Should There Be Play Between the Leaf Spring Eye Bushing and Shackle Bolt on a Trailer
Updated 07/29/2025 | Published 05/13/2015
Question:
My question is about the clearance after I have installed the equalizer and then attach the links to the springs eyelets. I have play as you move the bolt back and forth in the bushing of about 1/16 of a inch. Should the bolt connecting the two links to the spring and the equalizer be tight of with some play? Thanks,
asked by: James C
Expert Reply:
If there is a tiny bit of play in suspension components that are designed to move you would be fine. 1/16 of an inch isn't very much, and as long as you torqued everything down to spec you would be good to go.
Ideally we just don't want it torqued down so much that the suspension can't move. The bolts should be snug, but not so snug that the suspension binds up.
If your shackle bolt were tight enough to prevent movement in the setup they eventually would wear themselves down to the point that they would start moving.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter E-Z Flex Suspension Kit - Double-Eye Springs - Tandem Axle - 8,000 lbs
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- Equalizer Upgrade Kit
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Double Eye Springs
- 7-3/4 Inch Long
- Tandem Axle
- Dexter
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Shop: Lippert Trailer Suspension Wet Shoulder Bolt - 9/16" x 2-13/16" - Qty 4
- Search Results: morryde shackle kit
- Search Results: u012~021
- Search Results: leaf spring
- Search Results: trailer leaf springs
- Search Results: bronze bushing trailer leaf springs
- Video: Review of Lippert Trailer Suspension Parts - Suspension Wet Bolts - LC36RP
- Search Results: st185 80d13
- Search Results: trailer tire
- Shop: Replacement Wet Shoulder Bolt - MORryde Suspension Upgrade Kits - 9/16" x 3-3/8" - Qty 1
- Shop: Lippert Trailer Suspension Wet Shoulder Bolt - 9/16" x 2-5/16" - Qty 4
- Shop: Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit for Tandem-Axle Trailers - 1-3/4" Wide Double-Eye Springs
- Shop: Dexter E-Z Flex Suspension Kit - Double-Eye Springs - Tandem Axle - 6,000 lbs
- Article: Trailer Lighting Requirements
- Q&A: How Tight Should Shackle Bolts Be Tightened On Trailer
- Q&A: Torque Spec For Leaf Spring Shackle Bolts
- Shop: Replacement Wet Shoulder Bolt - MORryde Suspension Upgrade Kits - 9/16" x 2-15/16" - Qty 1
- Shop: etrailer Rust-Resistant 3-Leaf Double Eye Spring for 2K Trailer Axles - 20-3/8" Long - Dacromet
- Q&A: Should There Be Any Play In Trailer Leaf Springs
- Q&A: Replacement Equalizers for Dexter 13-143 Equalizers
- Q&A: How to Tell Which MORryde ALLTREK 4000 Kit Will Fit a 2023 Grand Design Imagine XLS 21BHE
- Q&A: How Often Should Oil in Trailer Oil Bath Hubs be Changed
- Video: Review of TruRyde Trailer Hubs and Drums - Hub with Drum - TRU58AV
- Video: Replacement Hinge for Thomas Payne RV Jackknife Sofa Feature Review
- Q&A: Can Trailer Parts Be Looked Up Using A VIN?
- Video: Install: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller on a 2022 Toyota Sienna
- Video: TruRyde Self-Adjusting Electric Brake Assembly Comprehensive Review
- Video: etrailer 7 Way Upgrade Kit With Junction Box Installation
- Video: Talking Pre-Greased Trailer Hub and Drum Assemblies with TruRyde
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
on Trailer Suspension Parts
Jacob
7/29/2025
Purchased 1 3/4” spring kit 3500lb . Lots of play between spring and bracket. Measured almost 1/4. Is this normal? Should I place washers on each side to tighten it up? Otherwise spring can move almost 1/4 inch in y direction (x forward) ( z up/down)