The suspension units on my trailer need replaced, the hubs and wheels are fine. The axle has a taper on it. All the ones I can find by googling have a straight axle, so I would need to buy a hub to fit then a wheel to fit the new hub. Where can I find a suspension unit with a tapered axle? ta
Maybe
What part has failed, can't it be repaired? Generally I would expect the suspension arm and hub to have comparable lives.
The box section linking the axle to the suspension unit corroded through. The trailer has not done much, except stand outside. I could cut out the axles and weld them into a new length of steel.
If these are traditional / basic units with 'rubber' insert suspension then you may find it difficult to weld the replacement arm on without damaging the rubber or plastic end bush?
I think they weld the drop arm and stub axle to the steel section that goes in the rubber and either then press it into place, or mould the rubber round it.
If only the bottom of the arm is rotten and you can weld a replacement lower half on to good metal (and are a competent welder), as long as you ensured the rubber didn't get overheated you might get away with it.
However, given that complete suspension units and hubs aren't that expensive new ... ?
Cheers, T i m
the units themselves are not expensive, but I think I would have to buy hubs to suit the units, then wheels to suit the hubs.
There are companies which sell various sub-assemblies - you really need to know the make or at least dimensions.
If the trailer is a 'consumer' one, eg the kind you by in the various discount stores etc rather than from a trailer specialist, you may find the existing ones are had to match.
Specialist trailers, I expect due to volumes, tend to us standard parts which (with luck) you can replace.
Yes, I was suggesting you buy the units complete with hubs (and bearings).
Only if you don't get the right hubs to suit your existing wheels etc?
Depending on the size so price of the wheels, it could sill work out easier and cheaper ITLR, especially if you have to pay for any engineering etc?
We had a very early Bramber dinghy trailer that had *very* compliant Avon 'SoftRide' suspension units but 3 stud wheels. It became increasingly difficult to get spare wheels so I replaced the suspension units complete with more common 4 stud 400 x 8 wheels and tyres in the lightest weight I could buy at the time.
In hindsight I think I might have tried harder to get replacement stub axles or considering such wheels are 'stud centric' (they sit on the studs, not the hub as such), just had it re-drilled for the 4 stud layout (if possible) as these new hubs were *way* stiffer than the originals and gave the dinghy a much harsher ride.
Have you tried looking for just the units with no stub axles and using your own stubs / hubs / wheels etc, as I think I've seen such (not sure how easy they would be to get in the right capacity etc)?
Cheers, T i m
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