Fleetwood colchester caravan axle

[TrevBanbury]

Hi. I have a Fleetwood colchester Caravan 2006 2 berth. When I was checking the tyres etc I noticed the rubber was exposed and split on the axle beam. (as photo) is this anything to worry about as the wheel is secure, drives straight & is the same height as the other side.

 

[otherclive]

What does the other side look like.

 

[TrevBanbury]

What does the other side look like.

Not split & just square.

 

[ProfJohnL]

I'm 90% certain the axle manufacturer would not leave a flap of rubber exposed like that without good reason, so the fact it has split, is probably indicative that its aged/worn and might begin to compromise the function of the suspension, or the "tracking "of the stub axle it supports.

I suggest you do have it checked by an expert.

 

[Jcloughie]

In my opinion, and I could well be wrong. Is that the material you are seeing is simply surplus. The rubber that does the work is inside the axle.

But don’t take my word for it.



John

 

[otherclive]

It’s an elderly caravan and if both sides look similar, albeit one has a crack, I wonder if the square section in the picture is for controlling sideways movement. When my OS axle rubber suspension failed it was only on one side where it extruded, Wheras the OP sides are similar except on square section has cracked. Not surprising as it’s nearly 20 years old. Also neither side has dropped its suspension height, Wheras mine dropped noticeably on the OS.

I would recommend having it looked at by an Approved Workshop Scheme dealership or mobile AWS technician.

 

[GaryB]

Also worth measuring the height of the chassis/body from the ground on both sides to see if it’s less on the side with the split rubber as this would point to the axle failing on that side.