the bond between the rubber and the round torsion shaft.

I, personally...my own opinion to date, think UCF is the innocent here, and is getting their reputation maligned. I don't think their torsion axles are designed to be put in ovens. Call a general manager and ask him if it's OK to powder coat....hate to say it but what's his background...maybe technical, maybe not. Ask their lead engineer. Ask questions of the other torsion axle manufacturers before you cast your verdict.

Here's a project for those who care. Call three major powder coating operations in your locale and see how many have coated assembled torsion trailer axles with the rubber components in place....how many would take the job on at all? It may be commonplace, they've got hundreds going out the door in the Portland area. Report back to this thread. I may get big egg all over my face but that's life.

Let's collectively do our homework on this. Maybe UCF is still paying attention and would be able to enlighten us. Then we'd probably all be a bit smarter.

G'nite Gus.


Bruce

[Sawyer]

That FAQ was rewritten on 5/12/2011. You can check the properties of the document. Interesting response, No?

Quite interesting. Well, I am glad they updated their FAQ to include this warning, at least it's there for future buyers who have the same idea as I did...