Worn bushings let an aligned axle wander
A trailer axle is held in position by its suspension, and on most trailers that means rubber bushings at the pivot points. They let the suspension move while keeping the axle square to the frame. When they wear, the axle can shift as the trailer is loaded, braked and turned.
That has an awkward consequence. A trailer with worn bushings can be measured and set correctly in the shop, empty and standing still, and then move out of line on the road under load. The alignment was right. The parts that were supposed to hold it were not.
Trailers that work on rough ground, which describes a lot of the end dumps and equipment trailers running between southern Arizona job sites, wear their bushings faster than trailers that only see highway.
Inspect before you align
The order that works is to inspect the suspension first and replace worn bushings, then align. Signs that the bushings are going:
- Visible cracks or rubber missing at the pivot points.
- Shiny wear marks where metal has started moving against metal.
- Uneven tire wear that returns soon after an alignment.
- Clunking from the trailer when the brakes are applied or released.
Mention any of these when you book, and say what the trailer hauls and where.
Plan the visit with the tractor
A trailer out of line pushes the tractor off line too. Book heavy-duty truck alignment at the same visit where it is due, and set recurring work up through a fleet account. The national trailer alignment page covers what the measurement includes.
Other stores nearby
About this store
The Tucson store runs seventeen services and is managed by Mark Laster.
See the national trailer alignment page for all 36 locations.