How Tight Should Shackle Straps and Bolts Be Tightened On Trailer

Question

Question:

I have replaced the shackle straps on my double axle trailer, should the middle bolt that attaches the equalizer to the frame be loose enough so that the equalizer can float between the two leaf springs? Also how tight should the shackle bolts be?

asked by: Bob S

0

Expert Reply:

There is no specific torque rating for shackle bolts. Basically for the middle bolt there should be enough free play in the shackles to allow them to move.

Tightening the shackle bolts too much will squeeze the shackle straps against the leaf springs and the whole suspension system will bind and cause problems. The best thing to do when tightening down shackle bolts is to use lock nuts and tighten them until they are snug and then backed off 1/4 turn. Lock nuts should be used because they resist loosening with vibration or torque.

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: Chris O

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Answer 1

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…

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Answer 2

If the bolts for the shackle link and the leaf spring eye are too tight, the suspension won't articulate as it should. You want to run the bolt down tight, then back it off by a 1/4 turn, as you'd mentioned.

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Answer 3

Thank you for providing the specs for the suspension components that you already have. Correct hanger spacing really depends on the components being used such as springs, hangers and equalizers. Most of the hanger spacing dimensions that we have are…

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Answer 4

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 5

Since suspension components use lock nuts on the ends of the shackle bolts and the bolts need to be able to allow movement you actually don't want to torque down the bolts at all. You want to snug them up so that there's no lateral play but…

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Answer 6

The torque requirements for leaf spring u-bolts depend on the diameter of the u-bolts that are being used. If the gross weight of your tandem axle trailer is 7,000 lbs, then you likely have two 3,500 lb axles. Typically 1/2 inch diameter u-bolts are…

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Answer 7

The shackles on suspension systems like part #TRSL350 are designed to be fairly loose because the equalizer on your trailer suspension needs to be able to move without binding. The best thing to do when tightening down shackle bolts is to use lock…

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Answer 8

There is no specific torque rating for shackle bolts. You'll want to ensure that the bolts you use are long enough so that when installed you will have at least 2 threads protruding from the nut. Make sure that the bolt you're using has a…

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Answer 9

Hello Shayne, There is not a smaller or 1-2 way adjustable version of the Demco 5-Position Adjustable Channel Bracket #DM13867-52.

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Answer 10

Hey Roy, The only U-bolt kit we currently only offer for 1-1/2" square axles is part #CE23102, which only has a 3-3/8" length so it likely wouldn't be the best option for you. Instead you'll want to order the 1-1/2" Square…

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Answer 11

As long as one of the wires coming from the back of the hub is a ground and the other is a power, it does not matter which wire on the magnet goes to which wire from the back of the hub. I have included a link to a video of a magnetic brake…

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Answer 12

The Fulton Plastic Fender with Top Step, part #F008553, does not come with mounting hardware. Fulton does not provide mounting bracket kits for the fenders. You can use your fenders original mounting brackets or use the Redline Galvanized Steel,…

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How Tight Should Shackle Straps and Bolts Be Tightened On Trailer

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