How Tight Should Trailer Suspension Hanger/Equalizer Bolts Get Torqued

Updated 05/23/2019 | Published 05/22/2019

Question:

I see that the bolts in the kit AP233 are knurled to lock into the hanger or shackle depending on the location of the bolt. In my view if I torqued these to seat the bolts most likely the spring or equalizer would be too tight to pivot. Is that incorrect or is there a method to allow for the components to pivot? Thank you for your help,

asked by: Nick

Expert Reply:

Suspension bolts are not designed to be torqued down tightly as this prevents the suspension from being able to move like it needs to be able to do. So the included solution with the kit part # AP233 is the lock nuts of the kit. The nuts have nylock in them which means that they will not back off regardless of how "loose" they are installed on the bolts. Basically you tighten the nuts down so that the excess side to side movement is removed from them but the shackles can still freely move and the nylock will hold them in place.

Some are held in place via the knurling on the bolt as well. This holds the bolt tight to the hanger.

expert reply by: Jameson C