TM is shaking apart, Dexter Axle?

[Doug & Jeanne]

I have a 2004 3023 TM purchased new in 2006 sat at a dealer in northern Maine for 2 years. The top of the stove ends up on the floor along with the contents of the shelve under the oven as that door comes open. all the screws come out of the stove top on long trips. I also have a gray/black flakey substance falling onto the items on the shelf under the oven and I do not know what it is or what part of the oven it is coming from.
My question is could the dexter axle be the cause due to sitting in northern Maine for 2 years and the rubber deterated?

[ShrimpBurrito]

I don't know about the axle, but the "phenomenon" you describe is typically the result of either unbalanced tires (do your rims have lead weights attached?) or tire pressure that exceeds about 70 psi. The latter would only be the cause if you either you overinflated them, or you have tires with a high load range that requires a high pressure to support the rated load.

My guess is your tires are not balanced. Since that's a cheap and relatively easy fix, I'd try that first. If those tires are more than ~4 years old, get new ones at the same time.

Dave

And sitting for so long could have caused flat spots. Given the age of the TM and the symptoms you describe, it just might be new tire time.

[Bill]

"Flat-spotting" was a problem when nylon tires were first introduced (I know, I'm dating myself). In more modern times, although tires can still get flat spots, they round out very quickly with a little driving.

Another possibility is that the tires have developed a tread bubble or sidewall bubble. Sometimes they just do, for no apparent reason. I seem to recall that wmtire posted about these a few months ago. In theory you can identify these by running your hands over the tread and sidewall (it is always the inner sidewall!), but I have not had very good luck doing that ... It might be worthwhile to pay your mechanic a couple bucks to put the TM up on his lift, so you and he can do a visual inspection.

My money is on unbalanced wheels/tires. It has been a relatively common problem with TMs of that age. The factory seems to be dealing with it today. I think it is unlikely to be trhe axle, but asa Scott points out, it might very well be new tire time. Your opportunity to upgrade to 15 inch tires!

Bill

[wbmiller3]

Here's a sidewall bubble on a Marathon. I didn't notice anything but a friendly couple behind us saw it and pointed it out. It was softball sized!

[Doug & Jeanne]

I forgot to mention that I have replaced and balanced all 3 tires. today I noticed that the metal "L" pracket that holds the cabnet to the floor at the front under the oven has not only come loose but is broken. I have also replaced the iner and outer bearings.