53 foot trailer alignment

2021/05/21

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Construction zones will really challenge your driving skills, maybe even upset a few people trying to pass you. On all suspensions, there's a description tag that will tell you the ride height of that suspension. Trailer damage is the biggest one the sub-frame., He said truck ride height is the same as for trailers, except that entering from the bottom of the frame rail of the tractor and center line of the axle housing, right where the well is on the axle housing, is where you're measuring it to. All Rights Reserved. August 22, 2017 Once you have the required tools, its time to measure the trailer alignment. However, the front end only does a small part of the job. Proper maintenance of suspension components is critical to establishing and maintaining alignment to maximize tire life. Looking for the best shop to perform truck alignments? Thrust angle problems occur if both axles are parallel but not perpendicular to the centerline of the vehicle. While all trailers come pre-aligned from the factory, over time the alignment can slip out of spec. Lets look at a few other signs that an alignment is in order. The only way to be absolutely sure about your trailer alignment is to have it checked. For the past 18 years Girard Equipment Company has been providing their customers with exacting Protrak QCT Lasar Alignment. Mon-Fri: 7am-6pm pallets

But even though improvements have been made, the lingering perception is that if a tire goes down there might be rim damage or there may not be a replacement readily available. When taking measurements, the suspension should be at ride height, slider suspensions should be slid to the most rear position, pull pins should be engaged, and the trailer pulled into the service bay in a relaxed suspension running position. If the measurement between C and D is greater than 1/16", the rear axle must be adjusted. Semi Service specializes in all types of trailer repairs, maintenance and sales. footer barrie according The easiest way to measure is from that suspension-mounting surface to the top of the axle. When your truck feels like its pulling to the side, its a sure sign that its time to get that alignment checked.

