Fifth wheel would not release

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Dino soar, Mar 2, 2021.

  1. Dino soar

    Dino soar Road Train Member

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    When I came in last night I could not get the fifth wheel release. No matter how I positioned the tractor backing up to give me slack to release it the Jaws were just locked in.

    So I bopped the adjusting bolt with a hammer and right away it released.

    Does this mean now it is time for me to replace the fifth wheel?
     
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  3. McMahons Trucking

    McMahons Trucking Light Load Member

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    Did you have the air bags dumped?
     
  4. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    Have to remember that trick. When all else fails, BFH !
     
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  5. Capacity

    Capacity Road Train Member

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    Ah great advice , never new about the washer deal.
    I never touched my fifth wheel except to clean it up with a putty knife and leave the adjustment or rebuild to the pros , to much devastation could happen if that wagon comes off.
     
  6. uncleal13

    uncleal13 Road Train Member

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    I had a truck with a Fontaine fifth wheel. If the truck wasn’t on flat ground it was difficult to operate both hooking up and releasing.
     
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  7. Goodysnap

    Goodysnap Road Train Member

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    Did you adjust recently ? Is it maybe just too tight? . Holland?

    Try cranking the adjuster down a half turn and see if it sticks again.
     
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  8. Dino soar

    Dino soar Road Train Member

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    I adjusted it once maybe 6 months ago. I've never had one problem releasing it in all this time. I was backed into the same spot that I always dropped the trailer there was nothing unusual about the terrain or anything else.

    So the half a turn would be a clockwise turn on the adjuster Bolt?

    Yes fw35 Holland.
     
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  9. 062

    062 Road Train Member

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    Have you been running where they put down a lot of sand? I’d trip the jaws and check for debris.
     
  10. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    How cold was it out?
     
  11. Dino soar

    Dino soar Road Train Member

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    No I normally don't but I tried it Every Witch Way dumped up back forth whatever. No bueno
     
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