For September, we dive into commonly asked questions about trailer axles and trailer axle parts. In this month&#;s articles, we share two new FAQs each week. Check back weekly for more frequently asked questions about all things related to trailer axles. This article answers the popular question, &#;How often should I replace my trailer axles? This Part 2 article touches on additional factors that may impact the lifespan of your trailer and indicate when it&#;s time for trailer axle replacement. Click here to read our Part 1 article. 

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While there are no guarantees when it comes to the life expectancy of any trailer part, we recommend changing your trailer axles every 3-5 years based on your axle usage and other factors mentioned in this article. Annual axle inspections and maintenance will help you get the most life out of your axles and allow them to function properly for years to come. 

Similar to any piece of machinery, longevity will depend on the level of care and maintenance over time. Even with the most rigorous maintenance and care schedule, your axles will eventually need to be replaced just from normal wear and tear from daily use. Hauling distance, age, brand, weather conditions, and more can all impact how long your trailer axles last. 

Does the weather impact the life of my trailer axles?

Short answer &#; yes. Weather plays a huge part in the lifespan of your trailer axles. If cared for properly, no matter where you live, the care and maintenance of your axles will play a huge role as well. 

There are certain areas of the country with harsher weather elements. The Midwest is prone to harsh winters, cold temperatures, snow, and ice. Because of the excessive moisture year-round, your trailer and its components are more prone to rust and corrosion. If you&#;re hauling in the Midwest, try to keep your axles dry and clean. Any sort of moisture or ice buildup will immediately trigger rust then lead to corrosion if not cleaned or treated. 

While the Midwest has harsh elements, hot temperatures also pose a risk to your trailer&#;s components. Extreme dry heat in warmer regions can cause spring trailer axles to develop cracks and even dry out the flexible rubber seal if not properly greased. If you live in a hot climate with humidity, the risk of moisture buildup leading to rust is also a concern. If moisture accumulates on your axles and then dirt and other debris also stick to your axles, this will cause rust. With any type of environment, a clean, dry, rust-free axle is always best. 

Does longevity differ between axle manufacturers?

Yes. Not all axles are created equal. Different axle brands are built with different types of quality materials. The materials used to build an axle can vary greatly between manufacturers. Always choose an axle supplier you can trust that fully discloses the details about the axle you are buying. 

Does hauling distance impact my axles?

As with any piece of equipment, the more it is used, the quicker it wears down. Trailer axles will undergo more general wear over time the longer you are hauling your trailer. 

What can I do to extend my trailer axle lifespan?

&#;&#;The age of the trailer is not necessarily a direct indication of the axle&#;s quality or lifespan. As noted above, the way the axles are cared for and maintained is a much better indication of the axle&#;s longevity. For example, a used trailer could have well-maintained axles that are replaced every 3 years and are stored inside a temperature-controlled garage. A newer trailer could have daily hauls through rough terrain and bad weather elements, is not taken care of, and axles have begun to rust. If deciding to purchase a used trailer, ask lots of questions about the trailer&#;s haul history, maintenance, and replacement parts.

Trailer axle replacement by BlueSwift Axles

BlueSwift Axles is here to help you choose the best replacement trailer axle for your hauling needs. You&#;ll find that torsion axles can wear better than spring axles because they require less maintenance. However, when torsion axles fail, they can be costly to replace. Spring trailer axles have more parts to maintain, but they have durable wear and less expensive components to repair.

Yes, only one trailer axle be changed, but it&#;s often easiest to replace both axles at the same time. Yes, you can switch axles for longer lengths, but there is a caveat. Let&#;s find out about axle replacements. 

It&#;s never great when things wear out but replacing parts for anything remains a difficult task. Axles have always been a mystery due to the many inputs required to ensure the correct replacement axle for your trailer.

Want more information on American Outboard Axles? Feel free to contact us.

Axle lengths must be the same.

A perfect match is hard to find. If you&#;ve bent one trailer axle and visited a mechanic to find a match, the problem is that trailer axle designs come and go. If your trailer is a bit older, you&#;ll likely find an axle that is slightly shorter or longer than what you require.

Using an axle with different dimensions from the other means you&#;ll have tracking issues and irregular tire wear. Read our article &#;How to Measure The Proper Size Trailer Axle to Buy.&#;

How do you measure an axle to make sure that you get the exact same size? You&#;ll need three measurements: spring-centre-to-spring-centre, hub-face-to-hub-face, and tube diameter. 

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Axle weight ratings should be the same on both axles, especially if your axles are torsions.

Changing only one trailer axle with a different weight rating from the other puts at risk a load carrying differently or how each axle takes the load, affecting your tire and tongue wear. Torsion axles require the weight rating to be exactly the same on each axle; if the replacement has a different weight rating, the dissimilar angles will give you two axles at different heights and cause problems. 

Spring axles with a walking beam setup are more forgiving with heights than torsion axles; the replacement should match in weight ratings or at least be a heavier-rated axle. 

Leaf spring axles rarely need axle replacement.

Because the leaf springs are separate from the axle, it is usually only the leaf springs that need replacement. Read our helpful article, &#;Should Trailer Axles be Straight or Curved &#; What Are Spring and Torsion Axles?&#;

Yes, you can upgrade both axles for longer axles, with a big but.

The length of your axle determines the width of your trailer. You can replace existing axles with longer hub face versions which would allow it to carry a heavier weight. 

Remember that you can only upgrade a weight rating to the lowest-rated component, which may not be the axle. More on this is in the highlighted article-to-read above.

If you recall the three measurements needed regarding replacement axles, you&#;ll need to ensure the spring centre-to-spring-centre measurement is wide enough to handle the longer hub face. Also, you may need different wheels and tires rated for heavier weight. 

It is always safest and easiest to replace both axles at the same time.

Although it is unnecessary to change both, axles are not hugely expensive to replace; changing both will give you peace of mind knowing nothing different is introduced. See our axle order page here. We carry Dexter, Kodiak, UFP, Rockwell American axles, and Titan, Tie Down, and Al-Ko parts. 

Maybe you&#;d be interested in a set of our Clearance Axles.

Please call Standard Axle at (519) 451 , where our professional staff will help you with your axle measurements. We can even build custom-made assembly spring axles. (A custom torsion axle can also be built off-site.)

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