How do I measure my axle?
When replacing an axle, it's crucial to measure it correctly to ensure you get the right replacement. It's easier to measure your axle with the boat off the trailer. Here's a guide to the necessary measurements:
Hub Face/Track Measurement:
This measurement spans the distance from the face of one hub to the face of the opposite hub, taken where the back of the wheel rests against the hub face. It determines the axle's width, ensuring your wheels are correctly positioned under your trailer.
- The hub face is where your rim touches the hub.
- Remove the tire assemblies from your axles.
- Hook your tape measure on the outside of the hub where your rim touches.
- Measure across the axle to the exact same spot on the other side.
- Do not measure to the back side of the hub.
Brake Flange Measurement:
- Hook your tape measure to the outside of the brake flange welded to your axle.
- Measure across the axle to the exact same spot on the other side.
- Do not measure to the back side of the brake flange.
Spring Center Measurement:
Accurately measuring the spring center is crucial for ensuring the new axle aligns correctly with your trailer’s suspension system. This measurement is the distance between the centers of the spring pads, where the axle connects to the trailer’s leaf springs.
- Measure from the center of one leaf spring across the axle to the center of the leaf spring on the opposite side.
- Having someone hold the tape measure can be helpful.
- Alternatively, measure from the outside of one leaf spring to the inside of the opposite leaf spring. This will provide the same measurement as center to center.
These measurements will help you ensure you are getting the correct replacement axle.