Glossary
A list of common Dexter terms and explanations.
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Arm Lengths
The length of the Torflex torsion arm as measured from the axis of the axle tube to the axis of the spindle.
The length of the Torflex torsion arm as measured from the axis of the axle tube to the axis of the spindle.
Axle Capacity
The beam capacity of the axle model selected. This value may be derated based on the hub face and spring center or outside bracket dimensions, if the recommended dimensions are exceeded. (See G.A.W.R. for other rating information.)
The beam capacity of the axle model selected. This value may be derated based on the hub face and spring center or outside bracket dimensions, if the recommended dimensions are exceeded. (See G.A.W.R. for other rating information.)
Axle Combination
The number of axles to be used in your application (single, tandem, triple).
The number of axles to be used in your application (single, tandem, triple).
Bracket Dimension
The dimension from the outside of one mounting bracket to the outside of the other mounting bracket.
The dimension from the outside of one mounting bracket to the outside of the other mounting bracket.
Brake Flange
A mounting plate, attached to either the axle or the spindle, to which the brake assembly is bolted.
A mounting plate, attached to either the axle or the spindle, to which the brake assembly is bolted.
Camber
The angular relationship of the wheel to the road surface in the vertical plane. Axles are typically built with a pre-determined bend in the tube that compensates for the expected deflection under load.
The angular relationship of the wheel to the road surface in the vertical plane. Axles are typically built with a pre-determined bend in the tube that compensates for the expected deflection under load.
Derate
When an axle is built to exceed the recommended overhang dimensions, the rated capacity will be diminished. (See G.A.W.R. for other rating information.)
When an axle is built to exceed the recommended overhang dimensions, the rated capacity will be diminished. (See G.A.W.R. for other rating information.)
Drop Height
The distance from the center of the spindle (center of the tire) to the center of the axle tube.
The distance from the center of the spindle (center of the tire) to the center of the axle tube.
Drop Spindle
A forged spindle with a cross-section that allows the axle tube to be offset from the axis of the wheel. Used for applications which require lower frame and deck heights. Some models offer a choice of drop heights.
A forged spindle with a cross-section that allows the axle tube to be offset from the axis of the wheel. Used for applications which require lower frame and deck heights. Some models offer a choice of drop heights.
Electric Brake
A mechanical braking system used in conjunction with drum brakes that actuates the stopping mechanism with electromagnets and levers. The electrical source is supplied from the tow vehicle by an electronic brake controller.
A mechanical braking system used in conjunction with drum brakes that actuates the stopping mechanism with electromagnets and levers. The electrical source is supplied from the tow vehicle by an electronic brake controller.
E-Z Lube Feature
A bearing lubrication system that consists of a grease fitting installed into the end of each spindle. A channel is provided to distribute grease to the inner bearing. A special double lip seal diverts the lubricant back toward the outboard bearing, thus lubricating both bearings without hub removal.
A bearing lubrication system that consists of a grease fitting installed into the end of each spindle. A channel is provided to distribute grease to the inner bearing. A special double lip seal diverts the lubricant back toward the outboard bearing, thus lubricating both bearings without hub removal.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The rated capacity of the vehicle running gear as defined by the lowest rated component in the system. Those components considered are the axle beam, the suspension system, the wheels or rims and the tires.
The rated capacity of the vehicle running gear as defined by the lowest rated component in the system. Those components considered are the axle beam, the suspension system, the wheels or rims and the tires.
Hub & Drum
A plain hub that has a drum attached, either integrally cast or bolted together, for use with a brake assembly.
A plain hub that has a drum attached, either integrally cast or bolted together, for use with a brake assembly.
Hub Face
The dimension from the wheel mounting surface on one hub to the wheel mounting surface of the other hub on the same axle.
The dimension from the wheel mounting surface on one hub to the wheel mounting surface of the other hub on the same axle.
Idler Hub (or Plain Hub)
The axle component that contains the bearings to which the wheel is attached. Hubs or plain hubs are used on axles without brakes.
The axle component that contains the bearings to which the wheel is attached. Hubs or plain hubs are used on axles without brakes.
Leaf Spring
A spring composed of several flat steel strips, bundled together to form a shock absorbing, load carry suspension component.
