Torsion Axle Failure |
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ronahue
Senior Member Joined: 02 Jun 2015 Location: Massachusetts Online Status: Offline Posts: 315 |
Topic: Torsion Axle Failure Posted: 23 Oct 2020 at 11:43am |
Yesterday while driving my 2015 R-Pod 179 to winter storage I heard a loud bang (like a shotgun going off) I stopped and could see no visible damage. However when I resumed driving I notice the trailer had no bounce. After jacking the trailer on both sides I determined their was limited downward movement of the torsion bars. I assume a broken torsion axle. Anyone experience this?
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Ron & Sharon
2015 R-Pod 179 2022 Nissan Frontier No trees were harmed in the sending of this message but a billion electrons were really agitated |
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StephenH
podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6283 |
Posted: 23 Oct 2020 at 1:14pm |
No, but please keep us posted as to what you find out.
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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
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offgrid
Senior Member Joined: 23 Jul 2018 Online Status: Offline Posts: 5290 |
Posted: 23 Oct 2020 at 2:14pm |
The axle torsion arms are independent, they only extend into the axle tube a short distance at each end and are embedded in rubber, which is what flexed under load. So, it seems unlikely that there would be simultaneous failures of the torsion arms at both ends. If you haven't already, take a close look at the axle to frame attachments and at the frame rails themselves in that area. We have had a couple of failures reported on the forum in those. Let us know what you find.
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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
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ronahue
Senior Member Joined: 02 Jun 2015 Location: Massachusetts Online Status: Offline Posts: 315 |
Posted: 23 Oct 2020 at 3:42pm |
Frame attachments look fine I’m in touch with Lippert customer service and will keep the forum posted.
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Ron & Sharon
2015 R-Pod 179 2022 Nissan Frontier No trees were harmed in the sending of this message but a billion electrons were really agitated |
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ronahue
Senior Member Joined: 02 Jun 2015 Location: Massachusetts Online Status: Offline Posts: 315 |
Posted: 26 Oct 2020 at 2:53pm |
I spoke with a Lippert Tech today and he agrees that I experienced an internal failure of the axle. New axle $1,000 with shipping.
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Ron & Sharon
2015 R-Pod 179 2022 Nissan Frontier No trees were harmed in the sending of this message but a billion electrons were really agitated |
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offgrid
Senior Member Joined: 23 Jul 2018 Online Status: Offline Posts: 5290 |
Posted: 26 Oct 2020 at 3:15pm |
Did he say what he thinks failed? Doesn't make sense that both sides would fail simultaneously since they are independent.
A new axle shouldn't cost that much unless you are replacing the brake assemblies too, maybe.
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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
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ronahue
Senior Member Joined: 02 Jun 2015 Location: Massachusetts Online Status: Offline Posts: 315 |
Posted: 26 Oct 2020 at 3:42pm |
He did not say what he thinks failed but indicated that a failure of both sides simultaneously was indeed possible. They will only ship the axle with the full hub assemblies. $699.50 for the axle and $300 for shipping. While I'm not happy about this this axle has seen some very rough roads all through Colorado, Montana, Wyoming and a trip to Alaska so I can't say I'm surprised.
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Ron & Sharon
2015 R-Pod 179 2022 Nissan Frontier No trees were harmed in the sending of this message but a billion electrons were really agitated |
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offgrid
Senior Member Joined: 23 Jul 2018 Online Status: Offline Posts: 5290 |
Posted: 26 Oct 2020 at 4:39pm |
Once you get the old axle off see if you can tell what failed.
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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
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StephenH
podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6283 |
Posted: 26 Oct 2020 at 6:45pm |
Having had to replace an axle out of warranty, I feel your pain. That axle had a bad weld on the brake mounting bracket, so it got replaced under warranty. I hope I never have to replace the axle again.
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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
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offgrid
Senior Member Joined: 23 Jul 2018 Online Status: Offline Posts: 5290 |
Posted: 26 Oct 2020 at 7:05pm |
You could consider getting a higher load rated axle, the 3500 lb one is marginal for a loaded 179. But the higher rated ones have 6 lug brake drums so you would be looking at new tires and wheels as well. If my axle needed to be replaced I would bite the bullet and do it though.
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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
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