This reference guide is dedicated to troubleshooting audible/cosmetic squeaks in the suspension system (Heims joints, etc)
Materials:
- WD 40 spray lubricant
- Multi use socket set (minimum 3/8 drivers to accommodate torque)
Common Reasons:
- Your evolution series suspension, outside of inspection intervals references in our maintenance guide, is near maintenance free
- Common reasons for audible noise are caused by the user greasing, lubricating, or utilizing unapproved methods to grease the suspension
- OGT recommends annual cleaning and WD40 application to the suspension bushings
- There are no Zirk (grease nipple style) fittings on the suspension indicating near maintenance free
- Common reasons for audible noise are caused by the user greasing, lubricating, or utilizing unapproved methods to grease the suspension
Steps:
- Disconnect trailer from vehicle.
- Go to side of trailer and push/rock the trailer back and forth / up and down to recreate the squeak noise.
- If trailer makes the audible noise, see if you can determine which side of the trailer it is coming from.
- If you cannot recreate the noise (possible brake pad noise)
- reconnect the trailer to the vehicle and with a second individual move the trailer forward at backwards no more than 5mph to determine noise/location (drivers/passenger)
- Address the contact points one at a time with the WD40 so we can determine the source of the noise.
-
- There are 6 points on the trailer to troubleshoot - See below for reference
-
-
- Drivers Side
- Control arm mount points (crossmember x 2)
- Shock mount point to the control arm
- Passenger Side
- Control arm mount points (crossmember x 2)
- Shock mount point to the control arm
- Drivers Side
-
- Spray one contact point and then try to recreate the noise. At the point you eliminate the noise you stop and contact OGT with the location.
-
- Control arm mount locations shown in image with arrow lines. Working from the outboard to inward.
- Spray outside of bushing at the bolt then check for noise.
- Move progressively to the inside of the bushing bolt to lubricate and try to make the noise.
- Move to the other bushing on the arm and do the same.
- If the control arm bushings are not the source of the noise, you will move to the shock mounts.
- There is only a top and bottom to each shock. Start with the top mount and then move to the lower mount.
-
- Contact OGT at warranty@offgridtrailers.com
Reference Guides:
How to manually repack bearings on a trailer
Proper Bearing Lubrication Type