How/when to check axle bolts, bushings and shackles?
Can the spring suspension hardware be checked visually, or does one need to disassemble the spring attach hardware?
Forum Discussion
Jerry B wrote:
The bolts are "wet" bolts but I don't have history on the unit regarding frequency of lubrication.
Just grease them and go. Worst case, inspect the one that seems to need the most. Yes you will need to jack it up and disassemble the joint.Jerry B wrote:
I tried a Trailer Aid and my MS squashed it. I just today made a ramp out of 2X12 treated lumber. Heavy but very strong. Thanks for the advice folks.
Interesting! They are rated for 15K. My MS weighs in at over 18K on all 4 tires, so 1/2 that weight is 10K at the most.- I tried a Trailer Aid and my MS squashed it. I just today made a ramp out of 2X12 treated lumber. Heavy but very strong. Thanks for the advice folks.
- I watched a fifthwheel go over a 6" curb when coming into our winter park. next season he was telling me on the trip home he had almost every suspension part broken on that side and the tires were trash. what a look on his face when I told him about the curb he drove over. claimed he felt nothing. Slow bumps are felt to me. curbs I do not hit.
chevman Jerry B wrote:
If I run a wheel up on a ramp to lift one wheel at a time, is there a danger in damaging the tire carrying all the weight?
NO! No different than going over a curb.
Buy a TrailerAid Plus and work on one wheel at a time. You may need a 2X under the Trailer aid to allow the other tire to clear the ground.
I have used mine several times for changing tires, lubing and changing brakes and greasing wet bolts on my 36' Mobile Suites.
I keep the truck attached and lower all the landing gear to keep it really safe.- If I run a wheel up on a ramp to lift one wheel at a time, is there a danger in damaging the tire carrying all the weight?
Jerry B wrote:
Can the spring suspension hardware be checked visually, or does one need to disassemble the spring attach hardware?
After I purchased out unit I check all of the suspension nuts - clamps that hold the axle to the spring - most were not torqued to the spec. Checked again this spring and they have not loosened.
I had the wet bolt kit installed and greased again when I service the bearings/brakes in the spring. I just completed a long trip (5100 miles on the trailer) and will grease them again.Gadget Guy wrote:
Jerry B wrote:
The bolts are "wet" bolts but I don't have history on the unit regarding frequency of lubrication.
If you have grease-able bolts you will have brass bushing and you should be good. Just jack it up enough to take the weight off and use a pry bar to see if you have any slop in the spring shackles.
Jack it up on the frame and take the weight off the suspension, and as mentioned us a bar to lift the tire in this case and watch, or have someone watch for movement in the attachment areas.
Brass bushings last the longest but need to be redone in three or four years even with wet bolts. after a few years, and greasing I had to replace a spring that broke this year and the bushing was deformed and was showing wear, but better than the nylon insert. Just a heads up.- Springs do wear out. Under load there should be a slight upward bow. I replaced, & upgraded, mine this year going from a 6 to 7 leaf spring. Figured 8 leaf would be too stiff. Also on 'to do' list, ordered new shocks to be installed next week.
My trailer is a Lippert frame, same as yours so I would not be surprised if same components are on it. 7000# axcels. Neverlube bearings. My loaded weight is lighter at about 14,000#. Estimated mileage is over 50,000.
Have a good look at everything, including tightness of U bolt nuts. I had one come right off & found the rest to be loose. This should be an annual check. One can only imagine the beating they get with all of the rough roads & potholes.
Doing this maintenance is a pain. You either have to crawl underneath or remove the wheels to get at stuff. Either way, it is better than being stranded by the side of the highway because something broke due to lack of maintenance. - If you send your e-mail to me at motorcycle_jack (at) yahoo.com I'll send you a MS suggested maintenance schedule (includes shackle time period).
