What causes rapid tire wear on spread axles?
Tires are designed to roll in a straight line. And fortunately, most truck travel is more or less in straight lines. But any time a tire has to travel through a turn, scrubbing and side forces are inevitable, along with the increased wear they cause. Tires are designed to roll in a straight line. And fortunately, most truck travel is more or less in straight lines. But any time a tire has to travel through a turn, scrubbing and side forces are inevitable, along with the increased wear they cause. If you’ve ever watched a spread axle trailer execute a tight turn, you’ve probably heard the trailer axle tires squealing and growling as they’re dragged across the pavement. And, if you watch closely, sometimes you’ll even see the tires rotate first one way – then stop – then rotate the opposite direction. All in the course of a single continuous turn. No wonder spread axle tire life is so short. Side forces, including scuffing, scrubbing, squirming and dragging of the tires on spread axles c
