Straighten a trailer axle

MESSMAKER · Apr 10, 2015

I noticed that one of my wheels on my trailer is suffering from a bit of toe out. I suspect I hit a culvert or something. My friend said he had you can bend the axle pretty easily with a chain and a jack, but has never done it. Anyone have any experience with this. I am interested in giving it a try before I buy a new axle.

Diamondpilot · Apr 10, 2015

MESSMAKER said:
I noticed that one of my wheels on my trailer is suffering from a bit of toe out. I suspect I hit a culvert or something. My friend said he had you can bend the axle pretty easily with a chain and a jack, but has never done it. Anyone have any experience with this. I am interested in giving it a try before I buy a new axle.

Personally I would take it to a truck and trailer shop. They have hydraulic rams mounted to a frame for straightening trailers much like a frame straightener at a body shop. I get trailers aligned for $80 a axle at mine.

Chris

MESSMAKER · Apr 10, 2015

$80 would be a no-brainer. I am not sure they will do it that cheap around here. Only a few body shops left and they don't seem interested in smaller jobs.

Ed of all trades · Apr 10, 2015

I would buy the axle. A little off and you spend the $$$$ in tires.

CJONE · Apr 10, 2015

I have done it with the chain / jack method. Not very precise. I prefer to use a press. The last one I did was with my D3 cat, crude but it worked. I have over 5000 miles on it with normal tire wear. Lots of measuring and time. CJ

Sprinklerman · Apr 10, 2015

Price a new axle , depending on the size =they arent that bad , what you save in time is worth it

Xfaxman · Apr 11, 2015

MESSMAKER said:
I noticed that one of my wheels on my trailer is suffering from a bit of toe out. I suspect I hit a culvert or something. My friend said he had you can bend the axle pretty easily with a chain and a jack, but has never done it. Anyone have any experience with this. I am interested in giving it a try before I buy a new axle.

No experience on axles, but saved these just in case.

MESSMAKER · Apr 11, 2015

I got a bit more info. Chain from end to end fastened to the axle and a floor jack in the middle and crank on it until everything lines up. Does not sound too hard.