Alko Axle Problems

Very sorry to hear this Lancastrian, I have had the same problem with my caravan and had the problem corrected by the manufacturer at no cost, I will know in a few weeks if the resolution is satisfactory.

Some Bailey vans show the collapse of the alko axle early as they have been designed with minimal clearance between the tyre and the wheelarch liner. When the axle gives up the tyre comes into contact. Other makes have more clearance but may still suffer collapsed axles, owners may not even know they have a problem. The van will have virtually no suspension so shock stress to the body and internal fittings will be excessive.

Just a few questions:-

Is your van a Unicorn 3? What year? How did you find out about the axle problem on your van? I guess you have had the alko inspection, what did they discover?

If you would rather contact me directly please post an email address

I reported my failed axle to the dvsa as i was being accused just as you are. The conclusions of the report where as follows with my response to their findings in blue. Their report was worthless and would not stand up in a court of law, hence a call from Baileys and a full refund for the new axle i had fitted. (which i paid for myself and stated i was doing so under protest whicj is very important if you wisj to claim costs back)

Mine was the other report sent to the DVSA and the conclusion was that the caravan had benn overloaded.

How they came that conclusion I do not know but as I could not prove otherwise I had to pay for the axle to be replaced.

I am pleased that ANDY MILLER has been refunded the cost of the axle and would encourage all others to contact the DVSA with their concerns.

I am still concerned that this a safety issue with the worry of tyre damage and a possible blowout or fire as a serious risk

Check the clearance and tyre temperature at every stop.

ANDY MILLER, very interesting report. Having looked at my own axle I cannot see that there is a bumpstop at all. The design of the axle appears to me to allow complete rotation should the rubbers fail. which could be disastrous if on the road.

this guy had sectioned an axle which shows that the inner could rotate if the rubber sheared

https://youtu.be/yw2DMFMCBM0?t=38

The most variable component in the design is probably the rubber, the processing and resultant rheology  is probably the biggest factor in premature failure of this type of axle.

Totally agree with your comments! Alko specification manual states clearances should accommodate full failure being the axle swinging arm at 12 Oclock position also taking wheel and tyre sizes into account, at no point should the wheel come into contact with anything in the event of a catastrophic failure or otherwise in my opinion. Georgevan did you request a copy of the report and challenge it as i have? If not you could do so, if you paid for the axle under protest? as you have upto 4 years to claim through the courts. On a side note, i don't know of anybody who has actually gone to court and is probably due to Baileys paying out in the end to prevent a president being set if they lost the case

Hi, Two questions - I have seen previously a photo of how the swing arm of the axle should sit in a normal/usual position but cannot find it - can anyone help please? Also has anyone had any issues with a Pegasus Ancona IV 2016 axle? thank you,

Hi

I purchased  my vigo in July 2017 should I be concerned about the axle problem or has that been resolved on the later model ?

I think what you have to say to ALKO is, you prove that it has been overloaded. Try a small claims summons and see what happens. It costs very little and costs them a fortune to defend so most firms take the cheaper option and settle. You can get free legal advice on the clubs helpline.

Re: Al-Ko? Bailey Axles

Nothing changes does it?

I have a 3 year old Bailey Pursuit 560-5 which has just had its annual service. Its exactly one month past its warranty expiry date and have been told by my Bailey recommended service engineer that the axle has collapsed due to worn/faulty suspension rubbers.

Contacting Bailey has resulted in them just forwarding my correspondence onto Al-Ko to deal with. Subsequent correspondence to them has not even warranted a reply. As for Al-Ko not even heard from them yet.

I am reluctant to refurbish the existing axle or to fit a new "like for like" axle only for the same problem to crop up again in the future. Has anybody come up with a permanent solution to the problem or do I just get the repair carried out and then get rid of the van?

My 560-5 axle failed on the near side where the whole kitchen, gas bottle and battery are. Had a new like for like axle fitted, but added the red Alko shock absorbers as they're not standard on the Pursuits. To date 15 months later all ok with 40mm clearance still. As from THE DVSA report i posted in the thread, Alko admit rubber overtime will fail, but I've  never had replies to what are the likely timescales of failure for this kind of axle. Fraser Brown engineering offer a refurbishment service approx 1 week turn around which may be an option for you.