What is the first thing you check on your trailer before peeling off the driveway? For most drivers, this only includes a handful of items like tire pressure, lights, and a quick brake check. While these things are important to ensure your safety on the road, there’s one crucial part you might be neglecting—one that could mean the difference between reaching your destination safely and ending up in a ditch.
The trailer axle is one of the most vital parts of the vehicle. It is what holds the weight of the trailer, keeps it balanced, and helps you steer and brake effectively. A full trailer has front and rear axles. If any of them break, things can get costly and dangerous really fast. That’s why it is always advisable to regularly check for damages and do repairs when necessary.
Why Is It So Important to Maintain Your Axles?
Axles are the backbone of your trailer’s suspension system. They keep the vehicle stable, allowing you to control it more effectively. Axles also support the weight of your trailer and cargo and transmit power from the engine to the wheels.
Trailer axles come in three types:
- Front axles: Front axles are located at the front of the vehicle. They handle the weight of the vehicle and absorb shock, making it easier to steer and brake the vehicle.
- Rear axles: Rear axles are located at the back of the vehicle. They are responsible for transmitting power from the engine to the wheels through the driveshaft.
- Trailer axles: Trailer axles are located beneath the trailer bed. They bear the weight of the cargo and ensure the load is distributed evenly.
Like other parts of your transmission, well-maintained axles usually translate to better performance and safety. However, if they are not maintained, you may have issues controlling the vehicle, increasing the chances of getting into an accident. Damaged axles can also increase stress on other parts of the vehicle, leading to increased wear and tear on your trailer’s suspension system, tires, and drivetrain.
Signs Your Axle Needs Repair
In most cases, axles don’t fail suddenly. A few indications show that there may be some damage. Some of the most notable signs your axle needs repair include:
Improper Wheel Alignment
Improperly aligned tires can indicate a myriad of issues, including poor installation, impact damage, and worn-out suspension components. Considering the fact that the axle is connected either directly or indirectly to these components, it could also mean your axle is damaged.
One of the easiest ways to tell if your axle is damaged is your trailer going off-center when you hit a pothole or other object on the road. You may also start to feel it swerve to one side as you drive.
If you experience any of these signs, you should pull up immediately to the side of the road to avoid causing more damage and endangering yourself in the process. This is also a good time to call an experienced mechanic to diagnose the problem.
Rumbling Noises
Hearing rumbling noises coming from under the vehicle is never a good sign, especially if it happens when you hit a curb or pothole. In most cases, it might be because your trailer axle is bent or broken. Besides rumbling noises, you may also hear bumping, grinding, or clinking noises.
Sluggish Steering or Wobbly Tires
Unless your tires aren’t installed correctly, they shouldn’t wobble as you drive. The same notion applies to steering. Once you’ve ruled out common causes of sluggish steering, like low power steering fluid and steering column problems, the most probable culprit is axle damage.
How to Replace Your Trailer Axle
Replacing a trailer axle isn’t as straightforward as picking a new one from your favorite auto parts store and installing it in your vehicle. There are a few technicalities to deal with first.
For instance, before placing an order for a new axle, find out the exact specifications that suit your trailer. Here, you need to consider everything from load capacity and spring centers to track length and weight rating.
Once you’ve got that figured out, you can move on to the fun part: replacing the trailer axle.
Raise the Trailer
It goes without saying that, to replace a trailer axle, you first have to remove the old one. To do that, you need to raise the trailer and remove the rear tires.
Disconnect the Brake Lines
Not all trailers come with brakes. But, if yours does, you need to gently detach the brake lines using a line wrench. Conversely, if your trailer comes equipped with shocks, you only have to lower the shock mount and keep it in one place.
Once you’re done with the brakes/shocks, you can go ahead and disconnect the wheel bearing hub assembly. Next, use a socket set and ½-inch ratchet to remove the leaf spring U-bolts from the damaged axle.
Place the Axle in the Right Position
At this point, the damaged axle is still in place, so your next move should be to remove it completely. To do this, set your jack stands underneath the axle and lift it. This should allow you to pull the damaged axle gently from the trailer unit.
Now comes the easy part: placing the new axle. Your new axle should be identical to the damaged one, so all you have to do is put everything back to where it was. While you’re at it, ensure the leaf springs line up with the spring seats and the axle is firmly held in place.
Once your replacement is properly secured, you can reconnect the brake lines. Then, insert the U-bolts, and install the wheel hubs and brake assembly.
Inspect Your Axle Before Hitting the Road
Trailer axles are among the most overlooked components of the vehicle. However, they are also the leading cause of suspension, steering, and braking-related issues. To ensure your safety on the road, it is important to do a visual inspection of the axle and wheels before hauling a heavy load. If you experience any of the signs listed above, pull over immediately and call your mechanic.
The post Trailer Axle Repair: How to Spot Damages and Fix Them appeared first on Container News.
Trailer Axle Repair: How to Spot Damages and Fix Them
