Check those trailer running gear suspension bolts!

[Gary - K7GLD]

Since I had replaced my own 5er axles a year or so ago, and there have been a couple of related suspension failures covered in this forum recently, I rechecked my axle to spring U-bolts to make sure they were secure - they were, but still took an extra half turn on the bolts to be sure. But what DID surprise me, was a few loose axle flange to wheel backing plate bolts that WERE loose. Easily took a half turn on all those, and a couple were a full turn loose.



Pays to crawl under there and check stuff out occasionally...

 

[JRhinehart]

Yep, I hauled an 81 Imperial 2 hours south a couple weeks back on my flat trailer and went north about 5 miles to pick up a Warlock. When I stopped there I noticed one of the rear tires rubbing on the side of the trailer! The shackles on that side had completely worn through the bolts! The shackles on the other side were just about to wear through and probably would have hauling that truck back home, which would have caused the rear axle to leave the trailer! I had to leave it there and the guy who owned the shop put all new shackles front and back on it.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Yep, I hauled an 81 Imperial 2 hours south a couple weeks back on my flat trailer and went north about 5 miles to pick up a Warlock. When I stopped there I noticed one of the rear tires rubbing on the side of the trailer! The shackles on that side had completely worn through the bolts! The shackles on the other side were just about to wear through and probably would have hauling that truck back home, which would have caused the rear axle to leave the trailer! I had to leave it there and the guy who owned the shop put all new shackles front and back on it.

Almost had that happen to me once - one shackle was worn completely thru and barely holding. The greasable ones are best, otherwise, a good idea to apply oil to all pivot points a few times a year - just did ours a couple of weeks ago...