There are no specifications in the field for checking that. If it's time to get your tires aligned, you've come to the right place. Use a trammel bar to measure these values. Recently I had the opportunity to be educated about trailer alignment by John Carlson, Service Manager at Girard Equipment Company and Trailer Technician Steve Wayland. Adjustments were then made until both sides were equal. If an axle has excessive toe, it is impossible to align the axle so that acceptable tire wear is obtained. Copying or reusing articles is strictly prohibited. In extreme cases sometimes the axle or frame is bent, although about 90% of the time it is simply the trailer alignment. It depends on where you're running. We respect your data and privacy. It also has forms for doing tire checks and suspension tire wear recordkeeping., (To receive a manual, call 1-866-821-3468 or go to http://atabusinesssolutions.com.). Depending on the wheel-end extender length and the width of the axle track, the front axle target length (A & B measurement) is either +/- 3/16-inch or +/- 7/32-inch. The only adjustment is the thrust angle, which is the direction the axles are headed compared to the frame of the unit. Improper mounting can cause an out-of-round condition resulting in excessive radial run-out. Trailer axle alignment is a function of three parameters: axle orientation, which is adjustable; axle camber, which is non-adjustable; and axle toe, which is non-adjustable. If they do, you have to do each side separately. When it comes to their maintenance budget, trailer alignment and trailer tires are typically last on a fleets priority list. A trailer axle out of alignment as little as of an inch can cause the trailer to track to the side and make it nearly impossible to keep both tractor and trailer centered within your lane. We used to have bias for road crown.. Problems caused by misalignment include excessive tire wear, increased fuel consumption, unsafe vehicle handling, driver fatigue, and premature wear on suspension components. If left unchecked for too long, it could even lead to the need for a full suspension replacement. Bookmark +, Trailer alignment is more important than ever when you run wide-base tires. Keep the trailer parking brakes disengaged. Serving Car & Truck Fleet Management Professionals, Serving EV Intenders & Professionals In Commercial & Public Fleets, Serving Corporate, Executive, & Financial Managers Of Large Commercial Fleets, Serving Leaders In Fleet Mobility & Emerging Technology, Serving Public Sector Fleet Professionals, Serving Medium & Heavy Duty Commercial Truck Professionals, Serving Transit Bus, Private Motorcoach, & Passenger Rail Professionals, Serving School & Pupil Transportation Fleet Professionals, Serving Vocational & Service Fleet Professionals. You might be surprised at how under inflated some trailer tires can be, and thumping will only find the ones that are severely under inflated. That's because you're using enough pressure to compress the spring inside the ball joint. It's manufactured at positive degree. The Technology Maintenance Council (TMC) publishes the bible of the industry when it comes to tire conditions: Radial Tire Conditions Analysis Guide (volume 4). If the angle is not within specifications, premature tire wear will occur. Putting undue stress on the suspension can lead to more costly repairs and compromise the safety of your semi-trailer. Did you hear about the study that finds you no longer have to change oil in your engines? If the measurement between C and D is less than 1/16", the rear axle does not require adjustment. Maximum tapered roller bearing life is achieved at 0.001" preload. If it's a regular trailer flatbed, it's going to be the bottom frame frail. The only way to adjust toe on a trailer is to bend the axle, which is not recommended by trailer axle manufacturers. On a multiple-axle vehicle, the front axle is positioned relative to the vehicle, then the remaining axles are positioned so they are parallel to this axle. You can achieve axle alignment that appears correct, but dont be fooled by only this measurement; tires can still wear. We can even align passenger cars and 53-foot dry van trailers. Listen to the latest episode on "What's Treading". TMC's target value is less than degree either side. Having your truck involved in an accident means getting an alignment is necessary. You dont need to check alignment, simply buy more tires and fuel. Use a trammel bar to mark the tire centerline with chalk on both outside tires on the front axle. Schedule affordable alignment services today. The 2022 Andrew Mazza Diesel Jam Truck Show & Heavy Equipment Expo, presented by Hunter Truck, Brennan Heavy Equipme 2022 Andrew Mazza Diesel Jam Truck Show & Heavy Equipment Expo, Ascent - Elevating the World of Logistics, Bearing Gifts - Heartland Express Driver Visits Smith Transport, Bolt Express Recognized as Hyundai Glovis Elite Service Provider, Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp at Shell Super Rigs, Proudly Serving The American Truck Driver Since 1975. For tire balance, the proper procedure of the tire manufacturer should be followed to ensure proper mounting to the wheel. Total toe is the angle formed by two horizontal lines drawn through the centerline of two corresponding wheels. Take that dimension and add 2 inches and get the trailer ride height. For example, if the trailer is a non-slider, adjust the trailer landing legs so there is adequate ground clearance while the trailer is still coupled to the tractor. I've spent 43 years in this industry. Generally, by the time youre able to visibly detect the scrubbing, the wear has become significant. Worn bushings on air ride suspensions are a leading cause of loss of initial manufacturers alignment. Our alignment procedure consists of a total alignment to ensure all axles are parallel. Adjust the trailer landing legs to the designed kingpin height. Call John Carlson at 800-686-2575 if you have questions about your trailer alignment. On tractor trailers, if the trailer does not track straight, the