Slightly bent axle normal?

Is it normal to have a slight bend in the middle of the axle? Looked at a usedTM and it had the bend. A friend said he has seen a slight bend on none TM trailer axles. Robert

[Mr. Adventure]

Originally Posted by robertkennel

Is it normal to have a slight bend in the middle of the axle? Looked at a usedTM and it had the bend. A friend said he has seen a slight bend on none TM trailer axles. Robert

If it's asymmetrical it's an important issue, but if it's a smooth deflection between the frame members, it might be completely normal. My TM is in the storage yard, and I can't check to see exactly how it looks right now.

I found this on the Dexter Axle web site for you:

"AXLES - Why are some axles bent in the middle?
The upward bend in the axle is called "camber". Camber is the angular relationship of the wheel to the road suface in the vertical plane. Axles are typically built with a pre-determined bend in the tube that compensates for the expected deflection under load."

http://www.dexteraxle.com/faq_s

It is an upward bend so it could be normal. He wants too much for it anyway. At least I will know for the future. Thanks robert