![](/images/new-backgrounds/1098536/9853685x1.webp)
TRAILER MAINTENANCE
TIRES/WHEELS/LUG NUTS
Tires and wheels are a very important and critical components of the trailer. When specifying or replacing the trailer wheels it is important the wheels, tires, and axle are properly matched.
CAUTION
ALWAYS wear safety glasses when removing or installing force fi tted parts. Failure to comply may result in serious injury.
CAUTION
DO NOT attempt to repair or modify a wheel. DO NOT install in inner tube to correct a leak through the rim. If the rim is cracked, the air pressure in the inner
tube may cause pieces of the rim to explode (break off) with great force and cause serious eye or bodily injury.
Tire Wear/Infl ation
Tire infl ation pressure is the most important factor in tire life. Pressure should be checked cold before operation DO NOT bleed air from tires when they are hot!. Check inflation pressure weekly during use to insure the maximum tire life and tread wear.
Table 16 (Tire Wear Troubleshooting) will help pinpoint the causes and solutions of tire wear problems.
Table 16. Tire Wear Troubleshooting
|
| Wear Pattern | Cause | Solution | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Center Wear | Over infl ation. | Adjust pressure to particular |
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| load per tire manufacturer. | ||
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Edge Wear | Under infl ation. | Adjust pressure to particular |
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| load per tire manufacturer. | ||
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Loss of camber | Make sure load does not |
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| Side Wear | exceed axle rating. | |
|
|
|
| or overloading. | ||
|
|
|
|
| Align wheels. | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Toe Wear | Incorrect | Align wheels. |
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Cupping | Check bearing adjustment | |
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| and balance tires. | ||
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Flat Spots | Wheel lockup and | Avoid sudden stops when |
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| tire skidding. | possible and adjust brakes. | |
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Suspension
The leaf suspension springs and associated components (Figure 62) should be visually inspected every 6,000 miles for signs of excessive wear, elongation of bolt holes, and loosening of fasteners. Replace all damaged parts (suspension) immediately.Torqued suspension components as detailed in Table 17.
Figure 62. Major Suspension Components
Table 17. Suspension Torque Requirements
Item | Torque | ||
|
|
| |
3/8" | |||
|
|
| |
7/16" | |||
|
|
| |
1/2" | |||
|
| ||
Shackle Bolt | Snug fi t only. Parts must rotate freely. | ||
Locking nuts or cotter pins are | |||
Spring Eye Bolt | |||
provided to retain | |||
| |||
|
|
| |
Shoulder Type | |||
Shackle Bolt | |||
|
| ||
|
|
|
DCA125USI 60 HZ GEN. • OPERATION AND PARTS MANUAL — REV. #1 (03/25/11) — PAGE 43