How does this happen?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Kid Cricket, Jul 17, 2025 at 12:31 PM.

  1. Kid Cricket

    Kid Cricket Bobtail Member

    7
    4
    Dec 14, 2024
    0
    Unloaded a heavy beverage load this morning, unhooked, hooked back up when empty, brought the empty here. Now I can't get the jaws to release and beating on the adjustment bolt isn't working either. It looks like one of the jaws bent somehow.

    I've been noticing it's been getting harder to pull the release arm but I thought it was just me getting weaker from being sedentary compared to my previous jobs.
     
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  3. TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    Definitely bent. Have you tried setting the trailer brakes and putting the tractor in reverse against the kingpin before setting the tractor brakes?
     
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  4. Kid Cricket

    Kid Cricket Bobtail Member

    7
    4
    Dec 14, 2024
    0
    Yeah, I've tried everything. It's jammed up pretty good. I'm waiting for roadside but I doubt they'll be able to do much.
     
  5. Kid Cricket

    Kid Cricket Bobtail Member

    7
    4
    Dec 14, 2024
    0
    Got it out with a pry bar and some patience. Definitely needs a rebuild and I'll be down for a day. Fortunately it's just the jaws and shims and I should be up and running again soon.
     
    MACK E-6 and kemosabi49 Thank this.
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