Axle: is thwere a left and right

[DogStar]

Okay ridiculous question.
I am building off a Red Trailer 5x8 foot frame.

I have upgraded to a much heavier axle so that I could have brakes.
The brakes are 10 inch (I think) with a 5 lug 13 inch wheel.

When I mount up the axle (this afternoon) is there a left and a right or is that not of consequence? The trailer and axle were bought a year and a half ago and most labeling etc that might have been on it have since "worn" off.

So left or right for orientation? Or not?

Thanks!
Eric

[eamarquardt]

As I recall trailers tow a bit better if there is some toe in. I've never checked any axles I've installed and haven't noted any markings.

Take a couple of straight edges and clamp em to the hub (center them) and then measure the distance from one end to the other both front and back. If there is a difference mount the axle with the short distance forward. If the straight edges are about the same length as the diameter of you wheel, I'd look for about 1/8" difference. If it's a lot more I'd say the axle might be "suspect" and I call an axle manufacturer and ask em what the "deal" is.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Gus

[loaderman]

Any of the axles I have used have a toe in to the tire. The axle itself is arched. Put the arch up. Use a straight edge as there is very litttle arch and you might not see it by the naked eye. When you find it mark it on the bottom side!


I did not mark it on one and just before tightening it in upside down decided I should look again.

[jss06]

On my axle the backing plates for the brakes had an L and an R stamped into them to indicate the side of the trailer they should be on.

[DogStar]

Thank you all so much.
I will figure it out for sure.

This axle has an obvious curve and even better it has flat welded on plates with center drilled out holes that match up with a bolt in each leaf spring. so that orientation is a given.

I have seen no L or R stamp, but I will test for a touch of toe in to find how it should mount.

Just waiting now on a friend to come by to give me a hand with it. I could lift it myself etc, but at something well over 100 pounds I prefer to have a second set of hands to help put it into position.

Safety first whenever possible.

Really glad I could ask.

Thanks again!
Eric

[Martiangod]

With brakes there is definatly a left and right
If not marked on outside, you will need to pull the drums off to determine left and right.
Heres a page for reference
http://www.randpcarriages.com/tech/brakeinstall.html

And if you get it installed then read this and find out you got it wrong, just unbolt the backing plates and switch them around. No need to pull axel and re-install

[DogStar]

Thanks bunches a great resource got the page marked.
Hope to install the axle (correctly) today.

Just got back, had to buy some nuts, the u brackets came without them.

Eric

With brakes there is definatly a left and right
If not marked on outside, you will need to pull the drums off to determine left and right.
Heres a page for reference
http://www.randpcarriages.com/tech/brakeinstall.html

And if you get it installed then read this and find out you got it wrong, just unbolt the backing plates and switch them around. No need to pull axel and re-install

[DogStar]

Thanks again one and all.

Figured out left and right, got some assistance and have the axle sitting in position ready to be clamped in.

Next I get to open up the folded trailer, square everything up and re-tighten all the bolts and use Loctite on them too, then comes the utility deck.

Will move over to my build thread with first REAL installment this weekend.