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Axle and Brakes
The following sections provide an overview of
the inspection and maintenance requirements
of the axle and brake components, as well as
requirements for the breakaway switch. Consult the
Dexter Operation Maintenance and Service Manual for
detailed axle and brake information, and required
maintenance intervals. It can be found by scanning the
QR code above or visiting https://www.dexteraxle.com/�
WARNING
Read and follow all warnings and cautions and
adhere to all required maintenance intervals
found in the axle and brake component
manufacturer's manual. Failure to properly
maintain these components could lead to an
accident, resulting in serious injury or death.
Axles and Bearings
Each rubber torsion axle is aligned during
manufacturing and periodically double-checked.
Alignment after delivery is the customer's responsibility.
Hitting potholes or rough railroad tracks while traveling
straight will usually only cause misalignment after the
tire has struck such objects several times. A deep
enough hole can affect the alignment immediately.
Curbs are a common cause of misalignment as they
are often hit at an angle. Axles are occasionally
damaged when parking beside a curb while backing
the trailer�
The trailer axle(s) is bent upward in the middle. This
bend is normal and is how the camber is obtained.
Also, toe-in is built into the axle by very slight bends in
the axle tube on each end.
Tire wear indicates misalignment. Check with your
dealer for the nearest location with the proper
equipment to correct the trailer's alignment.
WARNING
Never allow heat to be applied to the axle tube
because the rubber providing the spring torsion
action will be severely damaged.
Rubber Torsion Axle Alignment Specifications
Toe-In and Camber Specifications
Toe-In each side 1/16 in.
Camber each side 3/4
degrees positive
2024 REI Special Edition
Tolerance 1/8 in� + or -
Tolerance 3/4 degrees +
or -
Wheel Bearing Maintenance
With normal use, servicing at 12-month or 12,000-mile
intervals is usually adequate (whichever occurs first).
With increased usage, this work should be done more
frequently as required. When packing bearings by
hand, place a glob of grease in the palm of one hand
and push the large end of the bearing down into the
grease. Keep turning the bearing around and forcing it
down through the grease until the grease is extruded
up through the opposite end. Wipe the extra grease in
your hand around the outside of the bearing. It is not
necessary to fill the hub and dust cap with grease.
1� Jack the trailer at the marked jack location pad
behind the axle on the mainframe and remove the
wheel�
2� Remove the grease cap, spindle nut retainer,
spindle nut, washer, bearings, and hub.
3� Lay the hub down with the inside grease seal
down. Knock out the inner bearing and grease seal
using a wood or plastic dowel and hammer.
4� Clean all parts thoroughly with a suitable solvent or
kerosene.
5� Inspect all bearings and races for chips or
roughness of any kind. Any damaged component
must be replaced.
6� Pack bearings with a good grease (No 2 grade-265
ASTM penetration or equivalent).
7� Install the inner bearing.
8� Install a new grease seal in the hub or rotor using a
wooden or rawhide mallet.
9� Install the hub and drum on the spindle.
10� Install the outer bearing, washer and spindle nut.
11� While rotating the wheel, tighten the spindle nut
with a 12" wrench until there is a slight tension.
Then back off one notch and install the retainer.
There should now be from .001" to .010" end play
in the hub. If not, back off one notch.
12� Check the lug nuts at 5, 25 miles and recheck at
50 miles of travel. For torque specifications,
Specifications on page 4-3�
Brakes
Brakes must be inspected and serviced immediately
if performance loss is indicated. With normal use,
servicing at 12-month or 12,000-mile intervals is
usually adequate (whichever occurs first). With
increased usage, this work should be done more
frequently as required.
Maintenance
see
8-9
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