How do I Determine the Weight Capacity of My Axles?

Question:

Hi Yall, I have a 85 Dayco 16 tandem axle trailer that I want to put brakes on. How do I figure out the weight size of the axles? Tires are 5 lug ST225/75/15. Hub where grease cap is exterior is 2.7 exterior, 2.0 interior. Where else can I look? Let me know. Thanks

asked by: Kim M

Expert Reply:

You are able to help determine the weight capacity of your axles by the inner and outer diameter of your grease seals. However, the measurements of 2.7 outer hub and the 2.0 interior hub do not match any numbers we currently have. The best way to measure the grease seals is to measure the inner and outer diameter of the seal itself using calipers like the # PTW80157. I went ahead and attached a diagram that shows how to measure the grease seals and match them to the axle capacity chart. If you have access to your bearings, you can also match the inner and outer diameter of the bearings to the attached chart as well. I also linked a helpful article for you to use.

For example, if you determine that you have an inner grease seal diameter of 1.719" and an outer diameter of 2.569", you know that you need 10 x 2-1/4" brakes for a 4.4k axle.

Once you get these measurements, feel free to respond to this answer and I will be happy to recommend the correct brakes for you.

expert reply by: Bob C