Troubleshooting Leaf Springs Bolts that are Binding Up When Shackle Bolts are Tightened

Updated 07/08/2014 | Published 07/06/2014

Question:

While installing the leaf springs I noticed that when torquing the suspension bolts, the clamping pressure of the bolt was actually only squeezing the leaf spring. This causes the leaf springs to not be able to move using any human amount of force. Is there some kind of crush sleeve that I can use that will keep the leaf spring free to move like normal vehicle suspension components?

asked by: Dave

Expert Reply:

You are tightening the shackle bolts too much if they are binding up.

The shackle bolts do not require a specific torque rating because 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.

expert reply by: Jameson C