Introduction
Landing gear is the foundation that supports a semi-trailer whenever it’s detached from the tractor. Failures in these legs can lead to a trailer dropping, gear collapse, or unsafe loading and unloading. A thorough pre-trip inspection helps detect worn gears, stripped threads, or bent cranks before they cause accidents. In this piece, we present an easy-to-follow inspection checklist for landing gear assemblies, outline common wear signs, and show how Wondee Autoparts’ landing gear series delivers rugged reliability for every operation.
Visual Inspection Steps
Walk around the trailer and visually survey the landing gear area. Check for cracked welds on the leg housing and bent support bars. Look at the feet, T-type, A-type, or S-type, for distortion caused by side impacts. Verify the crank handle is secure and turns freely without wobble.
Operational Check
Rotate the crank through a full cycle, raising and lowering the legs under light load. Listen for grinding or slipping noises that indicate stripped gears. Feel for binding spots as the leg extends; stickiness points to lack of lubrication or bent internal components.
Lubrication and Thread Condition
Inspect the gear shaft and screw threads for corrosion or wear. Apply a dry film lubricant to the gear housing and worm threads. Avoid heavy grease, which attracts dust. If threads show galling or flattened areas, order replacement screws and nuts from Wondee Autoparts, which stocks both JOST-type and Holland-type landing gear spares.
- Lubricate landing gear every 3 months or 25,000 miles
- Replace crank bushings at first sign of wobble
Load-Bearing Test
Swivel the trailer away from the tractor and lower the legs until they touch the ground. Continue cranking to lift the trailer slightly. Confirm each leg shares the weight evenly. An imbalance may signal bent legs or uneven internal wear. If one side drops faster or shows excessive play, replace the entire landing gear assembly rather than attempt piecemeal repairs.
Why Quality Matters
Wondee Autoparts landing gear assemblies feature heat-treated legs, precision-machined screw shafts, and reinforced housings. Their feet plates resist punctures and wear, while their range of connection bars and L/W plates ensures compatibility across major trailer brands. Investing in superior components pays off through fewer roadside failures and smoother yard operations.
Conclusion
A dependable landing gear system is non-negotiable for safe detachment and loading of your semi-trailer. By following this pre-trip inspection checklist, covering visual checks, operational tests, lubrication, and load verification, you’ll catch issues before they escalate. And when it’s time for replacements, sourcing complete landing gear kits and parts from Wondee Autoparts guarantees you’re installing systems built to endure the toughest conditions.
