DCA-85USJ —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 - EYESIGHT HAZARD
ALWAYS wear safety glasses when removing or installing force fitted parts. Failure to comply may result in serious injury.
CAUTION - REPAIRINGTRAILERWHEELS
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.
TireWear/Inflation
Tire inflation 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 15 (Tire Wear Troubleshooting) will help pinpoint the causes and solutions of tire wear problems.
TABLE 15. TIRE WEARTROUBLESHOOTING
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| Over Inflation. | Adjust pressure to |
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| Center Wear | particular load per tire |
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| manufacturer. |
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| Adjust pressure to |
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| Edge Wear | Under Inflation. | particular load per tire |
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| manufacturer. |
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| Side Wear | Loss of camber | Make sure load does |
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| not exceed axle rating. |
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| or overloading. |
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| Align wheels. |
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| Toe Wear | Incorrect | Align wheels. |
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| Cupping | Check bearing adjustment |
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| and balance tires. |
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| Flat Spots | Wheel lockup & | Avoid sudden stops when |
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| tire skidding. | possible and adjust brakes. |
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Suspension
The leaf suspension springs and associated components (Figure 58) 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 16.
Figure 58. Major Suspension Components
Table 16. Suspension Torque Requirements
Item | Torque | |
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3/8" | ||
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7/16" | ||
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1/2" | ||
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SHACKLE BOLT | SNUG FIT ONLY. PARTS MUST ROTATE FREELY. | |
LOCKING NUTS OR COTTER PINS ARE PROVIDED | ||
SPRING EYE BOLT | ||
TO RETAIN | ||
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SHOULDER TYPE | ||
SHACKLE BOLT | ||
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PAGE 46 —