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Topic ClosedWheel Bearing

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StephenH View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Topic: Wheel Bearing
    Posted: 20 Jul 2021 at 8:59am
I believe you asked this in another topic, which I answered. For my axle reinforcement and pictures, see my mods (link in signature). Be aware that you cannot weld anything to the axle tube. It would immediately void any warranty and probably destroy the rubber inside that provides the torsion. My welding was to the angle and to the brackets I made.
StephenH
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ouR escaPOD mods
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Vector1952 View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Jul 2021 at 8:20am
Would anyone know where I can get an axel for my rpod 179
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Jul 2021 at 6:24am
No special tools are needed to replace an axle its just bolted to the frame or riser kit. If you buy a bare axle you will need to swap your brake plate assemblies to the new axle, also not difficult.

But first you need to determine whether it's the axle tube that is bent (more common) or the spindle. If it's the spindle then you'll need to replace the axle, you can't remove the spindle/torsion arms from the axle because theyre embedded in rubber. If it's the axle tube a good trailer shop should be able to bend it back.

You can tell it it's the axle because it will lose some or all of its "crown" in the center. Run a stringline along the bottom of the axle tube from end to end, there should be around 3/16 of an inch gap in the center.

Of course, you could conceivably have both a bent spindle and a bent axle....

The 179 and similar size rpods are prone to bent axle tubes because they are relatively heavy trailers and the axle tubes aren't attached to the trailer frame at the ends, they attachments are inboard, which puts much greater bending force on them.

Whether you get a new axle or bend the existing one back you should reinforce it or youre likely to get the same problem again. To reinforce it get a piece of 2x2 steel angle cut to length so it just clears the torsion arms at each end. Have it bent in the center about 3/16 inch by putting it in a hydraulic press with the angle resting on the legs and the corner up. Then get 4 square ubolts and bolt it to the bottom of the axle and the ends. If you do a search a couple of years back I have some photos and the name of a place to get the ubolts made up.





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Vector1952 View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Jul 2021 at 4:25pm
I believe your correct...I'm back in RI, left trailer in NJ.
Mechanic will take drum off and let me know if it's the axel...this is a family business, 50 years in business 5 star rating...I'm not sure if he can change the axel but can recommend someone..time will tell
Do you need special equipment to change an axel?
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Jul 2021 at 9:06am
You could DIY it. It's not really a difficult install, but you can't rush it because the brakes and bearings need to be properly adjusted. After more than one similar frustrating experience with mechanics either doing a poor job or ripping me off I just plan on fixing anything short of a major trans or engine rebuild myself and carry a fairly hefty toolbox to do it with.

In your case I think you have more than just a bearing/brake problem. You are reporting a camber problem too, right? Top of wheel tilted in? Unless the bearings are totally destroyed causing the wheel to be floppy when jacked up you either have a bent spindle or a bent axle. Can you confirm?
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Vector1952 View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Jul 2021 at 8:09am
Possibly, was traveling from Nashville broke down in PA on a Sat around noon Was recommended a heavy dutytruck repair company...Got the mechanic on call, what else could I do?!! in this situation
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jato View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Jul 2021 at 7:28am
Originally posted by Vector1952

The wheel didn't turn freely said would be fine after tire was on


Either the bearing was over tightened, the brake assembly was too tight, or a combination of both.  Also a lack of adequate grease on the bearing/cup assembly would speed up the process as well.

Hopefully next time you will have a qualified mechanic who is knowledgeable and will do the job correctly.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jul 2021 at 9:05pm
The wheel didn't turn freely said would be fine after tire was on
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jul 2021 at 8:37pm
Unlikely but it is possible the bearing was set too tight, causing the wheel not to turn freely even though there would be no side to side endplay.  Proper bearing tightness is just enough to take the end play out and no more.
God's pod
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'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jul 2021 at 4:16pm
Believe the spindle had mark from bearing, he used a small grind wheel on it
Xxxx7
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