Bent Axle

[jeff]

Apparently we have bent the axle on our Expanda and both wheels are running with toe out (3mm one side, 4mm other). Jayco are prepared to remove the axle, spin it around so we have toe in and this is apparently acceptable. Is this OK or should the tyres run true ? Anyone know the cost of a new axle ?

Jeff

 

[macca]

Many axles are bent, that's how they are made. They put a ever so slight bend in them. Is yours bent more than normal? Have you spoken to Alko?

 

[jeff]

Only spoken to the service agent for Jayco who said it was bent. Agent spoke to Alko who said they wouldn't replace it. So it must be bent more than usual. In case you don't know, Jayco dealers in WA don't service their vans.

 

[Delano]

Hey guys,
I'm expecting delivery of my first Expanda 16 49 4. I have been reading your forums extensively since deciding to buy, but having little experience haven't been able to reply until now. I have been in the tyre industry for some years and 4mm is a fair bend. But it should be easily straightened, I would google a Truck wheel aligner in your area, they have all the gear they should be able to straighten or if un repairable suggest an upgrade of some sort, most of them are pretty genuine and specialists in their field. I'm sure they would be more than happy to steer you in the right direction. (Pardon the pun).

 

[Drover]

Have to agree with Delano, I would go to a Truck Align place and get the axle set done, they will set your wheels/axle up perfect, it will then run true and save tyre wear. Van wheels like our car need to be alighned or they will scrub this is achieved b bending the axle and adjusting the axle/spring position. Don't try a tyre sales mob.

 

[mfexpanda]

Have to agree with Delano, I would go to a Truck Align place and get the axle set done, they will set your wheels/axle up perfect, it will then run true and save tyre wear. Van wheels like our car need to be alighned or they will scrub this is achieved b bending the axle and adjusting the axle/spring position. Don't try a tyre sales mob.

good advice also on a slightly different note I think someone on the forum pointed out that the wheels/tyres on the vans arent balanced

 

[macca]

How did it bend? How did you tell it was out? Its only a 2012 model and your towing it with a Kia Sorento so presume you are not going too off road.

 

[Delano]

Yeah you're right trailer manufactures never balance their wheels, saves them $5 each but mainly because they look unsightly. But if you just book in to your local tyre store preferably a big name like Beaurepaires or the like they would definitely balance them for you. Tyres out of balance on your car wear prematurely and cause suspension damage, they will do the same for your van so for the cost of $20 or so it is worth it even though you won't feel any difference your van will.

 

[jeff]

@macca - not sure how it bent, maybe it was a dodgy axle when manufactured, maybe we hit a huge pot hole (don't remember), it's needs to be fixed. Been advised that Jayco will pay to remove axle, spin it around and have been told that will fix the problem.
Should I accept this ?

Just for the record, 2007 Kia Sorrento has high & low range gear box, 5mm less clearance than most 4WD's and is very suited to going off road. It has been over some very rough country

 

[Drover]

How did they tell it was bent ????
Were your tyres scrubbing out ???
If your axle was bent because of use then it would bend in the vertical plane and and rotating would only change the tyre wear from inner to outer or vise a versa, the way they are implying is that the axle has been bent in the horizontal plane which I fail to see happening on road, either way turning the axle won't really change things just move tyre wear. Worn spring bushes, broken centre bolt are other possibilities. If it's not a warranty issue I'd go a second opinion, especially if there's no tyre wear.
I've bent a few axles over the years.

 

[jeff]

I took van in for service and they noticed tyres where scubbing out on inside. As Jayco have decided to foot the bill for the labour, I might pay for a new axle

 

[macca]

How did it bend? How did you tell it was out? Its only a 2012 model and your towing it with a Kia Sorento so presume you are not going too off road.

Sorry, I was thinking of a different car, I know which one you have.

 

[Drover]

If they just rotate the axle then you would have tow in and 3-4mm would probably be just a touch too much and the tyres would most likely scrub on the outside also I think they would have to reposition the brake backing plate mounts so a new axle would be easier.