Axle Equalizer Safety Alert

Did you know you are supposed to grease your leaf spring equalizer assembly every six months? I know my 5th wheel well and while I’m traveling I visually inspect my rig every time I stop. I look at the tires, the 5th wheel hitch, the exterior of the rig and I even glance under the rig. At a rest stop just north of Bakersfield, California I made such an inspection and didn’t notice anything unusual. I always look at the gap between the tires and they were fine. After I arrived at Edwards Air Force Base Family Camp I noticed that my street-side tires were only about ½ inch apart. This top photo is normal, the next photo shows the tires too close together.














I immediately crawled under my 5th wheel and saw this:
This is a typical double eye leaf spring equalizer. The retaining bolt had literally cut down the center of this piece and eventually broke the equalizer. The springs are up against the frame holding up the 5th wheel.It had been like this for some time since there was rust on part of the material that was cut.
It is very difficult to see this from a glance because the metal housing that holds the equalizer blocks the view of a casual visual inspection. Notice that this set-up has a “wet bolt kit” meaning it has grease fittings that lubricate the leaf spring equalizer assembly - when you service them that is.It is recommended that these be serviced (read more grease added) every six months. Unfortunately for me, I had no idea that the grease fittings were even there let alone that I was supposed to grease them every six months. The eyes where the bolts insert into the equalizer are lined with brass sleeves. These sleeves had long been warn away. Here is a comparison between the old and new equalizers. I replaced both equalizers today and am glad I did even though on visual inspection the curb-side (the one that didn’t break) looked fine. After removal and closer inspection this equalizer was beginning to crack and would have eventually broken as well. This could have caused a catastrophic accident. So you can bet I will be servicing these leaf spring equalizer assemblies every six months from now on. There are also grease fittings on the ends of the leaf spring assembly that also require 6 month servicing. I know most of you knew this already, but for those of you who, like me, didn't have a clue about this - now is your chance to get an inspection and a correction. Keep an eye on your rig and by all means be safe out there! Jim