Trailer axle repair parts needed

**freddy** · 08-03-2006, 12:47

Its time to replace the business bit of my roller trailer which is heavily corroded now. The brake system was disconnected some time before i bought it and now the main axle tube is looking dodgy.
Basically the trailer frame is in good condition and still galvanised. Everything below that appears to be ungalvanised and rusty.

My problem is that there is a main axle tube of 2 inch box section which appears to have the suspension unit inserted in the end of the "box". This means the axle is a bit lower than it would be if the suspension units were bolted onto the underside of the axle beam.

Onto the box section is welded a length of U section at right angles into which the trailer chassis sits and is held in place with three U bolts either side. Also incorporating the mudguard brackets.

It is therefore easy to disassemble the axle, suspension and mudguards from the chassis by cutting off the u bolts.

Where will i get a box section with the suspension inserted ?? Or will i have to buy bolt on units and therefore raise the ground clearance which i dont really want to do.

Anyone seen this type of system and point me in the direction of a supplier. I cant see the make of trailer on this setup. I am south east England area.

Many thanks

**ChrisP** · 08-03-2006, 13:01

Sounds like an Indespension or a Peak axle. If it is an Indy a direct replacement would be about £400
( They are not galvanised sometimes due to the rubber inserts used for the suspension. )

**freddy** · 08-03-2006, 14:15

Blimey thats going to hurt! I suppose its not a DIY possibility then?
Do you know if i could pull the old suspension unit out and buy a new box section?
As far as i know there are just four lengths of rubber trapped round the unit inside the box? These would be ok as its the steel box section which will eventually "explode".

I guess Indy would tell me its not possible.

Thanks Chris

**blueskip** · 08-03-2006, 14:36

Can you not saw or angle grind the suspension ends off, & get then rewelded onto a new piece of box section, or is the actual part where its "trapped" too badly corroded?
blueskip

**freddy** · 08-03-2006, 14:45

The whole axle is corroded and not worth the risk. Anyway Chris pointed me in the right direction and i checked Peaks website and thats the one i've got.
I can buy the complete axle down to the stub axles with a 1500kg rating for £250 + the dreaded.
In addition i will need a couple of bits of u section welded ontop which i think they can do and a bunch of U bolts so probably worth doing.

Everything else is reuseable.

Thanks for the help.

**DaveL** · 08-03-2006, 15:03

I had a similar problem with my axle on my Orkney Strikeliner. I approached a company in Sheffield called Stag Trailers. I know that you are in the South east but if you struggle to find someone nearer home I suggest you try them. I took my old axle into them, they made me a new box section axle with larger hubs. It fitted exactly the same as the old one and it didn't cost me an arm and a leg.

They can be contacted on 0114 2759177

Stag Trailers
Hill Street
Sheffield
South Yorkshire

Hope that this is of some help

Dave L

**ChrisP** · 08-03-2006, 15:07

You cant replace the box section and resuse the rubbers unfortunately.

The box section on Peak axles is tremendously strong, ot doubting you but are you sure the metal is so badly rusted it is danger of collapse. How about cleaning the worst section up and sending a before and after photo to Peak asking for their advice. The are a decent company and will not tell you to replace unless it is really needed.

May save you a deal of money and grief.

**freddy** · 08-03-2006, 16:06

Thanks for the feedback which i 've noted. I believe 1 mm of metal produces 8 mm of rust so it always looks a lot worse than it probably is but with £5000 of engine hanging off the back i was erring on the side of caution.
Its just if i do it properly and keep it in good nick i wont have to do it again. Looking at all that money sitting on a lump of rusting metal just makes me feel uneasy. If it was a grand i'd think twice but if i can do it for £3-400 and have a perfect trailer then i think i'll get the flexible friend out.

I have had a trailer let go on the M11 and it is suicide trying to change a suspension unit on the hard shoulder inches from the traffic. On this trailer it would not be repairable anyway.

**scottonjayne** · 08-03-2006, 18:31

you could try S B S trailers they are now incorperated with fletcher boats,the phone number is 01902 754133 or look at fletcher boats website,SBS used to be very helpfull and i have always used them with no complaints

**davechrissyfishing** · 10-03-2006, 10:52

the other day i got a flat went to change the tyre and 2 x bolts the heads went dam now i stuck in the middal of no were so un hooked the boat and left it in some nice persons drive took one of the good bolts with me 4x garages later no luck 2 scrap yards no luck !!!!!!i was getting to the end of my tether .not a standard wheel bolt !!!! pulled up at a garage in an industial est no help but said try this engiineering shop
which i did no problem mate well make them for you told him of my predicument give us half an hour he said and made them from scratch i got talking to this guy and he will make any thing for you to do with metal work rails in s/s trialer bits etc
well the 4x nuts i got fitted great and it cost me £30 quid i dont think thats bad !!!for the work they had to put in
well i hope this helps some one out on here and i give you the number of the firm which helped me they are in essex TT precision engeineering 01245 325868

ps and a good lesson lernt to check your wheel nuts or as he said get S/s one;s made

tight lines happy boating

dave