A spring composed of several flat steel strips, bundled together to form a shock absorbing, load carry suspension component.
Leaf Spring Axle
Axles which use leaf springs for the method of suspension.
Axles which use leaf springs for the method of suspension.
Nev-R-Lube
A bearing system that consists of pre-adjusted and permanently lubricated bearings in a cartridge. This system eliminates all bearing adjustment and servicing. This system cannot be utilized for axles that are subject to immersion in water.
A bearing system that consists of pre-adjusted and permanently lubricated bearings in a cartridge. This system eliminates all bearing adjustment and servicing. This system cannot be utilized for axles that are subject to immersion in water.
Overhang
The distance from the hub face or load line to the spring center (for Leaf Spring axles) or bracket edge (for Torflex axles.) That distance is used to calculate the beam strength of the axle.
The distance from the hub face or load line to the spring center (for Leaf Spring axles) or bracket edge (for Torflex axles.) That distance is used to calculate the beam strength of the axle.
Overslung
Leaf springs mounted on top of the axle.
Leaf springs mounted on top of the axle.
Profile - Bracket
The height of a Torflex mounting bracket, either high or low.
The height of a Torflex mounting bracket, either high or low.
Profile - Hub
Style of hub used allowing use of various wheel types.
Style of hub used allowing use of various wheel types.
Reverse Orientation
The longest vertical surface of the Torflex mounting bracket is closest to the hub or outboard end of the axle.
The longest vertical surface of the Torflex mounting bracket is closest to the hub or outboard end of the axle.
Rubber Capacity
The capacity of a Torflex axle as a result of the amount of rubber used in the assembly. Limits are determined by the axle model selected.
The capacity of a Torflex axle as a result of the amount of rubber used in the assembly. Limits are determined by the axle model selected.
Side Mount
A method of mounting Torflex axles when the trailer frame is built from tubular members. The mounting bolts are assembled through the side of the bracket and side mounting hangers or other suitable mounting plates.
A method of mounting Torflex axles when the trailer frame is built from tubular members. The mounting bolts are assembled through the side of the bracket and side mounting hangers or other suitable mounting plates.
Spindle
The end section of an axle to which the hubs are attached.
The end section of an axle to which the hubs are attached.
Spring Center
The dimension from the center of the leaf spring to the center of the other leaf spring on an axle.
The dimension from the center of the leaf spring to the center of the other leaf spring on an axle.
Standard Orientation
The longest vertical surface of the Torflex mounting bracket is facing toward the middle of the axle.
The longest vertical surface of the Torflex mounting bracket is facing toward the middle of the axle.
Start Angle
The angle of the torsion arm relative to the horizontal plane, stated in the unloaded condition. This angle is a factor in determining the frame height.
The angle of the torsion arm relative to the horizontal plane, stated in the unloaded condition. This angle is a factor in determining the frame height.
Tie Plate
A steel plate utilized in conjunction with u-bolts to clamp a leaf spring to an axle.
A steel plate utilized in conjunction with u-bolts to clamp a leaf spring to an axle.
Top Mount
Used with Torflex axles when the trailer frame is built from "C" channels or "I" beams. The mounting bolts are assembled through the TOP of the bracket and bottom flange of the frame rail.
Used with Torflex axles when the trailer frame is built from "C" channels or "I" beams. The mounting bolts are assembled through the TOP of the bracket and bottom flange of the frame rail.
Torflex
A torsion axle is an independent, self-contained suspension system consisting of a hollow axle tube and rubber cords surrounding an inner bar.
A torsion axle is an independent, self-contained suspension system consisting of a hollow axle tube and rubber cords surrounding an inner bar.
Track Width
The distance from the center line of one tire to the center line of the tire on the opposite side of the vehicle in single wheel applications. In the case of dual wheel, the track line is the center of each pair of wheels/tires.
The distance from the center line of one tire to the center line of the tire on the opposite side of the vehicle in single wheel applications. In the case of dual wheel, the track line is the center of each pair of wheels/tires.
U-bolt
A u-shaped double ended bolt used to attach leaf springs to an axle.
A u-shaped double ended bolt used to attach leaf springs to an axle.
Underslung
Springs that are mounted to the bottom side of the axle.
Springs that are mounted to the bottom side of the axle.