How Tight Should Shackle Bolts Be Tightened On Trailer

Question

Question:

I have just replaced the shackles, equalizers and bolts on my tandem 3500# Dexter axles. How tight do I make the shackle bolts? Do I bottom them out on the bolt shoulders or leave them a little loose so the assembly can move?

asked by: Tom P

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

There should be enough free play in the shackles to allow them to move.

There is no specific torque rating for shackle bolts. The first thing you should make sure of is that the bolts you use are long enough so that when installed you will have at least 2 threads protruding from the nut.

Next, make sure that the nut you are using is a locking nut, so that it cannot work loose and fall off.

If the bolt you are using has knurls at the bolt head you will want to tighten the bolt down until the knurls go through the shackle link or spring/equalizer hanger and the bolt head is flush. Then, back off the nut just a bit so that all of the components are pulled together but not so tight they cannot move.

I have attached a helpful article that explains trailer suspension you can check out. I have also attached a video about replacing shackle bolts you can take a look at.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

1

Gilbert

5/11/2024

Very good information thank you

Reply

Cody

4/17/2025

Thank You, Sir! Good and straight to the point. I’ll go loosen my “way over tightened” shackles.

Reply

Chris R.

5/2/2025

@Cody No problem!

Reply

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Answer 2

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How Tight Should Shackle Bolts Be Tightened On Trailer

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