Written by the Motorplex Team
Serving Auburn, Spokane, and the Pacific Northwest with on-site and in-shop fleet repairs.
Fleet owners know that sometimes what starts as a routine inspection can uncover a bigger issue. Recently, a fleet customer reached out with concerns about a semi-truck showing front-end problems. They requested an inspection on the tie rod assembly and alignment.
When our team began the inspection, we found a score of other issues, and an axle that was beyond repair. This truck needed a complete semi-truck axle replacement, and we were ready to get to work!
In this article, we’ll share the story and photos from that repair, and provide tell-tale signs your truck might be having axle issues. Getting it inspected right away is key to preventative fleet maintenance and avoiding costly downtime.
Semi-Truck Axle Replacement: Tackling the Repair
Above: New axle ready to be installed.
Replacing a front axle on a semi-truck is not a quick fix. It involves lifting the tractor, carefully removing the damaged axle, and installing a new one that restores the vehicle’s safety and drivability. This type of repair requires precise alignment, careful handling of suspension components, and expert knowledge of heavy-duty systems. Our certified technicians used specialized equipment to handle the job, but it still takes a lot of skilled labour and hours.
Here is our team in action, working on the semi-truck front axle replacement in our Auburn fleet repair shop.
Here is the vehicle with the repair completed.
Jobs like these demonstrate why having an experienced repair partner matters. Fleet vehicles work hard, and these issues can create unsafe conditions on the road if not addressed promptly.
Signs of Semi-Truck Axle Issues
Axle problems in a semi-truck rarely appear overnight. Instead, they develop gradually, showing up through small but important warning signs. One of the first indicators is unusual tire wear. When an axle is out of alignment or beginning to fail, the tires may show uneven tread patterns or wear down faster on one side.
Drivers may also notice vibrations or shaking in the steering wheel, especially at higher speeds, which often point to stress or misalignment in the front axle.
Another clear sign is difficulty steering. If the truck begins to pull to one side, or if turning feels less controlled, the axle could be the culprit. Strange noises, such as clunks, pops, or grinding sounds while driving, are also worth paying attention to, as they can suggest damage to the axle or related components.
In more severe cases, drivers might even notice leaking grease around the axle area, which indicates that seals or bearings connected to the axle are compromised.
Whenever these issues surface, the safest choice is to have the truck inspected as soon as possible. Ignoring axle problems not only risks costly breakdowns but also creates a serious safety hazard on the road.
Improving Fleet Vehicle Safety and Productivity
The axle is one of the most critical parts of a semi-truck. It not only bears the full weight of the vehicle and cargo but also ensures safe handling at highway speeds. A failing axle can result in unsafe driving conditions, increased wear on other parts like tires and steering components and unexpected breakdowns.
To keep your drivers safe, vehicles on the road and revenue flowing, it’s vital to bring your truck in for fleet repairs as soon as any warning signs show up. Doing so will also reduce expensive downtime, and that’s best for business.
Trusted Fleet Repairs in Auburn and Beyond
While we replaced the axle on this customer’s semi-truck, we also tackled several other necessary repairs. The truck was leaking power steering, transmission, and engine oil. Additionally, it needed minor replacements, such as the lights and air filter housing. In the end, they checked everything off that preventative fleet maintenance list and had that axle swapped out.
Whether it’s on-site fleet repairs for quick fixes or in-shop service for larger projects like this axle replacement, Motorplex keeps fleets moving.
Contact us to book a service appointment.
Read our blog to learn more about our expert fleet repairs.
