Cause for Uneven Tire Tread Wear on One Tire of Tandem Axle Utility Trailer

Updated 10/23/2017 | Published 10/21/2017

Question:

Hello, I have a 2012 7x12 Hallmark dual axle trailer. My left rear tire wore out on the outside half of the tire. The left front tire and both tires on the right side are good. I replaced the tire, checked the bearing for play and tire pressure. The replacement tire now wore out the same way. Any suggestions what to check next or to replace? Thanks for you help

asked by: Joe M

Helpful Expert Reply:

It sounds like your Haulmark 7 x 12-foot tandem axle enclosed utility trailer has a bent left rear spindle. This could occur from an impact with road debris or from hitting a curb with the trailer fully loaded.

If both tires on the same axle showed equal wear on their inside edges then this would tend to indicate overloading of the axle, but since it is only one of the four wheels the problem is likely to be localized to that one spindle. If the spindle were to be bent upward then the inside edge of the tire tread would wear faster.

We do offer replacement spindles that can be seen on the linked page. These can be selected by axle weight capacity, shape and dimensions. Note that special jigs are required to weld on the new spindle so that it is perfectly concentric and straight. This is typically not a DIY-type trailer maintenance project.

expert reply by: Adam R