Troubleshooting Trailer Whose Wheel and Rim Came off
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.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - L44649
- Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
- Bearings
- Standard Bearings
- 1.063 Inch I.D.
- Bearing L44649
- Race L44610
- 3500 lbs Axle
- etrailer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 5.2K - 7K Axles - 12" - 8 on 6.5 - Pre-Greased
- Q&A: Trailer Hub and Drum Is Stuck On Trailer and Brakes Will Not Release
- Video: Remove and Reinstall a Trailer Hub Review
- Search Results: how to measure for dust caps
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3,500-lb Axles - 10" Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left/Right Hand - 5.2K to 7K
- Shop: Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 7,000-lb Axles - 12" Diameter - 8 on 6-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Video: Dexter Axle Trailer Hubs and Drums - Hub with Integrated Drum - 8-219-4UC3 Review
- Video: Dexter Axle Trailer Hubs and Drums - Hub with Integrated Drum - 8-201-5UC3 Review
- Article: Most Popular Wheel Bearings
- Video: etrailer Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly Review and Installation AKHD-865-7-2-K
- Q&A: How to Determine What Size Wheel Bearing and Seals Will be Needed for Trailer Axle
- Shop: Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - 25580
- Search Results: 8 lug hub
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 5.2K & 6K Axles - 12" - 6 on 5-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Search Results: 25580
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: How to Tell if Trailer has a BT8 or BTR Spindle Installed
- Search Results: bearing buddy
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: How to Determine the Size of a Trailer Hub Assembly for Replacement
- Search Results: lug nut
- Video: Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System Installation
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Shop: Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3.5K Axles - 10" - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Q&A: Replacement Brakes for a 5th Wheel Trailer with 5.2K Lippert Axles
- Search Results: lug nuts
on Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
