TRAILER WHEEL SAFETY GUIDE
Wheel Mounting and Application for Utility and Enclosed Trailers
Instruction Guidelines
Assembly of the wheel onto the hub is a critical, safety-related process. The
proper method of assembly and the consistency of the torque applied to
wheel fasteners are important factors in ensuring reliability of the fastening
system and retention of the wheel to the trailer. Torque is the measure of the
amount of tightening applied to a fastener (nut or bolt) and is expressed as
length force. For example, a force of 90 lbs. applied at the end of a wrench
1 ft. long will yield 90 lbs.-ft. torque. Torque wrenches are the best way
to assure the proper amount of torque is being applied to a fastener. The
trailer manufacturer/distributor/dealer and end user must consistently follow
proper torquing technique in order to ensure the hub and wheel are properly
seated and use caution to prevent anything from interfering with the
fl
at,
full designed mating contact of wheel mounting surface and hub. Excess
paint, oil and grease must be removed from the fastener contact surfaces
(the mounting surfaces, studs, and lugs) or not applied at all. Adherence
to all instructions, warnings and procedures set out below will minimize the
likelihood of fastener torque-loss and wheel separation.
Instruction Cautions
1. Surfaces of contact on a wheel (the nut seat and mounting surface)
the axle (flat hub surface and threaded studs) must be free of paint, oil,
grease, contamination and physical damage. Smooth, clean surfaces
provide uniform clamping pressure and best retain torque.
2. Lug nut geometry and cone angle of wheel (usually 60 or 90 degrees)
must match.
3. Stud length must be sufficient that after mounting the wheel to the hub,
the lug nut is engaged to a depth at least equivalent to the diameter of the
stud. For example, a lug nut threaded on a 1/2 inch diameter stud should
thread on for a depth of at least a 1/2 inch.
35
Trailer Wheel
Safety Guide
Wheel nuts or bolts must be tightened and maintained
at the proper torque levels to prevent loose wheels,
broken studs, and possible dangerous separation of
wheels from your axle, which can lead to an accident,
personal injury or death.
Summary of Contents for 4x6CG
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