Bent Rubber Torsion Axle

Follow along as I swap our these rubber torsion axles for the more standard leaf spring axle setup. It's not a crazy big repair but its one that needs to be done none the less. Thank you for your support and please consider subscribing and a thumbs up if you enjoy the videos.

[@peteacher52]

Thank you Isaac for bringing us along as you work without drama, without exaggeration and without cuss words. It would be a lucky young person to be apprenticed to you.

[@ICWeld]

I appreciate that!

[@flysubcompact]

It is a sad state of affairs of modern multibillion dollar television when i find watching a welder repairing his busted trailer in his shop. This is 120% more entertaining. Excellent work, BTW.

[@ICWeld]

haha, no kidding. I hardly watch the news myself.

[@eformance]

As a rule, the chassis must be stiffer to work with torsion axles than conventional leaf spring axles. This is because the load is spread out further on a leaf spring axle than on a torsion axle. Torsion axles create point loads on the chassis that must be accounted for by doublers or otherwise stiffening the chassis. A typical leaf spring my have the eyes 30 inches apart, so on a 2 axle setup you would have 3 support points about 60 inches across. A torsion axle setup must carry the same load on 2 points that are 30 inches apart. The other consideration for torsion axles is that they don't balance the load when going over bumps, so each axle must take more than 50% of the weight when traversing speed bumps or the like. They ride nice and last a long time *provided* you have the correct load rating and don't overload the axle. It's really common to see 5 lug axles with worn out tires because they are overloaded to the point the spindle arms deflect and cause the tires to be all cattywampus.

[@ICWeld]

Makes sense. And youre right, I often see these type of axles overloaded just as you mentioned.

[@philbobagbox1177]

Not enough people use the word cattywampus. Always makes me smile. Like these videos.

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Great explanation! Never really thought about it.

[@peetky8645]

bring back cattywampus!

[@edwarddavis507]

I was wondering what went wrong accounting for the fact the trailer doesn’t look that old. This all makes perfect sense. Thank You!

[@ZenWithKen]

I have to admit my sphincter was puckering a little bit when you crawled under the trailer until I saw the back supports were actually pined in place. Phew, lol. Thanks for sharing!

[@sixtyfiveford]

I was buying fixing and selling trailers for years. I got to the point I wouldn't even buy a trailer if it had torsion axles. Most commonly I would see cracked trailer frames, especially on enclosed trailers. I welded a lot of frames back together but always felt guilty that it would happen again just because of the torsion axles. The owner of this trailer was very smart to have you swap for leaf springs.

[@Rx7man]

I disagree, my leaf spring axles are nothing but trouble, I have rough roads and the spring bushings don't last a year, the brackets bend and break, never ending trouble.. Then there's my 30 year old Wilson stock trailer with torsion axles.. never been touched in 30 year Also, the reason the axle got bent in the first place was it was used as a tow point. so not that smart.

[@ironworkerfxr7105]

My torsion axle on a brush bandit 250 is a DREAM to tow vs the old leaf spring one..

[@ironworkerfxr7105]

@MrTo YouBoy Give me your credit card

[@geoffrey6000]

@MrTo YouBoy lmao

[@geoffrey6000]

@@Rx7man my dad has an old car hauler with leave spring axles, we've never done anything to it for the entire time he's owned it.

[@thegoodthebadandtheugly9920]

I'm always check youtube throughout the day to see if any of my normal subscriptions have posted anything, and even though I can't watch them right then, I still through a thumbs up on the video lol just in case it's helps the video get put out there more 👌🏼

[@ICWeld]

right on. thanks man

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Yep, help them out!

[@drews784]

Always fun to watch you work and learn from your experience! Let’s go!

[@themechanic1867]

You are the best welder I’ve seen.

[@ICWeld]

Oh... there are many waay better than me, but thank you for the kind words.

[@phillovelace]

@@ICWeld Love the humble attitude but you are the best welder I've ever had an opportunity to watch on KZbin 😁

[@kevinknight470]

Good fabrication skills on lining up the brackets for the springs and axels. But IC, those little spindly supports made me very nervous. The support under the tongue was good and I would of had four of those under the frame of the trailer. Please be careful, the industry needs welders like you. God bless.

