What Would Cause the Cam Arm on a Dual Cam Sway Control to Break

Question:

WHAT WOULD CAUSE A CAM ARM TO BREAK IN HALF? IT HAS ALWAYS MADE ALOT OF NOISE WHILE TURNING BUT THIS TIME IT BROKE...IS IT NORMAL TO BIND UP AND MAKE POPING NOISES

asked by: CRAIG L

Expert Reply:

Having a weight distribution system make some noise is normal, there is some metal to metal friction at work. I believe in your case, there is too much force being placed on the chains and dual cam system.

The problem you describe can happen when the chains spring bars are adjusted too tightly. The weight distribution system should be adjusted so that you are using no less than 5 chain links between the spring bar and the hanger bracket bolted to the trailer frame. Additionally, the spring bars should ideally be angled downward toward the rear of the trailer or at least parallel to the trailer frame, not pointed upward.

If you are using less than 5 chain links, you will need to tilt the head unit forward away from the trailer to reduce some of the force on the chains. If this places your trailer out of level, you might need to raise the head unit up one setting on the shank.

expert reply by: Mike L