Troubleshooting Trailer Tires Rubbing After Accident

Updated 09/23/2026 | Published 09/21/2026

Question:

Hello. I have a 2011 bison trailhand 3 horse living quarters and the tires on left hand side are both rubbing. It was never like that until my daughter drove the trailer into a cattle guard and it bent the bolts tip on the U bolts. Would that be the cause of the rubbing? And what do they call this center piece? Attach photo

asked by: Kyle Y

Expert Reply:

Hey Kyle!

Yes, hitting the cattle guard could definitely be related to the tires rubbing, especially since the problem started right after that happened. If the U-bolts were hit hard enough to bend the threaded ends, I’d be concerned that the axle may have shifted on the leaf spring, or that the axle, spindle, or another suspension component was bent in the impact.

Before replacing anything, I’d recommend having the axle position and suspension inspected to see exactly what moved or was damaged. I wouldn’t assume the U-bolts themselves are causing the rubbing, but damage in that area could definitely allow the axle to sit out of alignment.

The center suspension piece in your photo is called the equalizer. It connects the front and rear leaf springs and allows the suspension to move between the two axles.

If you find that the spindle or axle does need to be replaced, send me the axle capacity and the bearing numbers from one of the hubs and I can help you look for the correct replacement.

Are the tires rubbing against the trailer itself, or are the two tires rubbing against each other?

expert reply by: Jerry B