Squeaky Trailer Springs

[Blu-meanie]

After towing in the rain last week, I noticed the trailer springs were really loud. Maybe they have been that way for a while, but I couldn't tell from all the Cummins noise

This TT doesn't have more that 2000 miles on it. Any fixes?

 

[Royal]

The problem is probably in the spring shackels and equalizer bracket if you have twin axels that are not lubricated. I up graded my trailer with a Dexter axel kit that has grease gun fitings. It cost me about $100,but they should now last a lifetime.

 

[CPG]

I surely go with Royal on the Dexter spring shackle kit. Most of the original shackle installations have nylon bushings and no grease fittings. They wear out fast. The equilizer beam is especially prone for wear that causes misalignment of axles, resulting sometimes in poor tire wear. I had this problem on my Alpenlite trailer. This is the most negleted part of a trailer if it is a two axle trailer. The Dexter shackle kit was well worth the installation & cured my tire wear also. Periodically lubeing of parts keeps the water out which causes wear on the regular installation.



Chuck Goode

 

[CPG]

Blu-meanie, just noted that you said the trailer has only about 2000 miles. Just for a thought, check your lug nut torque.

If you have hub caps held on by the wheels, this could be loose enough to cause this. Its worth a check anyway. With that low mileage, you should not have much wear. Hope this helps.



Chuck

 

[Prairie Dog]

For some reason leaf springs sometimes squeak when new. I suggest just giving it a few thousand more miles and see if it still does it. But I agree with CPG, it's a good idea to check the lugs, especially on new wheels.

 

[Blu-meanie]

I re-torque the wheels regularly. I had the wife jump up and down on the steps while I sprayed WD 40 on the springs and shackles. It stopped! It was only on one side, but I think I'll replace the shackles with something that can be greased..... like everything used to be.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[Vic]

Regarding grease fittings on spring shackles, I installed the greasable types after towing something over 50,000 miles and was lucky. Found my shackles were about to go. Holes were badly elongated.



After about 80,000 miles of towing had one spring hanger completely crack at the base of the bend. Fortunately it was on the back, not front so axle would tend not to shift during braking. Don't know how long it was dangling before discovered. Was coming from California to Michigan, and discovered the broken hanger at home.



This was with a Terry fifth wheel.