How to Determine Capacity of Unknown Axle
Question:
I am adding brakes to an old trailer. How do I determine the capacity if there are no markings anywhere to know what axle capacity it is? It has 15” wheels, 5 lug.
asked by: Stan
Expert Reply:
Between the wheel bolt pattern and the reference numbers from the inner and outer wheel bearings, we can make a very good educated guess about the capacity if the axle tag is missing or unreadable.
For instance, if your wheel bolt pattern is 5 on 4-1/2, and the inner wheel bearing is L68149 and the outer bearing is an L44649, you have a 3500 lb capacity axle. If you can reply with the reference numbers etched into the side of the cages of the inner and outer bearing and the wheel bolt pattern (see linked article), I'd be glad to help. A 3500 lb axle would typically use a 10 x 2-1/4 brake assemblies like # 23-468-469.
Also, you'll want to make sure that the spindles have brake mounting flanges. If they don't, they can be added by I'd need to know the axle beam diameter and we'd need to determine the capacity to specify the correct mounting flange that would need to be welded in place.
Products Referenced in This Question
Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- Standard Grade
- Self Adjust
- 10 x 2-1/4 Inch Drum
- 3500 lbs Axle
- 14 Inch Wheel
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- Dexter
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes - 12" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 6K
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- Standard Grade
- Self Adjust
- 12 x 2 Inch Drum
- 6000 lbs Axle
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- 16 Inch Wheel
- Dexter
more information >
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