Locking Jaw Refusing To Release Kingpin

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by RedRover, Feb 11, 2017.

  1. RedRover

    RedRover Road Train Member

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    Ok truckers here's a conundrum... Dropping an empty at Kimberly Clark. Locking jaw refusing to release the kingpin. Tried setting the trailer brake and backing up to release pressure, tried raising and lowering the landing gear, tried lubing it up and tried beating the hell out of it with a hammer. Nothing.

    Any ideas? Cuz ya know... 90 to 120 minute ETA for Onroad and I have 2:45 left on my clock lol. Guess I'll spend the next 2 hours off duty to complete the 8/2 while I wait.
     
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  3. Nitemare13

    Nitemare13 Light Load Member

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    You must be on a incline? Trying dropping the air bags. Then back against it like before
     
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  4. 25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    There's a spring which pulls the jaw open on a Simplex. The spring can break and even a good steam cleaning to remove excess grease from the mechanism won't help. Lease company shop fixed the one I drive.

    If you can unlatch the 5th wheel slide, and drop the suspension air, sometimes that helps unhook the kingpin.
     
    Last edited: Feb 11, 2017
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  5. RedRover

    RedRover Road Train Member

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    Yep tried that too. Will try the 5th wheel slide. Pretty sure my dumb ### damaged it trying to rock it loose the other day. Almost certain of it.
     
  6. RedRover

    RedRover Road Train Member

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    Nope. Guess I'll find out here in another hour or two lol
     
  7. Jubal3

    Jubal3 Heavy Load Member

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    Lower the landing gear, (obvious, but I had to say it) and try (with your trailer brake set) rocking the tractor back and forth. If that doesn't work, and you already have your airbags deflated, you have a broken locking pin on the fifth wheel. I've had one. Good luck, even dealerships usually don't have those parts in stock. :(
     
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  8. RedRover

    RedRover Road Train Member

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    Apparently just needed to beat the #### out of this with a hammer. I must have loosened it for the guy.
    image.jpeg
     
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  9. passingthru69

    passingthru69 Road Train Member

    Looks like the jaw adjustment bolt to tighten or loosen the locking jaw don't go messing with turning it unless you know what you're doing. To loose and you can lose a trl going down the road
     
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  10. 062

    062 Road Train Member

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    That bolt has a spring behind it. Should be able to press it in a 1/4-1/2 inch when hooked to trailer. If no play in it that's your problem.
     
  11. ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

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    A little late I know, but...
    If you are at a location with someone else around, ask them to pull the release as you back up. Set the trailer brake (or disconnect lines) release tractor breaks and apply reverse power until the wheels start to spin.
    You can also try moving the trailer to another spot. You may be in a small pothole causing the trailer to not be square to frame.
     
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