1. Prepare for Safety:
- Check the overall structural stability of the mobile home before starting.
- Use safety gear, including safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toed shoes.
2. Materials and Tools:
- Collect necessary tools, including a jack, jack stands, power drill, socket set, impact wrench, pry bar, etc.
3. Remove Wheels:
- Loosen the lug nuts of the wheels slightly (Do not remove them completely yet).
- Use a jack and jack stands to raise the mobile home until the wheels are off the ground.
- Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheels.
4. Disconnect Brakes and U-bolts:
- If your mobile home has drum brakes, disconnect the brake lines, being cautious of any fluid spilling.
- Identify the U-bolts that hold the axle to the frame of the mobile home.
5. Loosen U-bolts:
- Use a power drill and socket to loosen the U-bolt nuts, but do not remove them entirely.
6. Remove Shackles:
- On each end of the axle, locate and remove the shackles connecting the leaf springs to the frame of the mobile home.
7. Support the Axle:
- Use a jack to support the center of the axle, just beneath the leaf springs.
8. Remove the U-bolts:
- Now that the axle is supported, completely remove the U-bolt nuts and take off the U-bolts.
9. Detach Leaf Springs:
- Carefully detach the leaf springs from the axle.
10. Lower and Stabilize:
- Slowly lower the axle using the jack until it is near the ground. Ensure that the mobile home is stable.
11. Pull the Axle Out:
- Gently pull the axle out from underneath the mobile home. It should come out easily once the U-bolts and shackles are removed.
12. Reassemble for Inspection:
- Test-fit the new axle before securing it. Check for proper height and alignment.
13. Reattach Components:
- Following the reverse steps, reattach the leaf springs, shackles, and U-bolts. Tighten the U-bolt nuts securely.
14. Connect Brakes:
- If you disconnected the brake lines, reattach them and bleed the brake system.
15. Replace Wheels:
- Place the wheels back on the axle, tighten the lug nuts, and lower the mobile home to the ground.
Remember, removing the axles from a mobile home is a task that requires careful attention to detail and proper safety precautions. It is highly recommended to consult with a professional to ensure the safety and integrity of your mobile home.
