Technical Paper
Principle Modes of Failure Causing Lost Wheels from Tractor/Trailer Combination Vehicles
1992-11-01
922446
The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors which initiate, contribute to, and subsequently cause the occasional loss of tractor or trailer wheels while under way on the nation's highways. Specifically, these are wheel loss failures which are characterized by deterioration of the axle nut system. Of major significance is the explanation of how the axle nut will degenerate to the extent the wheel can no longer be retained on the axle spindle. There are a number of reasons which cause the separation of either the hub or the wheel from the axle spindle. Initially, the various types of axle nut systems will be categorized and identified by type. The variations and their potential for wheel separation failure are discussed and evaluated. Of interest for examination are the following axle nut systems: 1. The Single Castellated Axle Nut With Its Means Of Securement Provided By A Cotter Pin. 2. The Conventional Double Jam Nut System. 3.