truck will experience increased rolling and wind resistancesymptoms that contribute to poor handling and fuel economy. Each axle has its own adjustment and alignment is even more critical with multi-axle configurations. Irregular tire wear will appear on all wheel ends with tandems out of alignment, he said. There are two things I deal with at Meritor shimmy and vibration, he said. But when they wear unevenly due to improper alignment, youll likely have to replace them prematurely. This designed height should be listed on the trailer ID tag. Excessive wheel end play can also cause premature tire wear. That's something to know on any suspension. The ride height is the distance between the center line of the axle and the bottom of the sub-frame. On a single-axle vehicle, the axle is positioned relative to the vehicle. Martin listed the ride-complaint condition types: shimmy; harsh ride; handling; pitch/back slap; stability; bounce/hop; and vibration. The distance between axles from the center of one hub to the other hub center is the C and D measurement. Your truck sees miles of highway and endures miles of wear. Sorry the page you are looking for may have been moved or deleted. Info on Commercial Truck Alignments. You will be buying new trailer tires before you have achieved a full service life from your present set. When you notice vibrations or truck pulling to the left or right, its time for a truck wheel alignment. Learn more about alignment in the September issue of Heavy Duty Trucking. Even if the trailer belongs to someone else, the diesel fuel to pull it belongs to you, and air is still a lot cheaper than fuel. Tandams and super singles are both adjusted in the same manner. By clicking the submit button below, you are agreeing with Bobit Business Medias Privacy Policy and this outlined level of consent. Overall, keeping your semi-trailer tires properly aligned is a small investment with big returns in safety, fuel economy, and tire life. Axles that are perfectly aligned, but have negative camber when fully loaded, could still experience inside tire wear. Tires underinflated against fleet specification will magnify these irregular wear alignment-related conditions and lead to even earlier removal miles and reduced overall fuel economy. If the measurement between A and B is less than 1/8", the forward axle does not require adjustment. And as you lay a hand across the tire, you feel a knife edge going in one direction and smooth in the other direction. Excessive camber and a misaligned or bent axle will lead to this rapid shoulder wear condition.Trailer tires have a history of neglect and underinflation. If they differ by more, adjust the rear axle position.The last important measurement is axle toe, which has a significant effect on alignment. Much like the simple plumbing job that turns into 3 hours and 4 trips to the hardware store, sometimes its better to call someone who knows what they are doing. Fatigue can lead to drowsiness and even take a toll on the drivers overall health. When it gets into a truck, it can be a positive or negative. You also need to measure the length between the center point of the two outside tires on each side of the trailer (C & D). But a two-year study shows that camber is not one of biggest tire-wearing issues. The goal is a positive camber, which occurs when the distance between the top of wheels is greater than the distance between the bottom of the wheels at ground level. You need to measure the distance from the kingpin to the end of the wheel extender of the front axle for both sides of the trailer (A & B). All tires should be set to the same pressure. Ensuring proper alignment is an important step to getting back on the road. If the top of the kingpin axis is toward the rear of the vehicle, the caster is positive. We set the toe at the plant.. attacks or slurs, hate speech, demonstrably false information, excessive profanity, or that are thinly veiled promotions for a product, will not be approved. Remove the trammel bar and move the trailer backwards so the tires rotate one-half turn. Alignment is critical to preventing tire scuff, or wear across the face/footprint of the tire. When you think of a negative, you think that's going to be tire-wear issue. Todays trucking fleets are looking at every possible way to improve fuel economy and maximize tire performance. The constant fighting at the wheel to keep the truck in the lane can wear a driver out. Inside tire wear on conventional duals requires that the inside set of tires be replaced, however, both tires have to be replaced for inside wear on wide-based tires. The steer axle must be turned to offset the push of the axles and keep the tires rolling straight. The construction of wide-based tires varies from manufacturers with their different types and specifications. Even though your trailer manufacturer sets the alignment, it can change because of operating characteristics. These trailer service professionals opened my eyes to some interesting facts and misconceptions about trailer alignment. Toe-out is when these lines intersect in the rear of the truck. Bookmarked content can then be accessed anytime on all of your logged in devices! If not addressed, you will get uneven tire wear and unnecessary driver strain from constantly fighting to keep your truck in the lane. Wide-base tires used to be more susceptible than dual-tires for uneven wear, but its not necessarily the case anymore. Steer-axle toe is adjustable to reduce wear to the leading edge of the tire and also to avoid road wander. Electronic sensors are mounted on the steer axle and the tandem axles. Toe-in is when these horizontal lines cross at the head of the truck. He said the Kent-Moore Electronic Vibration Analyzer (EVA) 2 is a low-cost electronic diagnostic tool to help diagnose low-frequency vibrations. That's why there are TMC Guidelines for Total Vehicle Alignment, with 45 pages of excellent information. Because trucks are becoming more user-friendly. When your semi-trailer is out of alignment your gas mileage, pardon the pun, tanks.

