Airstream BAMBI 2023, Owner'S Manual

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Maintenance
8-8
2023 Bambi
Lug Nut Torquing
Trailer wheels must carry much higher loads per wheel
than passenger car or truck wheels. Each wheel may
carry 1000 pounds and higher. Furthermore, wheels on
tandem axle trailers do not steer, and are subjected to
very high side load stress whenever the trailer makes
a tight turn. When going around corners, especially on
slow, tight turns, the wheels are subject to very strong
side loads. This tends to flex the wheel and gradually
loosen the wheel nuts. Although the materials and
manufacturing methods are maximized for this kind of
service, these extra loads can cause stress, which can
result in flexing and loosening of wheel nuts.
Before each trip and any time a wheel is replaced, be
sure to tighten the wheel nuts, following one of the
lug-pattern sequences shown below. If the wheel was
replaced, check the torque every 5, 25, and 50 miles.
1
2
3
4
6
5
If you notice wheel wobbling, or hear a rattling sound
coming from a wheel, especially at low speeds, a
wheel lug nut may have come loose. This problem is
usually caused by improper tightening, or by faulty or
damaged lug bolt threads.
If suspicious of a loose lug nut, safely stop vehicle as
soon as possible. Put up warning devices and check
the tightness of all the lug nuts. Tighten all lug nuts
to the specified torque, using a torque wrench. If stud
threads are damaged or faulty, get professional service
help�
NOTE
Use a torque wrench to tighten lug nuts.
Tightening by hand or with an impact wrench is not
recommended.
NOTE
Torque Aluminum Wheels to 110 ft. lbs and Steel
Wheels to 100 ft. lbs.
Spare Tire Carrier
The spare tire for Airstreams is stored under the front
of the trailer. The front handle of the tire carrier is a
1-in. tube protruding out from under the front A-frame
on the curbside. It is secured by a bracket and bolt
along the inside of the A-frame rail. Removing the bolts
allows the front on the tire carrier to be lowered and the
spare tire to be removed.
WARNING
The spare tire carrier is designed to carry an
undamaged tire and rim assembly of the type and
size specified for the trailer. Never place a severely
damaged wheel assembly with a damaged partial
tire, or a rim only, in the carrier.
Axles and Bearings
NOTE
Never allow heat to be applied to the axle tube
because the rubber providing the spring torsion
action will be severely damaged.
Rubber Torsion Axle Alignment Specifications
Toe-In and Camber Specifications
Toe-In each side 1/16 in. Tolerance 1/8 in� + or -
Camber each side 3/4
degrees positive
Tolerance 3/4 d
or -
Wheel Bearing Maintenance
1� Jack trailer at marked jack location pad behind axle
on mainframe,
2� Remove hubcap or spindle cover, wheel and tire.
3� Remove cotter pin.
4� Remove dust cap.
5� Remove spindle nut and washer.
6� Remove bearings and hub.
7� Lay down hub with inside grease seal down. Knock
out inner bearing and grease seal using wood or
plastic dowel and hammer.
8� Clean all parts thoroughly with kerosene.
9� Check all bearings and races for chips or
roughness of any kind. Any damaged component
must be replaced.
10� Pack bearing with a good grease (No 2 grade-265
ASTM penetration or equivalent).
11� Install inner bearing.
12� Install new grease seal in hub or rotor using
wooden or rawhide mallet.
13� Install hub and drum on spindle.