Axle flex and tire wear

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by TGUNKEL, Jul 23, 2020.

  1. lester

    lester Midwest's #1 Feed Hauler

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    I would have never guessed that a tubular axle could be bent but I had my trailer axles cambered a few weeks ago. Very reputable, small independent shop in my area. Said they do it pretty regularly on new trailers. Axles built to be straight but need a little camber to off set loaded flex.
     
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  2. Heavyd

    Heavyd Road Train Member

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    Good to hear. I have no direct experience with that practice, so in all honesty, I really can't say.
     
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  3. Luwi67

    Luwi67 Heavy Load Member

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    You could try researching "axle truss". I'm with Swaan though, proper spec axle shouldn't need it. Unless it was a poor design from the start.
     
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  4. 401-Alex

    401-Alex Light Load Member

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    Can I.get the name of the shop? I have a 2019 Hyundai dry van that has this issue. All inner tires have heavy inner edge wear and looking at replacement of all 8 very disappointed as it was a new trailer and Virgin tires needing to be replaced at 200k. Center tread is still 50% I've thought that it was poor wheel bearing end play but after further investigation its axle flex. It is a tubular Hendrickson air axle. Still under warranty but no clue where id go to get this issue addressed
     
  5. lester

    lester Midwest's #1 Feed Hauler

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    Dakota alignment, Sioux Falls South Dakota
     
  6. 401-Alex

    401-Alex Light Load Member

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    Thank you im going through that area this weekend
     
  7. lester

    lester Midwest's #1 Feed Hauler

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  8. NorCenArk

    NorCenArk Light Load Member

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    I have added the long angles on my axle. It seems to have worked so far. Ran out of daylight and didn't add the short angles. I have 146500 miles on the tires so far and they are wearing good without cupping so far. As I understand it, the 6 " axle was made with a thinner wall thickness than 5" axle, therefore the flex as it goes down the road.
     
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  9. rollin coal

    rollin coal Road Train Member

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    The issue is real. Bought a brand new van trailer several years ago with this Hendrickson axle and had the same tire wear problem.
     
  10. dirthaller

    dirthaller Road Train Member

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    Soooo……five years later, has anyone welded angle iron to their axles with any success yet? I’ve owned this trailer for 12 years and it’s been wearing tires funny since new ( I’m the only person who has ever pulled it) and alignment is near perfect.