We could have air-spring damage. Excessive toe is the major cause for this tire condition. You can count on us to make sure your tires are pointed straight, centered and at the proper angle. Shock absorbers can get overextended. It is machined into both the axle beam and the knuckle. Toe-out is when the lines intersect behind the wheel. Uneven tread wear decreases the lifespan of your tires because it increases the chance that your tires will leak or burst. There are all different methods of doing this, he said, and they're all proven., You can't over-preload a wheel bearing or it will burn up in a quick time frame, so you have to have wheel bearing end play if you're doing a commissioned wheel bearing adjustment, he said. Martin said camber is the angle of the tire in relation to the ground. Girard Equipment will provide an alignment form with a diagram that will show the alignment specs. The second-highest issue is axle-camber alignment. They have improved over the years and while some brands perform better than others, overall wide-base tires are better for fuel economy, stability and weight savings. This area should be flat, level and debris-free. Not only is this harmful to your wallet, but it's also dangerous for you and others on the road around you.Prevent uneven truck or trailer tire wear by hiring the pros at Statewide Trailer Alignment Frame to align your tires. Then pull the trailer forward a minimum of 10 feet and gently apply the trailer service brakes. Keeping your semi-trailer tires aligned can go a long way to prevent costly and dangerous blowouts. You most definitely want to inspect the tires to ensure each dual wheel set is within 3/4-inch in circumference. Visit the truck alignment experts today! Hard parts must be replaced to set the proper angle for a particular OEM and wheelbase.. All rights reserved. Both of them need to be perpendicular to the axle and parallel to one another, he said. The industry spec is plus or minus 1/8" of what the ride height is., https://www.facebook.com/trailerbodybuilders/, Registration opens for NTEA leadership summit, High Bar Brands releases Premier Mfg Couplings, International eMV Series explores vocational range, FleetPride extends lead in ecommerce and digital solutions, Wil-Ro wins Tennessean Top Workplaces for second consecutive year, Terex hosts technicians at service school, New LUVERNE grille guard a 'game changer' for medium-duty trucks, Registration opens for NTEA Upfitting Summit, AXLE alignment is necessary to set the wheels and tires in the optimum position for maximum tire performance, according to Rick Martin, Meritor LLC's. The same analogy holds for vehicle alignment. A plumb bob is dropped from the trailers side rail at the front of the trailer. This procedure involves several steps: Select the appropriate alignment area. While calculating loss of fuel mileage is probably difficult, you will definitely know how much money youve lost when you go to replace your trailer tires prematurely. Scrub angle is formed by two thrust lines of a tandem axle vehicle (parallelism). This angle is the turning radius angle, often called the Ackerman Angle. A slight positive caster creates a self-aligning action that helps to stabilize the vehicle after turning and for driving straight ahead. Driver fatigue can occur when your truck is out of alignment. If the toe is 0, the second line marked will be superimposed on the first line. Improved gas mileage about 0.3 mpg is achieved when a misaligned semi-trailer has its rear axle aligned.

