How to Lift a Trailer Axle to Change a Tire

Improper jack placement can cause the axle to fall off the jack.

Lifting a trailer axle to change a tire is done by placing a jack under the axle and jacking it up until the tire can be removed from the axle studs. Lifting the axle safely requires solid level ground and a jack with an adequate weight-lifting capacity. If the tire is lifted too high, the trailer tire may spin while the lug nuts are being removed. If the axle is not lifted high enough, the tire will not come off the axle. Hardwood blocks can be used to shorten the amount of time it takes the jack to raise the axle.

Things You'll Need

• Hydraulic or floor jack
• Jacking bar
• Jack stand
• Four-way lug wrench tire iron or impact gun with socket and air compressor

Instructions

1. Pull the trailer onto a hard, flat surface such as concrete or hard-packed soil.

2. Turn the hydraulic release knob to the right to lock the lifting mechanism of the jack in place. Place the jack directly beneath the trailer axle on the side of the axle where you'll be changing the tire. Center the head of the jack evenly beneath the axle from front-to-back. Position the base of the jack 3 to 4 inches away from the inside of the tire.

3. Insert the end of the jacking bar into the jacking cylinder and raise the jack up until the top-side of the jack head touches the underside of the axle. Reposition the jack to ensure the axle is centered evenly on the jack head. Some jacks have a slight indent mark in the center of the head for alignment purposes. Ensure the axle is cradled in this indent from side to side.

4. Jack the trailer axle up until the bulge in the the lower portion of the tire flattens. Place a jack stand under the axle on the inside of the hydraulic jack as a safety in case the jack fails.

5. Bust loose the tire lug nuts with a four-way lug wrench tire iron or impact gun and socket if available.

6. Jack the axle up until the bottom of the tire is an inch above the ground. Remove the lug nuts from the lug bolts. Pull the tire off the lug bolts.

7. Replace the new tire back on the lug bolts and thread the lug nots on with your fingers. Tighten the lug nuts down with the tire iron or impact gun. Remove the jack stand. Release the jack by turning the hydraulic release knob to the left and allow the trailer tire to rest firmly on the ground. Pull the jack and jack stand out from under the trailer axle.