Trailer Maintenance 101: Axle and Suspension

Date Published:  09/23/2024

Overview: What This Guide Covers

In this blog, we’ll explore the essential steps for maintaining the axle and suspension of your 18' tandem axle utility trailer, including:

1. Greasing the Axles – How to properly grease your axles and recommended products for smooth operation.

2. Inspecting the Leaf Springs – How to spot damage and ensure proper alignment of your leaf springs.

3. Checking Shackles and Bolts – Ensuring your shackles and suspension bolts are secure and in good condition.

4. Replacing Worn-Out Bushings – Signs of wear and the best products for bushing replacements.

5. Cleaning and Lubricating Suspension Components – How to clean, prevent rust, and lubricate moving parts for longer lifespan.

Why Axle and Suspension Maintenance is Important

The axle and suspension system on a utility trailer bear the brunt of the load during transportation. Over time, heavy use and exposure to the elements can cause components to wear out, leading to potential issues such as uneven tire wear, poor handling, or even suspension failure. Regular maintenance ensures that your trailer’s axles, leaf springs, and related components remain in good working order, allowing you to haul safely and efficiently.

1. Greasing the Axles

One of the most important tasks in maintaining your tandem axle trailer is greasing the axles. Proper lubrication reduces friction, prevents excessive wear, and extends the life of the bearings.

Steps to Grease the Axles:

1. Jack up the trailer and secure it with jack stands to allow access to the wheels and hubs.

2. Remove the dust cap or grease cap from the hub assembly.

3. Using a grease gun, apply high-quality axle grease such as Lucas Oil X-Tra Heavy Duty Grease or Red Line CV-2 Grease.

4. Pump grease into the grease fitting (also known as a zerk fitting) until you feel resistance and see fresh grease emerging from the bearing.

5. Reattach the dust cap and repeat the process for each wheel.

Make sure to grease your trailer’s axles at least once a year, or more often if you use the trailer frequently or for heavy loads.

2. Inspecting the Leaf Springs

The leaf springs are a critical part of your trailer’s suspension system, helping to absorb shock and maintain stability when hauling heavy loads. Over time, leaf springs can crack, rust, or lose their shape due to constant use and exposure to the elements.

Steps to Inspect the Leaf Springs:

1. Visual Inspection: Start by visually inspecting the leaf springs for signs of rust, cracks, or warping. If you notice any severe rust or cracks, the springs should be replaced immediately.

2. Check for Proper Alignment: Make sure the springs are properly aligned and seated in the spring hangers. Misalignment can cause uneven weight distribution, leading to suspension issues.

3. Listen for Noise: Squeaking or clunking noises while towing may indicate worn-out or loose leaf springs or suspension components.

4. Replace if Necessary: If your leaf springs are damaged, consider replacing them with high-quality options such as Dexter Heavy-Duty Leaf Springs or Lippert Components Leaf Spring Kits. Always make sure the replacement springs are rated for your trailer’s weight capacity.

3. Checking the Suspension Shackles and Bolts

The suspension shackles and bolts are the connection points between your trailer's frame and the leaf springs. These components are subject to wear and can loosen over time, impacting the performance of your trailer's suspension system.

Steps to Inspect the Suspension Shackles and Bolts:

1. Tightness Check: Use a torque wrench to ensure that all suspension bolts are properly tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications.

2. Look for Wear: Inspect the shackles for signs of wear or elongation of the bolt holes. If the shackles appear worn, consider replacing them with Dexter Heavy-Duty Shackle Kits, which are known for their durability and performance.

3. Check the Equalizer: On tandem axle trailers, the equalizer links the two axles together and helps distribute the load evenly between them. Ensure that the equalizer is in good condition and functioning properly, and replace it if you notice excessive wear.

4. Replacing Worn-Out Bushings

Bushings act as cushions between metal components, reducing friction and preventing metal-on-metal contact in your trailer’s suspension system. Over time, bushings can wear out or crack, causing instability in the suspension and leading to rougher rides.

Steps to Replace Bushings:

1. Identify Worn Bushings: Inspect the suspension for cracked, split, or worn bushings. Look at the connection points where the leaf springs, shackles, and equalizer link together.

2. Use a Bushing Replacement Tool: If the bushings are worn, you’ll need a bushing replacement tool to remove the old bushings and press new ones into place.

3. Replace with High-Quality Bushings: For replacements, consider using Dexter Bronze Bushings or Lippert Components Heavy-Duty Bushings, which provide durability and smooth performance.

5. Keep Suspension Components Clean and Lubricated

Dirt, debris, and rust can accumulate on the suspension components, causing premature wear. Cleaning your trailer’s suspension parts and applying lubrication to moving parts can prolong their life and ensure smooth operation.

Steps to Clean and Lubricate:

1. Clean Off Debris: Use a wire brush to clean off any debris, rust, or dirt from the leaf springs, shackles, and bolts.

2. Apply Anti-Seize Lubricant: To prevent corrosion and keep the suspension operating smoothly, apply an anti-seize lubricant such as Permatex Anti-Seize Lubricant to the shackles, bolts, and other moving parts.

3. Inspect for Rust: Keep an eye out for rust or corrosion, especially if you regularly haul in wet or salty conditions. Apply a rust-prevention spray like WD-40 Specialist Long-Term Corrosion Inhibitor to protect the suspension system from rusting.

Conclusion

Maintaining the axle and suspension system of your 18' tandem axle utility trailer is essential for safe, efficient towing and extending the life of your trailer. By regularly greasing the axles, inspecting and replacing worn suspension components, and keeping everything clean and lubricated, you can ensure your trailer remains in top condition for all your hauling needs.

At HIC Rentals, we prioritize safety and performance for all our trailers. If you have any questions about maintaining your utility trailer or need assistance with trailer repairs, email us sales@hicrentals.com.

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