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Signs Your Semitruck Chassis Needs Repairs

Signs Your Semitruck Chassis Needs Repairs

Knowing when your semitruck needs maintenance and repairs is an essential part of being a fleet manager or driver. How your truck looks, feels, and sounds will help you determine whether it should be taken to a professional for service. Staying on top of your truck's repair needs is crucial to getting the most out of your vehicle and avoiding unwanted roadside issues. 

Here are the telltale signs your semitruck chassis is due for repairs, and the importance of monitoring your vehicle closely for potential issues. 

The Importance of Regularly Inspecting Your Semitruck Chassis

You have a tremendous responsibility to ensure your semitruck is safe on the road. Staying cognizant of how your truck drives will help ensure you identify potential issues before they become serious problems. Pay close attention to your truck and always proceed with caution when things don't seem right. 

Performing regular inspections and sticking with a scheduled preventative maintenance plan can help you keep your semitruck in its best condition. You can also:

  • Avoid breakdowns.
  • Improve performance.
  • Maintain driver safety.
  • Protect the freight.
  • Elongate your truck's working life.
  • Enjoy greater peace of mind.

Before each trip, a visual inspection can help drivers identify possible signs of wear and tear that may require repairs soon. A quick walk around your semi chassis can help you identify anything out of the ordinary that could result in problems on the road. 

Knowing your truck well is key to being able to spot when its components are not in working order. Every driver should take the time to familiarize themselves with the vehicles they work with, how they drive, and what is usual for that particular semitruck. 

5 Signs Your Semitruck Chassis Needs Repairing

Tending to your chassis repair needs right away is an effective way to skip the roadside headaches and keep your delivery on schedule. The following are signs it is time to take a closer look at the chassis on a semitrailer and assess the repairs required.

1. Unusual Noises

You should always pay close attention to the sounds your semitruck is making once you fire up the engine. Any creaking, rattling, or squealing noises should be taken seriously. These are often a sign that your chassis frame is damaged in some way or there are suspension issues at play. 

If you start driving and notice unusual noises, avoid getting on the road. Don't hesitate to perform an inspection or book a service appointment. It is always best to be safe than sorry when your semitruck starts making new sounds. 

2. Persistent Vibrations or Shaking

If you notice persistent vibrating, shaking, or unsteadiness while driving, this is a telltale sign that your truck chassis needs attention. 

Any of the following issues could cause the truck to shake:

  • Tire imbalance or misalignment
  • Transmission and engine issues 
  • Brake system wear or damage
  • Loose or worn suspension components 

Pay attention to the following factors if your semitruck is experiencing vibrations or shakiness:

  • When is the vibration the worst? At what speed?
  • Is it mostly in your truck's cabin?
  • Is the vibration concentrated in the steering wheel?
  • Does your semitruck shake while idling?

These questions will help you and a professional mechanic determine the root cause of your problem.

3. Handling Issues

Another indication that your semitruck chassis requires repairs is if you notice irregular handling. If your truck's frame has damage, you might have to continuously realign your steering wheel to drive in a straight line. The wheels might be positioned too far to one side, causing tire misalignment and difficulty steering. 

Any issues with your suspension system can also affect how much control you have over your semitruck's handling. Never risk it if you find your vehicle's steering doesn't feel right — look into the issues immediately.

4. Body Panel Misalignment

As you perform a visual inspection of your semitruck chassis, look for any irregularities that would indicate body panel misalignment. The following are some common signs of damage:

  • Your truck's hood no longer closes correctly.
  • There are larger than normal gaps along the seams on the top or bottom.
  • You have difficulty opening or closing your truck's doors.

If there is warping present on the frame, it can impact nearly every other aspect of your semitruck. 

5. Obvious Damage

If you can see obvious signs of damage, such as visible dents, cracks, or twisted metal, your semitruck chassis likely requires repairs. Any accidents, no matter how minor, can cause serious issues to your vehicle's frame. 

Avoid driving your truck until a professional assesses the damage. If there are visible issues, there could also be hidden problems that need addressing. It is safest to have the damage fixed before getting back on the road.

How to Repair a Damaged Truck Chassis

When you experience issues with your semitruck chassis, the best thing to do is turn to a professional. Tending to the damage or problems yourself is not recommended. An expert mechanic has the specialized tools and insights to fix your components and ensure your truck is safe to get back on the road.

Work With a Trusted Professional 

At Thompson Truck Source, our experts can help with all your semitruck chassis maintenance and repair requirements so you can get back to work. We can help you reduce the cost of ownership and keep your truck in great shape for longer. Our repair team has experience with all kinds of chassis repairs, including:

  • Alternators and starters
  • Brakes
  • Drivelines
  • Engines
  • Hoses
  • Overhauls
  • Steering
  • Suspension
  • Tire balancing
  • Throttle control
  • Wheel alignment 
  • Wiring

We have 11 convenient locations across Alabama and the Florida Panhandle, so you never have to travel far for semitruck service and preventative maintenance. With our online scheduling, it's easy to get your truck serviced at a time that works best.

Contact Thompson Truck Source for All Your Truck Chassis Repair Needs

When you need chassis repair or full service, turn to Thompson Truck Source. We're committed to keeping your trucks productive, and our team of experts is here to assist with any semitruck maintenance or repair job. From wiring to tire balancing to overhauls, we have you covered with extensive repair services to get you out of the shop and back on the road as soon as possible.

Ready to get started? Find a location near you or contact Thompson Truck Source to schedule service today.