Axle Alignment

FD5 · 10-17-2008, 10:57 PM

I think my axles need to be aligned, measurement from front jack legs to center of front axle is the same on both sides but the distance between the tires are off by almost 1 ". Can any RV dealer align axles?

Motor31 · 10-18-2008, 11:19 AM

For something like that I'd be going to a place that does commercial vehicle allignments. I haven't seen many RV service places that are really equipped to deal with that. Some are barely able to deal with cabinet latch replacement.

I had mine checked at a truck allignment shop in Kansas. They advertised to truckers for it. You might try contacting a commercial rig tire place to see if they can recommend one. That's how I found the shop I used. If no good there try some big truck service center and ask them about trailer axle alignment shops.

**wingnut60** · 10-18-2008, 04:34 PM

Look in Yellow Pages under Springs, or Springs/Axles--there should be a listing for someone who can do this work. I take mine to a large truck spring/axle shop in downtown Fort Worth--looks kind of grubby there, but they know their business when it comes to axles.
Joe

**wingnut60** · 10-18-2008, 04:39 PM

Added note--the distance between wheels will vary depending on where the springs settle each time you stop moving. The space for my wheel chocks can be wider/narrower at each stop that I use the chocks. Not sure how this would work with the newer suspensions, but the wheels have to be able to move back and forth to absorb shock from hitting holes/bumps.
Joe

Huck · 10-18-2008, 08:22 PM

Try using a straight edge or piece of string along the wheels.
And a level to see if they are plumb.

I had may axles straightend at a semi trailer place on a previous 5er I had.
They removed the axels and bent the heck out of them to get them straight.

I have also replaced axles myself. I was suprised how cheap they are if you order them without the brakes or back plates. Just the axles, saddles and spindles. I think I paid less than $100 each for 7K lb. axles and U-bolts.

FD5 · 10-18-2008, 10:49 PM

I only think they are out because the inside of the passenger side tire on front axle is wearing down.

bstark · 10-19-2008, 05:49 PM

Rather than an alignment problem, given the wear you've desribed, I'd check for a camber problem first (it's easier) by taking a string and running it along the top of the axle from side to side tightly and if you see daylight between the string near the end of the axle that tire is on, you've got a bent axle. This check will only catch a bend in the axle between the spring packs and if your axle is bent outboard of the spring (between the spring and the wheel) you'll have to perform some other check which an alignment shop will have the equipment to do.