july2022 - 18

Fifth wheel maintenance tips
SAF-Holland recommends the following
steps for its fifth wheel components:
* Lubricate the locking mechanism every
three months or 30,000 miles.
* Thoroughly clean the locking mechanism
every six months or 60,000 miles.
Clean all moving components. Use of a
WD-40 or CRC spray is recommended.
* Remove old grease and debris from all
fifth wheel-to-trailer contact surfaces.
* Apply new water-resistant, lithium-based grease
to all fifth wheel-to-trailer contact surfaces.
* Inspect for bent, broken, or missing parts
every six months or 60,000 miles.
* Check the operation by locking and
unlocking using a lock tester. Verify that
the fifth wheel is completely closed.
* Clean and lubricate the locking mechanism
if problems arise with coupling, uncoupling,
or pulling the release handle.
JOST International maintenance
recommendations include:
* Lubricate the kingpin lock using a hand
pump grease gun through the grease zerk
provided on the skirt of the fifth wheel.
* Apply a lithium-based grease with EP
(extreme pressure) additive to the trailer
contact surface of the fifth wheel.
* Apply a light oil to all moving parts.
* Every three months or 30,000 miles, inspect
the mounting; repair or replace any missing or
damaged fasteners or broken components.
* Inspect bracket pin bolts; make sure locking
tabs are properly securing the bolts in place.
* Inspect the fifth wheel for bent,
worn, or broken parts.
* Lock and unlock several times using
a lock tester to check that the locking
mechanism functions properly.
» " It's crucial to make sure connectors,
fifth wheels, and lines are routinely
inspected to ensure safety and compliance, "
Great Dane's Art Hobbs said.
Photo: Great Dane
at distributor Lawson Products. " When connecting,
be sure to align seals before rotating 1/4 turn,
and be sure that the gladhand is fully locked in
place and secured, " he advised.
" Always inspect the condition of gladhand seals
on both halves when connecting and disconnecting,
and look for signs of wear, cracks, or cuts, "
Murphy added. " There should be resistance when
connecting gladhands; if it seems loose, the seals
need to be replaced. "
Murphy also advised using strain relievers or
spring guards in areas where air-brake hoses are
required to move and to ensure that coil hoses
are properly secured to prevent wear caused by
abrasion. " Always inspect hose condition when
picking up and dropping trailers to look for kinks,
cracks, and signs of wear, " he said.
" Inspect end fittings for signs of wear and
evidence of strain or pulling at hose connection
points, " Murray continued, " and be sure to check
the tractor side of the cable assembly, which is
disconnected less frequently but where failures
can occur. "
Technicians should also be aware of where dirt
and contaminants can build up.
" The height control system for chassis and cab
air suspensions acts as a catch-all for whatever
debris makes it through a vehicle's air system, "
said Brian Kujala, VP of business development
at Link Mfg., which produces the former Hadley
Products line of height control valves. " That can
lead to improperly functioning valves, which can
cause unsafe weight-shifting load issues and higher
costs due to premature wear. "
It's important to start at the source of the prob»
SAF-Holland's cast steel FW35 features its
TwinLock coupling mechanism that captures
the kingpin, prevents impact bounce-out,
and ensures a reliable coupling on the first
attempt. Flashing red lights alert failure, while
bright inspection lights indicate success.
Photo: SAF-Holland
lem, which means making sure air tanks are
purged regularly to eliminate water and rust,
Kujala advised. Automatic purge systems are
not always found on trailer tanks, he also noted.
" Proper installation of air lines and connections
ensure proper air flow, " Kujala added. " And if gladhands
aren't connected correctly and seals are not
intact, not only could the trailer not be at the right
ride height, it creates a leak path for water. "
18 Fleet Maintenance | July 2022
» On height control valves' plastic tubing,
Link recommends using tube cutters,
not wire cutters, which can deform
the edges and create a leak path.
Photo: Link Mfg.
Steve Howse, director of technical services
at Tramec Sloan, said American Trucking
Associations' Technology & Maintenance Council
(TMC) Recommended Practices, including RP 159,
RP 435, and RP155A, can serve as the source of a
valuable inspection checklist. Among the items
included are the following:
ÜCheck for audible leaks in lines, connections,
and valves when the system is pressurized.
ÜCheck for loose gladhand clamps and damaged
or worn seals.
ÜPull back the air line spring at gladhand and
tractor connections, and inspect along the
length of lines for kinks or restrictions.
ÜCheck along the length of air lines for wear.
ÜConfirm that a functioning strain relief method
is in place at the plug/cable attachment.
ÜConfirm that air and electrical lines are not
sagging or dragging.
ÜCheck that tender springs, clamps, pogo sticks, or
slider bars are installed and function properly.
ÜUntangle lines to ensure free movement unless
lines are purposely joined together.
ÜCheck operation of all lights, ABS modules, and
other electrical devices.
ÜCheck along the electrical lines for wear.
Inspect faded lines closely for fine cracks or
brittleness in the outer cover.
ÜCheck plug and socket terminals for wear and
corrosion.
ÜConfirm that a functional strain relief method
is in place at plug/cable attachment.
ÜConfirm that mated plugs and sockets are not
loose and that the socket lid spring and plug/
socket latching mechanisms function properly.
july2022

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