Check your bushings

[Big_Eddy]

My "new to me" trailer was sounding a bit harsh over the bumps and when I inspected the springs and hangers, there seemed to be more play than there should be, so I decided to replace them.

60 mins later, all new bushings, bolts and straps.

The old ones had outlived their usefulness. Check out the wear on these babies.

 

[90stingray]

Re: Check your bushings

Did you put the bolts back in dry or coated in grease?

 

[Fishing Dude too]

Re: Check your bushings

Yes would say those plain bearings are worn out, what was the new bearings made out of?

 

[Big_Eddy]

Re: Check your bushings

I put the new bolts in dry. I have not seen anyone recommmending to grease bolts on the springs and hangers and I'd be afraid that the grease would attract and hold dirt.

The new bushings appear to be nylon, as were the old ones. Interestingly, the bushings in the equalizer were a different material and in great shape.

Standard trailer hardware available from every reputable trailer dealer and automotive parts vendor. The bolts come with special "friction nuts" which will not loosen. Bolts are tightened enough to take up the slack and pull the heads fluch to the straps, but not so tight as to cause binding.

 

[90stingray]

Re: Check your bushings

I just got done greasing the bolts and straps on my newest setup. The bushings were a little worn but I just rotated them 180 and stuck them back in. The grease never really attracts dirt but it does make the rig nice and quiet down the road. I dont like the metal to metal grinding noises. Maybe 10 more years I will get new bolts and bushings ...

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Check your bushings

I replace bushings and straps periodically on all my trailers. I just buy the kits at the local trailer mfgr/dealer. Amazed at how many miles you can rack up on a trailer and how well those parts hold up (other than the plastic spacers) even though they replaced a greased precision (somewhat) fitting all metallic system and the plastic seems to serve no useful purpose at they are always worn out when the steel parts are slightly or barely worn. I don't grease mine.

Mark