How to Determine Correct Axle Capacity for Brake Replacement
Question:
I have a 1990 Nu-Wu Snowbird. GVWR 9055 front axel 4070 and rear 4070. I can find no serial number to identify the axel. I know its a Dexter 6 X 5.5. I am looking to replace the backing plates and drums, Drum have stamped on them 8-201 and 143 9. Backing plates have the Dexter triangles reading Dexter 36-89, FRI-FF-SE0-FT and X2PXQ. I may have a few of the letters wrong it was hard to read. How can I identity which size axel I have? Would the self adjusting backing plates work? Thanks in advance for your help.
asked by: Larry N
Expert Reply:
The information you've provided is a good start to narrowing down what size axle you have. The GVWR of 9055-lbs on tandem axles tells me they are likely either 5200-lb or 6000-lb axles. The bolt pattern of 6 x 5.5 is also consistent with that, as is knowing that the drums are 8-201 (which are for the 5200-lb/6000-lb axles). The best and most fail-safe way to determine the actual capacity of the axle is going to be by checking the bearings that are on the hubs, but both axles are going to use the same replacement parts.
A 5200-lb axle is going to have an outer bearing with a 1.25" inner diameter that will have # LM67048 stamped on the outer ring and you can replace the hub and drum with # 8-201-5UC3 . Conversely, a 6000-lb axle is going to have the same inner diameter of 1.25" but will be stamped with a # 15123 on the outer ring and you can replace the hub and drum with # AKHD-655-6-K ; both axles use the same inner bearing # 25580 . For future reference, this is the information you'll need to correctly replace the hub and drums on the axles.
The brakes will be much easier since the brakes for both weight capacities are the same. You will be able to use a self adjusting brake like the # AKEBRK-7-SA , which is a kit with both left and right hand assemblies and are self adjusting electric brakes.
Products Referenced in This Question
Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - 15123
- Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
- Bearings
- Standard Bearings
- 1.250 Inch I.D.
- Bearing 15123
- Race 15245
- 5200 lbs Axle
- 6000 lbs Axle
- 7000 lbs Axle
- etrailer
more information >
Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - 25580
- Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
- Bearings
- Standard Bearings
- 1.750 Inch I.D.
- Bearing 25580
- Race 25520
- 10000 lbs Axle
- 6000 lbs Axle
- 7000 lbs Axle
- 8000 lbs Axle
- 9000 lbs Axle
- etrailer
more information >
Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 5,200-lb Axles - 12" Diameter - 6 on 5-1/2
- Trailer Hubs and Drums
- Hub with Integrated Drum
- Standard
- 25580
- LM67048
- For 5200 lbs Axles
- 1/2 Inch Stud
- 6 on 5-1/2 Inch
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- 16 Inch Wheel
- 16-1/2 Inch Wheel
- Dexter
more information >
etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left/Right Hand - 5.2K to 7K
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- Standard Grade
- Self Adjust
- 12 x 2 Inch Drum
- 5200 lbs Axle
- 6000 lbs Axle
- 7000 lbs Axle
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- 16 Inch Wheel
- etrailer
more information >
Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 5,200-lb and 6,000-lb Axles - 12" - 6 on 5-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Trailer Hubs and Drums
- Hub with Integrated Drum
- Pre-Greased
- Standard
- 25580
- 15123
- For 5200 lbs Axles
- For 6000 lbs Axles
- 1/2 Inch Stud
- 6 on 5-1/2 Inch
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- 16 Inch Wheel
- 16-1/2 Inch Wheel
- etrailer
more information >
Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - LM67048
- Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
- Bearings
- Standard Bearings
- 1.250 Inch I.D.
- Bearing LM67048
- Race LM67010
- 5000 lbs Axle
- 6000 lbs Axle
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 5,200-lb Axles - 12" Diameter - 6 on 5-1/2
- Trailer Hubs and Drums
- Hub with Integrated Drum
- Standard
- 25580
- LM67048
- For 5200 lbs Axles
- 1/2 Inch Stud
- 6 on 5-1/2 Inch
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- 16 Inch Wheel
- 16-1/2 Inch Wheel
- Dexter
more information >
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Options for Adding Interior Lighting to Enclosed Cargo Trailer
- Q&A: How to Power Trailer Dome Light When Not Connected to Tow Vehicle
- Q&A: Recommended Dexter Suspension Kit 7753400
- Article: Most Popular Wheel Bearings
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Q&A: Replacement Drum Assemblies for AL-KO 8490 Hubs
- Q&A: Installation Of Hayes Air Actuated Trailer Brake Controller
- Q&A: Recommended Tire Size for Upgrading Tires From 7.00-15LT on My Horse Trailer
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: Mounting Hole Dimensions of Buyers Products 45 Ton Pintle Hook
- Article: Testing Trailer Brake Magnets for Proper Function
- Article: How Harvest Hosts Is Becoming the New Standard of the Camping Industry
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class