We have engineering specifications. The next alignment preparation step is to make sure you set the suspension ride height to the designed ride height, which should be listed on a vehicle placard.

Most of the time, it's going to be tandem axle alignment.. Alignment ProcedureThe actual trailer alignment procedure begins with proper positioning of the trailer. Both axles should track true with the trailer to prevent premature tire tread wear. We've lost a lot of roads that had heavy crowns, and we have interstate highway systems, so even on a front-steer axle, we don't buy a front-steer axle camber any more. Most tire wear is caused by incorrect toe settings, Martin said. Very little equipment investment is required by a commercial tire dealer to check a trailer for alignment. Sensors are moved from the front axle to the second rear axle, which is aligned to the steer axle, or the reference axle. Tony Kockritz, Hendrickson International's regional service manager, said it's important to check trailer ride height, truck ride height, shock absorbers, and bushings.

A pre-alignment maintenance inspection check for condition and wear includes: cold tire pressure; Pitman arm for proper torque on steering box; draglink for wear; steering arm in the knuckle to make sure it's working properly; tie-rod ends. If the two scribed lines are not superimposed, the distance between them is the amount of toe-in or toe-out.

Every other time, they're scuffing. Signs of misalignment may be seen in tire wear due to improper toe and tandem axle settings. Misalignment causes the tandem axles to work against each other, which inevitably leads to tire wear. Toe-in will wear the outside of the tire while toe-out will wear the inside of the tire. Unevenly worn tires the result of misalignment are even more highly susceptible to blowouts. The problem with this method is that any variance, such as a bow in the tape or simply not measuring to and from the same exact points will equate to a large waste of your time. John Carlson recommends that you have your trailer checked for your own piece of mind, especially if the trailer has been in service for a while. That means the axle is not perpendicular to the frame. Any one of these combinations not at the proper setting will lead to premature tire wear. If not listed, contact the manufacturer for this height setting. While you might think everything is okay, the axles are working against each other, stealing horsepower from your tractor, while the tires are still scrubbing away. The introduction of wide-based tires to the trucking industry created a need to pay even closer attention to the manufacturer's alignment recommendations. Scrub angle problems occur when the axles are not parallel. Improve fuel economy and maximize tire performance through proper trailer alignment. Too much caster will increase steering effort or may amplify a shimmy condition. Your toe and axle alignment are what you need to be looking at. It rotates in a smaller circle. The footprint across the face, or portion of thetirestread that touches the road surface, should be rolling in-line with the direction of the vehicle (travel of the trailer). A steel plate, marked in 1/8th inch graduations, is centered and aligned with the plumb bob. He said the TMC target value is left +3 degrees and right +4 degrees. Caster is the responsibility of the vehicle manufacturer.. The steer axle is aligned to the rear axle, or the reference axle. I've been in both automotive and heavy truck, everywhere from mechanic to where I am now. By Ted Armstrong, SAF-Holland When you add in the fact that the majority of fifth wheel pins are not exactly centered (some can be off by as much as ), a backyard alignment can become frustrating. In the old days a guy would take a tape measure, go underneath the trailer and measure the distance from the king pin to the wheel. This is a big opportunity for commercial tire dealers to work with their customers trailers and help improve tire removal miles through proper alignment. A lasar alignment yoke is fastened to each wheel. The three components of tire wear are: Alignment; Toe; and Camber. AXLE alignment is necessary to set the wheels and tires in the optimum position for maximum tire performance, according to Rick Martin, Meritor LLC's training manager for North America. Check the initial axle alignment by using a kingpin extender or adapter, along with installing a wheel-end extender. 2022 Heavy Duty Trucking, Bobit. He said toe-in is when wheels are closer together in the front than in the back, while toe-out is when the wheels are closer together in the back than in the front. Get the latest industry news, business tips, new product releases, and more. You want to shoot for that. Putting off or ignoring routine maintenance and repair for your semi-trailer alignment is Number 1 on the list of trailer repair mistakes. HDT file photo. All of the technicians are trained to perform trailer alignments. Checking the alignment will take about 45 minutes to an hour and costs a little over $50.00. Contact usonline or give us a call at(801) 895-4419to get started today! Proper mounting of the wheel to the hub-pilot, and properly centered is also necessary. Use a tape measure to determine the kingpin height by measuring from the ground to the kingpin mounting plate. In my 20 years with this company I've replaced three axle beams. Shimmy most of time has to do with front steer tires.. This article was authored and edited according to the standards of HDT's editors to provide useful information to our readers. Wheel alignments ensure that each wheel on your trucks axles are straight to reduce rolling resistance. The trailer suspension must be in a relaxed state without any pre-load applied to the bushings. You won't lose wheel seals. There are Mercedes-Benz type vehicles, these Freightliners and Volvos. Peace of mind when it comes to your trailer is not as expensive as you think. Now lower the trailer landing legs. 2022 Semi Service, Inc. All Rights Reserved. What most drivers are not aware of is that if both axles are out of alignment, the trailer may track straight. If you find that an axle beam is out of camber specs, you need to get us involved. When you have a tandem axle out of alignment and the driver has to turn the wheel in the other direction to compensate, you can actually get tire wear on the front steer tires that looks exactly like camber wear.