Five Signs Your Trailer Needs a Repair
Axles can be essential on a trailer, but like any other parts, axles often need to be replaced. Here are five signs that you may want to talk with a trailer repair professional about your axles.
1. Clicking Sounds
When the joints in the axle become too loose, the components may knock against each other, and you may hear a clicking noise, especially when turning. To listen out for the noise, turn off your radio, open the window and listen for clicks as you turn. This clicking may also translate to a shaking or slight vibration while hauling your trailer.
2. Grease around the Axle of Underside of the Trailer
If your axles shafts are self greasing, they typically have a small chamber to hold the grease. This is sometimes called the boot, and if it's leaking, you may notice grease around the axle. Depending on the location of the axle, the grease may spread to the underside of the trailer or even appear on the tires of the trailer.
3. Difficulty Maneuvering
The axles in your trailer are critical to its functioning. When you drive, the movements from your engine are translated to your axles, and then, they move accordingly. If the axle isn't working, your trailer will be hard to maneuver. This is especially true of multi-axle trailers such as self-steering trailers. In particular, you may notice issues while turning.
4. Visible Cracks or Other Damage
If you suspect issues with your axle but you aren't sure, you should visually inspect them. If you see cracks or other visual signs of damage such as bent spindles or excessive corrosion, that is typically a sign that you need to replace your axles.
You don't need to check your axles every time you use the trailer, but you should set a schedule of checking your axles on a regular basis — for example, you may want to check them every time you change the oil in your truck. In addition, you should check the axles anytime the trailer is in an accident or goes over a large bump.
5. Bumpy Ride
In some cases, trailer axles are part of the suspension system on your trailer. As a result, when the suspension stops working, you will likely need to replace the axles. When the trailer offers a bumpy ride, that's when you need to think about making this replacement. Unfortunately, as you don't rise in the trailer, it's hard to tell when the suspension isn't working. Try having someone else haul your trailer and watch how it responds to the bumps in the road. This can help you gauge the suspension.