Preparations:
1. Park the Lorry Safely: Park the lorry on a level surface and engage the parking brake to ensure it stays in place.
2. Chock the Wheels: Place chocks behind the front and back wheels on both sides of the lorry to prevent it from rolling while working.
3. Gather Tools: Ensure you have the necessary tools, including a jack, jack stands, lug wrench, and a suitable piece of wood.
Lifting the Wheel:
1. Position the Jack: Place the jack under the axle of the trailer, ensuring it is stable and properly positioned to lift the wheel off the ground.
2. Use a Piece of Wood: Place a piece of wood between the jack and the axle of the trailer to distribute the weight and prevent damage to the axle.
3. Start Jacking: Slowly raise the jack until the affected wheel is off the ground. Be careful not to lift it too high.
Securing with Jack Stands:
1. Set Up Jack Stands: Place the jack stands under the trailer frame near the raised axle. Ensure the jack stands are stable and locked in place.
2. Support the Axle: Lower the trailer axle slowly onto the jack stands. The jack stands should bear most of the weight, while the jack provides additional support.
Removing the Wheel:
1. Loosen Lug Nuts: Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that needs to be lifted. Do not remove the lug nuts completely at this point.
2. Slightly Raise the Wheel: Use the jack to raise the wheel slightly off the ground, creating space to remove the lug nuts fully.
3. Remove Lug Nuts and Wheel: Remove the lug nuts completely and carefully lift the wheel off the axle.
Replacing or Inspecting the Wheel:
1. Carry Out Necessary Work: If you're replacing the wheel, mount the new wheel and tighten the lug nuts securely. If inspecting, visually check the condition of the wheel and associated parts.
2. Lower the Wheel: Once you're done, use the jack to support the wheel while you remove the jack stands. Gently lower the wheel back to the ground.
3. Tighten Lug Nuts: Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern, ensuring they are tightened securely.
Additional Safety Tips:
- Ensure you have a solid understanding of the lifting procedure before attempting it.
- Never rely solely on the jack to support the weight; always use jack stands as a safety precaution.
- Only lift the lorry high enough to safely perform the necessary tasks.
- If you have any doubts or are unsure about the process, consult with a professional mechanic.
