Troubleshooting a Rhythmic Clicking Noise in One Wheel of Tandem Axle Horse Trailer

Question

Question:

I have a 2 axle horse trailer. I have recently noted a rhythmic clicking noise from only wheel. Do have any suggestions to the problem or how to troubleshoot. Thanks.

asked by: Alan

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

If you are using a brake controller unit (for electric or EOH brakes) from Tekonsha, such as their Prodigy P2, P3 or Primus, these units send out a signal about every 4 seconds. This signal is the controller trying to find the electric brakes. If the clicking comes at about 4-second intervals it could simply be this controller signal, in which case you need not worry as long as the brakes are operating properly. If not, you can start by inspecting and testing.

I would start your troubleshooting efforts by jacking up the side of the trailer with the offending wheel and inspecting the entire structure. The noise could be caused by any number of things, from a tree branch trapped within the suspension or frame to a damaged brake component that is striking part of the wheel as it rotates. If no obvious causes are found from inspecting the bad wheel, compare it to one of the others for anything that appears to be different.

Pay particular attention to the components in the brake assemblies. Look for, as an example, a broken spring (if you have drum brakes). You can also check that the brake on the noisy wheel is adjusted properly. Again, you can compare it to one of the others as a way to find the fault. Try rotating the wheel slowly by hand to find the exact point when the noise occurs; rotate the tire in both directions to try to narrow down the point in its rotation when the noise occurs and look for a cause.

If removing the wheel and inspecting the wheel itself, the hub and brakes does not reveal the issue, then I suggest you remove the grease cap and castle nut to allow you to remove and inspect the bearings and races. A damaged bearing or race could account for noise. Doing this will also allow you to confirm that the bearings have enough grease. I have linked an article that may help you through this process. I have also included a video illustrating the process. If you do find that your bearings, races or seals are in need of replacement we do offer these items and the replacements can be identified based on your original part numbers.

expert reply by: Adam R

1

Answer 1

The answer to your question will depend on if you have hub centric or lug centric wheels. What's the difference? Lug centric wheels use wheel studs embedded in the hub and lug nuts to attach the wheels. The wheel studs provide all the support…

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Answer 2

As long as the seal in the bearing kit part #BK1-150 is flush with the hub it is okay to have a small gap between the seal and inner bearing. When installing the seal you only insert it enough so that it is flush with the hub. The seal's job…

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Answer 3

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a ST175/80D13 like…

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Answer 4

If you know the trailer axle capacity that's a pretty good way to determine what spindle you have. Or if you get me the bearing numbers. You can also measure the spindle where the bearings ride and with that info I can let you know what you…

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Answer 5

It sounds like you have inner and outer bearings #L68149 and #L44649 respectively. That's a very popular combination on a #84 spindle but the seals are normally 1.719 inches inner diameter. I would verify that number. If this is correct…

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Answer 6

After you've packed the bearings and assembled everything, carefully slide the hub assembly onto the spindle and install the outer bearing. Install the spindle and tang washer and run the spindle nut down finger tight, then rotate the hub back…

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Answer 7

I'd go on the tighter side of what you mentioned where there's no play yet you can still spin the wheel several times on one push. You might put your hand on the hub to feel if it's getting overly warm next trip you take but I believe…

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Answer 8

Polyurea is in the wheel bearing grease and is compatible with marine bearing grease but not the Red grease. Red grease is compatible with marine grease but not standard. I attached a help article that has a chart with all of the grease…

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Answer 9

The difference between the single lip and double lip seals is that the double lip grease seal will have two rubber lips that are in contact with the spindle. The double lip grease seals are usually used in marine applications to give a better seal…

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Answer 10

Thank you for your recent purchase from etrailer of brake magnets and hub/drum assemblies. New components will often result in a different sound than what we are accustomed to but there are a few things you can check. If you are referring to any…

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Answer 11

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 12

Load range B trailer tires are going to have a lower capacity than C load range tires. Basically that, psi rating, and the ply rating are the only differences. A higher load range tire would last a little longer than lower load ranges of the same…

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Troubleshooting a Rhythmic Clicking Noise in One Wheel of Tandem Axle Horse Trailer

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