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Axel alignment?

Started by tlhdoc, Jan 19, 2006, 06:10 PM

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tlhdoc

I need to have my axel on the PU aligned.:(  Has anyone had this done and if so what did it cost?

mike4947

It is not a "user maintenance" item.

There is no adjustments on a trailer axle for alignment and any attempt would require heat &/or more than home type force to 'adjust" the alignment.
If the trailer tracks true and the tires wear evenly don't worry. If the tires show uneven wear then first get the trailer weighed to rule out over weight and then it's most likely cheaper to replace the axle than attempting to align it.
Common problem is "wack, damn didn't see that curb".  That can damage the axle to the point it needs replacing.

tlhdoc

The trailer is not over weight and the tires do have uneven wear.  I am told that the camber needs to be adjusted and have only found one alignment shop that works on trailer axel's (dealer suggested this shop, but it isn't close to me).  I was quoted a price of $125 which is much less than a new axel will cost.  I have to find out how long the axel is for the shop that we use for our vehicles.  It has a very good reputation in my area and I hope that they can do the work.  Does anyone know how long a 1999 Coleman/Fleetwood's axel is?

SpeakEasy

I'm not completely sure if what you are talking about is what I had done, but take a look at "The Story" in the Campfire thread. I took the pup to a frame shop for my repair, and it cost $75. This was in Charleston SC.

wavery

For a quick & dirty check, measure the distance from the front center of the right wheel rim to the front center of the left rim. Do the same measurement on the rear of the rims. They should be exactly the same. For accuracy sake, move the trailer forward about half the distance of the circumference of the tire then take the measurement again. That will check for "Tow-in". It's not possible to do the same thing for the camber because you can't measure the distance of the tops of the rims, only the bottom.

SpeakEasy

The frame shop I used in Charleston was a place that worked primarily on large trucks - as in semis.

The Coleman/Fleetwood dealer in Charleston gave me their name and number when I was down there. Have you asked your local Coleman/Fleetwood dealer for a recommendation?

tlhdoc

Quote from: SpeakEasyThe frame shop I used in Charleston was a place that worked primarily on large trucks - as in semis.
 
The Coleman/Fleetwood dealer in Charleston gave me their name and number when I was down there. Have you asked your local Coleman/Fleetwood dealer for a recommendation?
The trailer is at my Fleetwood dealer and they did recommend a shop, but it isn't close to where I live.  I will take it there if the local shop (it only does alignments and related repairs) can't do the work.  If it is the same repair that you had done you got a much better deal than the estimate that I have so far.:(

wavery

Did the dealer tell you what was wrong with the alignment?

Are your tires wearing uneven?

tlhdoc

Quote from: waveryDid the dealer tell you what was wrong with the alignment?
 
Are your tires wearing uneven?
Quote from: tlhdocThe trailer is not over weight and the tires do have uneven wear. I am told that the camber needs to be adjusted...
I have weighed the trailer and it is not over weight.  The dealer told me the rest.