Can Wet Equalizer Bolts be Used if Splines are Worn Smooth

Published 02/01/2018

Question:

I want to keep my trailer as original as possible. I have a photo of the wet shackle bolts. The raised spline line area at the end of the bolt shard has worn smooth. Do I need to replace?

asked by: Paula

Expert Reply:

The splines on a shackle bolt are meant to help keep the bolt from rotating. Since the bolts are tightened with the nut it isn't too big of a deal if the bolt rotates some. The bolts that you took a picture of look like the nut is further secured in place with a cotter pin to keep the nut from coming loose. With this system it would take a lot of time and rough terrain and weather to cause everything to come apart.

With that being said, your wet bolts do look like they have seen better days so I do recommend replacing them. I have attached a link to our selection of wet bolts which you can filter through by the diameter and length. If you can find one that has the same dimensions as the bolts that you have it would be worth replacing a small dollar item for your trailer suspension.

One of our popular wet bolts is the Redline Wet Equalizer Bolt # 126A1 which is 3-1/2" long and has a 3/4" diameter. This uses the same castle nut and cotter pin system that it looks like you have right now.

expert reply by: Jon G