...
Home
Help Videos and Articles
Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps Help Hub
Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps Q&As
Question 115650

Troubleshooting Trailer Whose Wheel and Rim Came off

Published 04/24/2015

Question:

I have replaced the axel on my trailer and put new bearings in. I have used the trailer three times and drove about 1500 miles. On the right side the wheel and rim came off with the rim lug holes wearing off the hub studs. I replaced the hub and bearings and drove 150 mi and now need to replace the right side bearings. What can I check on the axel and wheels. Thanks for your help

asked by: Peter L

Expert Reply:

Sounds like you need to align your trailer.

To determine if the trailer is square you can pull the trailer in a straight line behind your tow vehicle on a flat, level surface for a short distance. Park and then measure the distance from the center of the rear wheels on the truck to the center of the wheels on the trailer. If the measurements are different then you know something is not square. In this case, it would be the axle.

To line up the axle correctly, you will need to loosen the suspension (could include the hardware at the springs/hangers or u-bolts around the axle) on one side and adjust the axle until the measurements are the same.

To determine if the frame is bent, make sure the trailer is level and on level ground. Measure from the ground to the top of one side of the frame and then do the other side in the exact same spot. Unless the frame is bent these measurements should be the same.

Since the wheels are coming off the trailer it makes me think it is more likely the axle is misaligned. You will also need to make sure that you inflate the trailer tires to the maximum psi rating indicated on them. Make sure that when loading the trailer the load is distributed evenly and that the trailer is not overloaded.

expert reply by: Chris O