Should There Be Play Between the Bushing and Wet Bolt of Trailer Suspension

Updated 11/23/2015 | Published 11/22/2015

Question:

How tight is the clearance supposed to be between the bushing and bolt? Bought 9/16 wet bolts which spec out a little smaller than 9/16 and the inner diameter of the bushing is a litter larger than 9/16. The bushing does not fit tight to the bolt, there is a decent amount of play. These havent been installed yet, trying to figure it out before install.

asked by: Cody

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.

Typically there aren't any torque ratings for shackle bolts. We run them down tight or until the knurls are no longer exposed under the head of the bolt, then back them off enough to prevent the suspension from binding.

expert reply by: Jameson C