Torsion Axle issues

This topic has 7 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 3 years, 4 months ago by Bass Cat Boats.

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January 8, 2023 at 3:21 pm #708468

NFCSOB
Participant

I have a 2013 P2, with a Tandon Trailer (purchased 8/2014) and the splines/teeth on the Torsion Axles and Arms (all 4) are worn causing the Arms to rotate down and the tires to rub on the fenders and bottom out. The pictures show how much the teeth have been worn down, even thought I have checked to maintain 150lb torque on the arms.
The rusting of both components seems to have contributed to the problem as you can see in the attached photos ( before and after cleaning).

Should there be some type of grease or coating to prevent the rust issue?

Is this a common typical problem with torsion axles to need to replace everything every 4-5 years?

The Dealer I purchased the boat from changed out the Arms in 2018 (warranty issue) because of side to side play in the wheels/arms, but not the axles and I don’t know what the condition of the axles were at the time, so I don’t know if that was part of the current issue.

thanks for any feed back.

January 13, 2023 at 12:47 pm #708553

Judson1
Participant

I too have a 2013 (P4). One of mine was in bad shape. I first bought the grade 8 bolts. But one was too far gone and I replaced the axle last summer.

January 15, 2023 at 8:58 am #708575

apdriver
Participant

What did the axle set you back? I have one that’s borderline.

January 15, 2023 at 10:58 am #708581

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Hmm… the screw that retains the end cap has had the head sheared off of it from something.

We haven’t seen that many times, and it indicates some form of high stress that caused the torsion rubber to flex excessively.

January 18, 2023 at 5:59 pm #708628

NFCSOB
Participant

Have both axles on Order, with original cost of $1900, but Basscat gave me a $600 discount because of the previous warranty issue (Thank you Jared). The new end units come with the Grade 8 bolt. I was told by my dealer that the standard bolt of that year model stretches as you tighten to the 150 Ft/lbs.

Is there anything that can be applied to the Axles to eliminate or reduce the rusting issue?
I don’t run in any salt/brackish water that would possibly cause the rusting issue.

January 19, 2023 at 7:32 am #708635

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Grease the (arm) splines when installing and most of the issue is the standard Grade 5 bolt stretching when impacts happen on the tires/wheels we feel. They don’t stretch from tension, though are loaded so tightly they stretch from impacts. The bolts can loosen, most we feel stretch, then everything internal has slop. That slop begins the degradation of splines and more.

When you remove your old axle arms, take a dial caliper or mic to the hole in the arms and you will notice the shaft hole is slightly egg shaped, or oblong on most all arms we’ve checked. A tight dowel rod or metering bar will show the same.

January 21, 2023 at 11:25 am #708683

NFCSOB
Participant

Thanks, I have some waterproof Green grease that should work, unless there something specific I need to use.

What Are there torque settings for the bolts on the axles to trailer frame and the bolts for the brake caliper?

should I replace the old bolts or just reapply some 242 loctite?

Also, just want to be sure, but I only need to remove the brake line from left side (port) of the trailer, correct?

is the nut closest to the caliper the one to remove from or the one on the end of the hose?

thanks,

January 21, 2023 at 11:50 am #708685

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

We don’t know the suggested torque on the axle tabs, though 85-90 is in our memory.

If you are replacing the calipers then disconnect the brake line and install the new caliper. They have fittings that may need rotated.

Any grease like that would help.
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