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

0

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…

view full answer...

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.

view full answer...

Answer 3

The 2x2 inch square axle is likely 3,500 lbs or less capacity. I would need more spindle dimensions or bearing numbers to assist. If you pull a hub and measure at the spindle where the bearings and seal ride using the digital caliper like #PTW80157 I…

view full answer...

Answer 4

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…

view full answer...

Answer 5

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…

view full answer...

Answer 6

The 12 volt power on the 7-way will not have enough juice for an electric winch so there's no way to use the 7-way like you wanted. The best option for your winch is really using a quick connect wiring kit, the Bulldog Winch Wiring Kit for…

view full answer...

Answer 7

Yes, there will be issues associated with using two different length trailer axles together therefore I recommend you replace the old one with the same dimensions as the one you just installed. If you were to leave the different length axles on the…

view full answer...

Answer 8

view full answer...

Answer 9

Square axles are hard to find capacities for as they don't have a standard capacity based on dimension like round axles. Since I can see a 4 bolt mounting flange for a brake assembly that means the max it woudl be rated for would be 3,500 lbs.…

view full answer...

Answer 10

Yes, you can replace your slipper springs with double eye springs. The Double-Eye Spring #e27SR measure 26 inches from center of spring eye to center of spring eye and would work for you; these have a 2,250 lb capacity each though you will need to…

view full answer...

Answer 11

If the U-bolts are 9/16 inch diameter, the torque specs should be between 65 to 95 foot lbs. If the U-bolts are 3/8 inch diameter, the torque should be between 30 and 50 foot lbs.

view full answer...

Answer 12

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…

view full answer...

How Tight Should Shackle Straps and Bolts Be Tightened On Trailer

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching