Trailer doesn't sit level

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by silver dollar, May 29, 2013.

  1. silver dollar

    silver dollar Medium Load Member

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    Jan 31, 2009
    Central North Carolina
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    Here's the story I hope someone can help me with. i have a '94 Great Dane air ride trailer. I've had it a couple of years and never used it much, just a few light loads. The other day I had on 45k and I notice it was doing a some wiggling. I pulled over to check and saw that the curb side was about 2 inches lower the the left side. When going around curves or corners, the trailer would lean enough that the tires would rub cross members. The left side would not rub. Looking at the trailer from the rear, loaded, It is obvious something is wrong. The problem may have been there all the time, but may have not been loaded heavy enough to notice it.

    Height difference is on both axles. Tires are all the same size and properly inflated. Only one leveling valve on center of rear axle All air bags inflate, But, there is about a 2" difference in their height (left side to right side) when inflated or dumped. I check for a broken spring, i didn't see one. Anyone have any ideas what I should be looking for under there? Thanks
     
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  3. wichris

    wichris Road Train Member

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    Trailing arm bushings seized.
     
    silver dollar Thanks this.
  4. BullDoggin

    BullDoggin Light Load Member

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    Jan 27, 2013
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    that, or it isn't loaded in a balanced manner.
     
    silver dollar Thanks this.
  5. silver dollar

    silver dollar Medium Load Member

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    Jan 31, 2009
    Central North Carolina
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    Thanks for the reply. After reading your reply, I went back under to check around again. I think you may be correct. While under there, I had my daughter dump the air and re inflate the bags. while inflating there is a popping noise, as if something is in a bind, coming from the the right side. The bushings in the left front trailing arm are shot. I can shake it around like a pea in a tin can. I never thought of a bushing seizing, but it all make sense now. Will try to get it to the shop next week. Thanks again for the tip.
     
  6. wichris

    wichris Road Train Member

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    Had that problem more than once. When MT they will sit level,loaded lean one way or the other.
     
  7. silver dollar

    silver dollar Medium Load Member

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    Jan 31, 2009
    Central North Carolina
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    Trailing arm bushings???
     
  8. wichris

    wichris Road Train Member

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    Yes. When MT they will be fairly level,just sit a little bit lower. Once you put weight on the free side goes up.
     
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