[@scrapmandan245]

I totally thought the same 👍

[@jsswizard]

Absolutely love hearing you go through the problem solving process and watching you create. It's a privilege. Thanks for sharing.

[@maverick5006]

I always enjoy you repairing heavy equipment, but this video of smaller repairs on light equipment is right in my wheelhouse. Thank you!!

[@karlsalm9069]

You are a genuine problem solver I love watching your thought process threw each video your experience shows

[@franstolsma554]

Hi Isaac, respect how you fixed this job. Always a surprise how to get things on the right place. You are the best 👍

[@daviswallace6351]

Don't you just enjoy working on your back, 10 inches from your cut/weld point? I don't have any issues getting down...the challenge is getting back up. I have always enjoyed watching you tackle your projects....thanks for bringing us along!

[@BruceBoschek]

There comes a time when you just stay on your back! :-)

[@TalRohan]

yeah and when the weld blob shoots down your neck again, its happened so many times before you can wait till it stops moving... shift position and let it burn its way back out of your t shirt without causing extreme pain

[@darinwilton9122]

@@TalRohan or when you are welding an ignorant material, you feel the spatter hit your skin and think... nope, not burning enough to make me stop this bead. yep, on your back is fun lol

[@lolaminnit]

lol, im the same! I can get down and roll about on the floor but i simply cannot get back up again without having something available to hold onto and pull myself up. Old age is a bitch lol

[@BruceBoschek]

@@lolaminnit I'm 80 and still trying to do stuff i shouldn't. I have a golden rule, however. I never, ever get down on the ground unless I have a stool, ladder or table that I can use to get back up. Otherwise I would just lie there until I died. :-)

[@TBizzell68]

That trick with the square tube and brackets is pure gold, thanks!

[@alc818]

As soon as I saw the worn tires I immediately suspected a toe in problem and it was confirmed when you showed the bent axle. I totally agree with EFormance Engineering that springs are far better than torsion bars when it comes to heavy loads... When I was in the trailer business, the quick way to fix a severe toe in (or toe out) problem was to hook a chain from side to side with a hydraulic jack in the middle between the axle & chain to bend the axle straight again. Back axles can run pretty straight, but front axles need a little toe in to prevent the trailer from swaying back and forth.

[@edwarddavis507]

That’s genius using the straight bar to line up the brackets! Nice job!

[@scrapmandan245]

Holy crap, am I the only person thinking how unstable that trailer looks on those axle stands, I know issac is way more of an engineer than I'll ever be so I guess its cool, I still wouldn't get under that trailer, thanks for sharing man 😎👍

[@ravenbarsrepairs5594]

I'd prefered to have seen at least 2 more stands under the front corners. As is, it's a tripod with significant weight outside of the triangle.

[@ericjohnson8482]

You Sir do some of the best and most honest work on and off of KZbin, if everyone took the pride in their work like you do we all would be better off. You remind me of my dad who always told us "if you are going to half-ass it, don't do it all".

[@markmarchand1199]

yooo daddy....sounds like my daddy

[@gaz0463]

Great video as always. You make all your work look so easy even though we all know it’s far from it. It’s just a testament to just how skilled and experienced you are. It’s always worrying when you need major cutting & welding work done on your machines. Will it be done properly and will the end result be safe. I would have none of those worries if you were working on my machines. I just wish I lived a lot closer to you. You’re becoming a bit of a legend, my friend, for your excellence and professionalism. It’s a joy to watch you at work.

[@robertmanley7556]

Nothing like crawling around on the floor......makes my lower back and knees hurt thinking about it !! You did a great job with this glad you filmed it for sure always glad to watch and learn something new !! 👍👍

[@hankrains1705]

Like watching you work and how you repair things. Great videos.

[@ypaulbrown]

Making my evening go great Issac...thanks so much, cheers from Florida, Paul

[@davejudydan]

I can only mirror what others have said. Quality work thought out with common sense. I enjoy your work on the heavy equipment and a lite trailer. Same pride in workmanship in both. Thank you.

