Which brand of axles?

[hrcarver]

Which brands of axles are better quality, or a better question I suppose would be are there any to avoid?

 

[Diamondpilot]

Can not go wrong with Dexter. Al-Ko are also very good.

Dexter Axle - Trailer Axles and Running Gear Components - HOME

AL-KO Kober - full line axle and brake manufacturer

Most of the parts are interchangeable between these two major manufactures.

Chris

 

[ModMech]

Dexter.

 

[tractorboy5500]

Never had any trouble out of the Dexter axles, when i ordered my new trailer I asked to make sure i got the two 12K dexter brake axles. If parts do cost a little more than others, its because its worth it. Alko is also a good brand.

 

[FlaDon]

Can not go wrong with Dexter. Al-Ko are also very good.

Dexter Axle - Trailer Axles and Running Gear Components - HOME

AL-KO Kober - full line axle and brake manufacturer

Most of the parts are interchangeable between these two major manufactures.

Chris

Throw Polar Corp into that group.

 

[KWentling]

I have Dexter axles on my homemade gooseneck I built 15 years ago. They came with a mix of Chinese and European made wheel bearings. All the Chinese bearings have spalled and have been replaced over the years. All the European made are still going. I expect all axles manufacturers are using Chinese bearings so whatever brand you use you need to take a good look at them when servicing the bearings. Other than that I have been happy with the axles themselves.

Kim

 

[FlaDon]

I have Dexter axles on my homemade gooseneck I built 15 years ago. They came with a mix of Chinese and European made wheel bearings. All the Chinese bearings have spalled and have been replaced over the years. All the European made are still going. I expect all axles manufacturers are using Chinese bearings so whatever brand you use you need to take a good look at them when servicing the bearings. Other than that I have been happy with the axles themselves.

Kim

The current emergency bearing pack I have from Polar has China and Russia made bearings. The sets of Timkens downstairs that are going in are USA made. Set 4 for the outer and Set 17 for the inner on a 3.5 K Accu-Lube axle.

 

[ModMech]

If I have a choice, regardless of cost, I use only Timkin bearings and National unitized seals.

 

[FlaDon]

If I have a choice, regardless of cost, I use only Timkin bearings and National unitized seals.

:thumbsup: And double lip seals at that.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Funny you guys complain about the Chinese bearings. I repack about 25 sets a year. Just did 2 sets last weekend on 5,200# AL-KO axles. I have never had a single failure. I have seen some that were questionable and I replaced but I guess being a boat guy we do ours every other season no matter the miles so I have had no issues.

I will agree with the fact that Timkin and National are better and I only use double lip seals with spring snugger's in them. I just have not had a failure in any of the stuff I own or maintain, about 50 trailers.

Speaking of bearings there is no good way to pack them. I have bought almost every packer on the market but nothing works as good as the palm of my hand. I am getting wise and wearing surgical gloves in my older age and yellow dish washing gloves in the parts washer.

Chris