Maintenance on Dexter Torflex (Torsion) Axles

[itat]

I read on another thread here, although it was a few years old, that Dexter Torflex axles like on my Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite should be re-torqued every 6000 miles. If you look at page 69 and 70 of the attached manual it implies that they don't need to be re-torqued. They don't give a torque value for the Torflex axles, just the regular leaf spring axles.

So do they need to be re-torqued regularly or not?

[youroo]

I have seen evidence of the frame retaining bolts that secure the torsion axles "moving /slipping " it would be advisable to check and torque them to be safe! Youroo! !

[ddrockwood]

Check the mounting bolts is fine. On my trailer my axles are spot welded from the factory so they won't be moving any time soon. Checking any bolts under these things is a good idea we all know how the workmanship can be.

[007matman]

The mounting bolts on mine had sheared off on one side and were in the process on the other side as well.

I would whole heatedly advise you check them.

The only reason I found it was because the bearings were shot causing inside edge tire wear. They noticed it when doing the other repairs.

[itat]

Thanks for the replies. Any idea what ft-lbs they should be set to?

[My17Ram]

They’re grade 8 bolts. Just use a socket and breaker bar and tighten them as tight as you can. You can’t hurt them.

[youroo]

Originally Posted by My17Ram

They’re grade 8 bolts. Just use a socket and breaker bar and tighten them as tight as you can. You can’t hurt them.

Caution Very Bad advice! There are many "Torque Charts" that will provide "Proper Information in regards to Size /Threads/and Grade! FASTENAL has a "Torque Calculator " on their Web Site! Youroo! !

[My17Ram]

Originally Posted by youroo

Caution Very Bad advice! There are many "Torque Charts" that will provide "Proper Information in regards to Size /Threads/and Grade! FASTENAL has a "Torque Calculator " on their Web Site! Youroo! !

Do you really think a torque wrench is used when these are assembled? No, they likely use an air impact and are already so tight that they can’t be further tightened by hand, even with a breaker bar.

[My17Ram]

If they are 1/2inch bolts, torque them to 100 ft lbs.

[ard58]

Originally Posted by My17Ram

If they are 1/2inch bolts, torque them to 100 ft lbs.

I wouldn't do that either. 100 ft lbs is over torqueing.
Table 1 Thread Size
Inch Torque 1/4 12 ± 3 N·m (105 ± 27 lb in) 5/16 25 ± 6 N·m (220 ± 53 lb in) 3/8 47 ± 9 N·m (35 ± 7 lb ft) 7/16 70 ± 15 N·m (50 ± 11 lb ft) 1/2 105 ± 20 N·m (75 ± 15 lb ft) 9/16 160 ± 30 N·m (120 ± 22 lb ft) 5/8 215 ± 40 N·m (160 ± 30 lb ft) 3/4 370 ± 50 N·m (275 ± 37 lb ft) 7/8 620 ± 80 N·m (460 ± 60 lb ft) 1 900 ± 100 N·m (660 ± 75 lb ft)

[wabakami]

1/2" grade 8 torqued dry is 106# according to Fastenal Canada.

Geoff
.

[itat]

I found this chart that suggests 1/2” Grade 8 coarse thread bolts can be torqued to 90 ft-lbs for zinc-plated, dry bolts and 106 ft-lbs for plain (unplated) dry bolts.

https://www.fastenal.com/content/fed...0Gr8%20Gr9.pdf

[strgrazr]

Re-torque the bolts to specs. and use some blue/semi-permanent loctite, on frame bolts.

[rlh1957]

Most professionals and production lines use impact wrenches that have torque settings and pressure regulators that are preset for the job being done, that way there is consistent torque being applied.
They don't just grab up any impact wrench with whatever air pressure or electric setting.