[@Mtlmshr]

Hey thanks great tip to use a tube and lay them all out first then put them all up as a kit! I’ve always just did one at a time🤔😳 see who says an old dog can’t learn a new trick! Thanks

[@BlackBuzzzard]

Recently had fun under my trailer cutting off the leaf spring hangers, after I drove 2200 miles home from Utah with a broken leaf spring. Use enough ratchet straps and you can stabilize almost anything. Great vid!

[@stevelux9854]

I had the same happen to my equipment trailer's 3rd axle on the driver's side in Wyoming. Some 2x6 boards to support the load and three ratchet straps held my axle up and aligned - got me off the highway and to where I could replace the spring in a parking lot.

[@jaysen2200]

This one is right up my alley nice job sir ! Thank you for sharing

[@samuelscragg7052]

Thank you for sharing your work experience.

[@user-in6xt7or6t]

Доброго Всем✋Привет из России.Я вас смотрю много лет/Вы супер мужики/ так держать удачи в работе и жизни!

[@morganbrickwall7902]

I did a similar project turning a single torsion axle box trailer into a tandem leafspring axle box trailer. I welded the new hangers to 3"x3"x 3/16" angle for right and left side then welded 2" angle between them to create a frame so I could bench weld it rather than on my back under trailer. I took all my measurements off the coupler. I slid the frame with the hangers under the trailer and lifted it into place then welded it. The 3" angle stiffened the frame to help with the additional weight going from 3500# to 7000# capacity. Worked perfectly and never had any problem with tire wear.

[@johnpappas2060]

Bless Enjoyable video. Your presentation & no cuss words is why I subscribe. Thanks 🙏

[@curtisbecker5145]

thanks for all your videos buddy...i look forward to them every nite

[@francodeiuliis1562]

Brilliant idea to use a jig to mount the 3 separate pieces aligned at the same time As always exceptional work Cheers from Nova Scotia

[@Jammer.1]

When you was showing the one axle i said i hope he's going replace that axle it's got a bad bend & will never roll a tire correctly ! Good Work !

[@markmarchand1199]

love your idea using the straight edge to mount the leaf spring axle hangers

[@markreetz1001]

Sure make it look easy. Great fabricating!

[@ReaperRestorations]

i love running the plasma cutter. i used to do it all day when i was a foundryman. i forgot how fun it can be until i needed to use mine the other day. i spent hours cleaning up a '41 Dodge WC front end to use as a winch frame extension

[@derrickguthrie4704]

Great work. And great improvement to that trailer.

[@mijodo2008]

The cause of the tyre scrubbing was due to the axle being bent in the middle, possibly impacting a tree stump or something akin during its recent life. Great video, Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Cheers from Michael. Australia. Posted my comment too soon, The axle bent due to using it to tow from.

[@kenkee2011]

Just found this channel. It is quickly becoming a favorite. Really enjoy the work you do!

[@ICWeld]

Awesome, thank you!

[@EarnhardtFan]

the scope of your skills is limitless.

[@micmike]

Nice project, thanks for sharing.

[@creativewelding5275]

hello colleague) nice to watch the process of your work. a good tool in capable hands!

[@paulanderson388]

Great job...I applaud your calm efficiency in making the necessary repairs and the installation of the leaf spring axles to replace the rubber torsion axles. This is why I would not buy a trailer with the rubber torsion axles. As I see it, the only purpose of the torsion axles is a smoother ride, and a lower floor height. For me, the convenience of these is not worth the trouble when they have to be replaced due to damage or wear. I will always choose the leaf spring setup for their ease of replacement or repair. Great video. Thank You.

[@williampankratz600]

Great timing I have one of these that I might have to do for the same reason sometime in the near future

[@onemoredeadman]

Duratorque is the brand name here in New Zealand, have them on my boat trailer not as many moving parts as leaf spring so less corrosion issues. Excellent skills you have did a bit of welding myself yesterday (stick) i am in the grinder and paint make me the welder i aint category

[@DaleDirt]

Isaac , I love your work , I have become a much better welder /fabricator and much more confident by using your technique , approach and organization skills even though I will never reach a skill level even close to you. Keep em rolling , no matter how simple the task . We will always get pointers from everything you do .

