Most trailers ride on either a spring axle or a torsion axle. Both carry the load and both do the job well, but they work differently, wear differently and are repaired differently. Knowing which one you have makes ordering a replacement much easier.
Spring axles
A spring axle is a straight or drop tube that sits on a pair of leaf springs. The springs bolt to hangers on the frame and flex to soak up bumps.
Pros: lower cost, simple design, parts are easy to find, and the springs can be replaced on their own.
Cons: more parts that wear, like bushings, shackles and bolts, a firmer ride, and springs that rust, especially on boat trailers.
Torsion axles
A torsion axle has no leaf springs. Inside the square axle tube, rubber cords are packed around an inner bar. Each wheel sits on an arm, and when the wheel hits a bump the bar twists against the rubber.
Pros: each wheel moves on its own, the ride is smoother and quieter, and there are very few parts to maintain.
Cons: a higher up-front cost, ride height set by the arm angle, and when the rubber wears out you replace the whole axle.
Side by side
Spring axle | Torsion axle | |
|---|---|---|
Ride | Firmer | Smoother, independent |
Maintenance | Bushings, shackles, bolts | Very little |
Repair | Replace springs separately | Usually replace the axle |
Ride height | Set by springs and axle position | Set by the arm angle |
Up-front cost | Lower | Higher |
How to tell which one you have
Look under the trailer. If you see curved leaf springs between the axle and the frame, it’s a spring axle. If you see a square tube bolted straight to the frame with a short arm at each end angled down to the wheel, it’s a torsion axle.
Signs of wear
Spring axles
Sagging or flat springs, broken leaves, worn eye bushings and loose shackles. See our guide on finding the right leaf springs.
Torsion axles
The trailer sits lower than it used to, the arms point further down than before, tires rub the fenders, or the tires wear unevenly. These usually mean the rubber inside has worn out.
Can you switch from one to the other?
Yes. Some owners switch to torsion for a smoother ride, and some go back to springs for easier repairs. It takes new mounting brackets or hangers and careful measuring to keep the right ride height, so talk to us first.
What to match when you replace an axle
Axle type and capacity
Hub face to hub face width
Spring centers, or bracket centers on a torsion axle
The arm start angle on a torsion axle
Lug pattern and bolt circle
Brake type and size
Our guide on how to measure a trailer axle walks through each measurement.
Need a hand?
We stock spring and torsion axles and can help you match the right one, or replace it for you in our shop. Request an axle repair or call 772-924-7299.
General advice only. Check your trailer’s labels and manuals, or ask us before ordering or repairing.
