Trailer alignment and axle correction, Thomastown

IBM Auto Mechanic does heavy trailer alignment and axle correction at 21-23 Trawalla Ave, Thomastown, for semi, dog and tag trailers that scrub tyres, dog-track behind the prime mover or pull under braking. A trailer axle that is out of square with the chassis wears tyres fast and cannot be fixed at the prime mover; it is corrected at the trailer axles.

Signs a trailer needs alignment or axle correction

• Trailer tyres wearing on one shoulder, or feathering across the tread
• Trailer visibly tracking to one side of the prime mover on a straight road
• Tyre wear that returns soon after a new set is fitted
• Pulling or squirming under braking
• Uneven wear across axles on a tri-axle group

What we check and adjust

• Each axle’s position and thrust angle relative to the kingpin or drawbar and the chassis
• Axle-to-axle parallelism across the group
• Camber and toe where the axle design allows adjustment
• Suspension hangers, bushes, torque arms and airbags, because worn parts move the axle as soon as it is loaded
• Tyre pressures and wear pattern before and after

Axle correction

A bent axle beam, a shifted axle seat or damaged suspension hangers put the axle out of square. Correction brings it back to specification. It is the usual fix after a kerb strike, a pothole hit or an accident, and for trailers that have had suspension repairs without a follow-up alignment. Ring with what happened and how the tyres are wearing and we will tell you whether correction is likely.

When to book

• With every new set of trailer tyres
• After suspension, hanger or airbag repairs
• After an impact
• At the roadworthy, if the tyres show uneven wear. The heavy trailer RWC can be booked into the same visit.

Price and turnaround

Ask for the price when you book. Alignment on a tri-axle trailer is usually done within the day; axle correction is quoted after measuring. Bring the trailer on a prime mover or arrange delivery; ring first if you need to drop it and leave it.

Near you: the workshop is in Thomastown, a short drive from Epping, Lalor, Campbellfield, Somerton, Broadmeadows, Coolaroo, Craigieburn and the rest of northern Melbourne. Areas we serve.