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 preset amount of grease at specific intervals. Ideally, most tractor trailers should be manually greased at all lube points at around 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.