[@ICWeld]

Glad to help

[@jerred9094]

It's really great to see these skills passed along to the next generation. We need far MORE craftmen than CAD people. Thumbs up to all of the fathers that teach their children a useful skill. Learn to do what needs to be done in order to to a better job overall. Take that skill to the bank. Would you rather have a real builder OR just some one who thinks they can do it?

[@markfryer9880]

Nice work Isaac. Got to keep work trailers on the road so people can earn their daily bread.

[@thomashaley5284]

The top cut on the axle, you couldn't see any of that! Takes lots of experience and balls to make that happen!

[@Jamestreeman]

You can mix torsion with leaf axles. When my guys break or bend I just swap to whatever is available. You just need the same drop. One of my triple axle trailers is mixed currently. Thanks for the vid

[@patriot1182]

Great job! Beautiful music!

[@Farm_fab]

Isaac, a few years ago I bought a used trailer, and it turns out that it had been a folding model and had a GM rear under it. The floor was 1/8" aluminum diamond plate, as we're the sides and fenders. Everything had been pop riveted to the frame. I took off all the aluminum, put a 2x12 pine deck on it, a new axle and 13" wheels (not the skinny ones) and for fenders, modified the shelf style homemade fenders to Jeep style, put LED taillights on the back and a boat trailer tongue for durability. It's now much more solid. The next step is enhanced inspection for a title. I've kept all the paperwork. I have, for now 3/4"x 8" uhmw plastic sideboards.

[@whodat90]

OMG I finally get to use my high school Spanish! “El Processo” means “The Processo”!

[@johndowe7003]

Nice joke lol , El processo means "the process " btw

[@donschofield4849]

One thing to remember like a trike . The angles and the center points to the center of the ball while it is hitched up, Is why many times on the road you see the trailer walking right to left as you are driving in a straight line. And many times you can not event go 45 MPH! Many companies of trailers fail dramatically on these center points ! The three must be all in line and Parallel to the lines at the length of the trailer. Now Weld!

[@metalman4043]

Nice work!

[@James-fs4rn]

👍 saved the day once again.

[@jb7631]

Nice job brother... Keep up the good work and stay safe stick man 🇺🇸✌

[@johnerway7255]

See them but, have not seen axil welded up for install. Again thanks for letting us ride along and look over your shoulder.

[@nickvdwater3727]

Ontzettend fijn dat je de moeite neemt om het te ondertitelen, ik kijk graag naar je vakmanschap. Nick van de Water. Uit Nederland

[@BruceBoschek]

Excellent job as always, but I think the customer made a big mistake wanting those instead of the rubber torsion axles, but there you go. Thanks for sharing.

[@ICWeld]

I agree with you

[@FishFind3000]

My thoughts are they had a previous leaf spring trailer with no issues and now they have a torsion axle with major problems. I think there uses better match the leaf springs.

[@jimmycurran5355]

Awesome job.

[@theSword-]

Very good work. 👍👍

[@kevin1gasman]

A car life for the job would be nice . So get under it . I told my wife I need a car life . For the shop . I got tall enough ceilings in the shop to put one 16’ side walls. I’m to old to crawl around on the floor and more lol . Love videos Buddy . Keep them coming. Have a wonderful day . GOD bless

[@jiminycricket2230]

Nice job Issac!!

[@scowell]

Great job... I've though about ditching my Dexter Torflex axles... they do wear out with time... but you have to raise your trailer 6" when you do that... so they're staying for now. At least I know how to do it now!

[@commercialelectrician133]

Great video of a rainout great video

[@richerrick45]

I have a trailer with a Dexter Torsion axle. Due to the geometry, the axle will bend on it's own if it sits for a while in weather that gets hot and cold. I had to change mine a couple of years ago after owning the trailer for 12 years. Fortunately it was bolted on, not welded. Made for easier replacement. By the way, that bending problem is a known issue at Dexter. Cheers.

