As any seasoned trucker will know, two types of axles can be found on a semi-truck or trailer: singles and tandems. While a single axle holds just one tire on each side of the vehicle, a tandem axle is made to hold two tires to one side.
What this means in layman’s terms is that tandem axles are designed for a higher carrying capacity than singles, and they’ll generally be positioned at the rear of the trailer. This also means that your axles play an essential role in the safety of your cargo. Because of the unpredictable nature of the road, uneven surfaces, potholes, or any other problems you might run into can all place extra strain on the entire system.
When something is going wrong with your axles, chances are high that you’ll know about it. If you think there’s something out of whack with your tandem axle, waiting is about the worst thing you can do. Instead, get in touch with the team here at SOS Truck and Trailer Repair in Fort Worth, TX right away.
We understand that trucks and trailers don’t always break down during normal business hours, and we are available 24/7 to help take care of any emergencies you might run into.
The Importance of Proper Alignment
When a trailer is aligned properly, the entire thing will travel straight and pulling will be easy. A good alignment goes a long way towards reducing unexpected tire wear and can be a great way to save on costs such as fuel consumption over time.
According to recent industry estimates, around 70% of all the trucks on the road are dealing with tandem axles that are misaligned. This matters because when your trailer is out of alignment by just 1/10” it can lead to a big hit on your overall costs. If you’re traveling 100,000 miles per year on average, even a small misalignment can be the same as dragging your tires off to the side for 100 miles or more.
The benefits of a well-cared-for axle include:
- Less Wear on TiresLess Wear on Components
- Ability to Spot Damaged Parts Easier
- Decreased Fuel Costs over Time
Some Signs That Your Axle Needs to Be Repaired
Spotting a broken axle on your truck or trailer is easy. The signs of this kind of problem are hard to miss. At the same time, it can be harder to spot the warning signs of wear and tear that indicate that something is about to happen.
Some of the common warning signs that indicate your axle needs to get looked at include:
- Vibrations and rumbling sounds coming from below
- A noticeable wobbling or unevenness in the wheels
- Wheels not moving into gear when shifting or accelerating
- Loud noises when turning
- Signs of a leak or greasy drop coming from near the tires
If you’re dealing with any of these problems, then it is important to get them taken care of as quickly as possible. Problems with your axle can quickly escalate and could lead to even more serious situations such as damage to your steering suspension and other related areas. If this happens, not only will your rig and trailer need to get repaired, but your cargo will be at risk, and it might even put you and others on the road in danger in the worst-case scenario.
Send out an SOS and Enjoy Smooth Roads
For the team here at SOS Truck and Trailer Repair, every job is important. Our experienced technicians are committed to making sure that you can get back on the road as quickly as possible. From a quick inspection to an extensive repair job, we have the skills and industry knowledge needed to help with any axle problems you might be dealing with, and as a family-owned business, we believe in doing the job the right way the first time.
To learn more about our services, or to find out how we can help you get your trailer and rig back into top shape as quickly as possible, be sure to contact our office in Fort Worth today. Our emergency services are available 24/7 365 days a year because we understand there is always cargo that needs to be delivered at any time of the day and in every season.
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