Odd cause for small squeak

[RVhiker]

Many trailers make lots of squeaks when moving and my trailer is no exception. But it has had one small squeak that could be heard when the trailer is parked. The squeak would occur when anyone was moving around in the trailer. Today I found the cause.

I isolated the squeak to one wheel (Dexter axle, 12 x 2 brakes). I removed the drum and when I pulled off the drum it stuck about half way off. I pulled harder and it came off.

I found a problem with a seal; the small spring in the lip of the seal had popped out and the spring caught on the end of the axle as I was pulling off the wheel. I replaced the seal, and now no more squeaking when the wheel moves a bit. I guess the out of place spring would occasionally scrape on the axle when the wheel rotated.

What makes a spring pop out of a wheel seal?

[jrnymn7]

I just always assume it's my knees that are squeaking! 🙂

[We_Cant_Wait]

X2 on it being a shackle, or spring seat. When you jacked the unit and took the pressure off the suspension, you changed the geometry enough for the squeak to go away, but in time it's liable to return. If it does, get a wet bolt kit to replace all spring mounting bolts and keep them lubed up.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

I would believe a spring might make a scraping noise and as tiny as that spring is, for it to bellow is unlikely. You moved things around as you did that work. Try lubing the leaf springs with graphite. I've fought lots of squeaks originating between the main and 2nd leaf.

[azrving]

I dont think that thin little spring was causing the noise. It's easy for it to pop out of the seal as you drag the drum off the axle. Its more likely to be in the shackle, dog bone, spring bolt area. If you start hearing the noise again oil all those pivot points. If you get it isolated to those parts you could install a wet bolt kit.

[naturist]

Careless assembly???