[@gradysanders48]

Seems you got it going on there! Good job

[@philmccuen]

Stayed for "el processo" thanks for making a great video.

[@ICWeld]

haha, Its not a real word but now I wonder how the different CC will translate it. hehe..

[@philmccuen]

@@ICWeld I dig it.

[@mfreund15448]

Nice repair!

[@kaydog2008]

Good DIY project to put an adjustable head rest on your creeper. Not getting any younger.👈😉👍Made mine out of an old work truck head rest that 's covered in plastic won't burn so easy.

[@mongomay1]

Thank You IC!

[@chotuusian4127]

Good work

[@kennethplunkett5476]

you are correct in the spring position with the clamps forward.

[@mineown1861]

One of those working on a postage stamp , or is it between a rock and a hard place , jobs . Been there so you have my sympathy but hats off to the workmanship too as ever .

[@bigmotter001]

Another informative and entertaining video from Isaac "the master". Sometimes the simple repairs are the most rewarding. Thanks for posting and take care.

[@mackbruce7545]

Great job enjoyed watching. Liked your welding Hollywood monsters cap very kool.. I have got a better idea of how things are put together from watching your show.. Thanks alot have a great day be safe.

[@25vrd48]

Easy repair . Great video .

[@ICWeld]

Sure is

[@campgas5344]

Another good one!!!!

[@gracewthomas]

Another awesome job would love to see your son do some welding too thanks alan Thomas

[@oldenbroken9078]

Although I don't do so much of the job shop repair stuff these days, you bring me back to the good times. BUT - I sure wish you'd give some credits for the music you use. I like your taste!

[@ICWeld]

Its free music that I download off of YT. Ill see if I can remember to mention the performers.

[@bigcountry9957]

I think im gonna go get me a safety vest to work around in my shop alone now too... lol... j/k... keep up the good work bud.

[@wagon9082]

Good video

[@richardellis3141]

nice repair ,,

[@glenngosline3303]

You are the best.

[@ICWeld]

too nice

[@crossrafinha]

nice job

[@gregdawson1909]

Boy if that does not make me feel glad I mounted my torsion axles with welded brackets the axle bolts to, I don't know what does!

[@ICWeld]

yup!!!

[@outdoorsclickllc663]

muy bueno el proceso como siempre buen trabajo y algo diferente para usted es bueno cambiar la rutina una que otra ocasión

[@ICWeld]

sierto. gracias

[@haroldtunich8809]

Get done with the day's work, go home the wife says as she sees your back all dirt, what did you do today, (you)nothing just lay'd around all day) love watching you work, reminds me of some of my projects.

[@wymple09]

Out with the old, in with the new.

[@fomocoloco7172]

You're name is Isaac? That's my name 😂😂. Honestly respect for the no cussing. I sound like a sailor on a Monday lol

[@e9999qwe]

Nice job. Always great to see a pro doing good work. Looks to me like that axle should be fairly easily bent back into proper shape. Gotta say I cringed when I saw you going under with just (from what it looked like) the stand in the front and these 2 skinny legs in the back. Hope there was more holding the thing up. Looking forward to more of your vids.

[@utubota5522]

I have only used torsion axles on one project, and I built the frame from scratch, so I know it will resist the point loads. These trailers are made to maximize profits, which means they minimize the size and strength of materials. I don't blame the manufacturers: just be aware what you are getting. While mass production will save some money at time of purchase, I prefer to build my own, so I can engineer in some safety margin. An elephant is a mouse built to military specifications.

[@geoffrey6000]

Interesting seeing torsion bar suspension on a trailer, I didn't know that was a thing!

[@dannywooster8166]

Cheers from Australia and I see CEE with some of your apparel 👍

[@user-ww5nf3pl8m]

It will work I do axles all the time in trailers that's my job

[@martinwilcox1945]

So dramatic IC. That is what 16” or so under the frame. You’re quite the welder Doug things others might not want to do. Good job

[@errolpoxleitner7901]

I took mine to a frame shop and the straightened it and aligned it.

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

Nice to see paint removal before welding