HOW OFTEN TO GREASE A SEMI TRUCK?

Greasing a semi truck and semi trailer depends less on frequency and more on consistency. Even with properly timed intervals, poor greasing practices and human error can result in over and under-greasing, causing premature wear on critical components of a tractor trailer.

Critical components requiring frequent greasing include the kingpins, drag link, tie rod ends, spring pins and spring shackles. If the truck has drum brakes, each will have a slack adjuster and an S-cam tube that need to be greased. Additionally, the fifth-wheel pivots and plate and the clutch or transmission all require regular greasing. Each component requires a pre-set amount of grease at specific intervals. Ideally, most tractor trailers should be manually greased at all lube points at around 19,300-38,600 km (12,000–24,000 miles) and more frequently on the fifth wheel.

Automatic lubrication systems provide consistent lubrication on a more frequent basis, taking the guesswork out of determining greasing intervals and reducing the risk of over and under-greasing critical components of a truck. Automatic lubrication provides a safer method of supplying the right amount of grease to pins, ball joints and other lubrication points while the truck is moving. This helps keep your truck where it’s needed: on the road.