Wheel
Bearing Failure Cause of Trailer
Wheel Separation Accident?
A wheel bearing failure caused by improper maintenance and lack of lubrication of a tractor-trailer wheel axle resulted in a fatality. The left rear wheels of a tractor-trailer separated from the truck and spun off the axle.
The loose tractor wheels veered across the highway median
onto opposing traffic lanes, struck and fatally injured an off-road pedestrian. The trailer wheel bearing failure was caused by long term
bearing deterioration and extreme heat resulting from insufficient lubrication.
An overall view of the undercarriage of the subject trailer
showing where the dual trailer wheels separated from
the subject trailer is shown in Photograph A.
Photograph A:
Overall view of tractor trailer with missing left
rear tractor dual wheels
The heat damaged
tractor trailer axle spindle is shown in Photograph
B.
Photograph B: Overall view of axle spindle showing effect
of long term heat resulting in wheel bearing
disintegration and wheel spindle deformation from inadequate maintenance
The trailer wheel bearing failure
was caused by long term and extreme heat resulting
from insufficient lubrication.
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Dr.
R. Craig Jerner, Ph.D., PE specializes in accident
investigation and metallurgical failure analysis,
with over 30 years experience as a metallurgical
consultant and accident investigator. He has
testified as a metallurgical expert in over 250
depositions and more than 70 court appearances. If you or someone you know should need the services of Dr. Jerner and J.E.I. Metallurgical, please visit our web site at the buttons below, or e-mail Dr. Jerner --- 