Suspension Greasing Tips

[macroman]

Ha Ha. Yes. Kilometers and the way we spell certain words will give us away. Hello fellow Canuk. I appreciate the "customized" answer. Thanks Rob. Makes sense to me. I am assuming I can use the same grease that I use for my wheels bearings - correct?

[Cate&Rob]

I am assuming I can use the same grease that I use for my wheels bearings - correct?

That's what I use . . . bearing grease is probably better quality grease that what is actually required, but has always worked well for me.

Rob

[macroman]

Perfect - Thanks very much Rob.

[BigGuy82]

Come spring, I will be replacing my current factory equalizer/shackles bolts etc. with a setup that includes wet bolts. How often do you grease these bolts? How much grease are you pushing in when you do lube?

I do mine every 5,000 miles - that's about 3 - 4 times annually for me. If you don't travel very much, i'd hit them at least once per year.

[Calbar]

I did mine the other day. Had trouble with 3 of them taking grease. Jacked up the trailer and all but one took grease. Can't get the last one to take grease. It is on the curb side equalizer zerk and doesn't matter what I did it would not take grease.

Can you just loosen the wet bolt and rotate to align the holes. Not sure what the best way forward is at this time. I know I am taking the trailer to the dealer on Jan 28th for some warranty work. Maybe best to have them fix it as cold weather is here now.
Rob

[TucsonJim]

I did mine the other day. Had trouble with 3 of them taking grease. Jacked up the trailer and all but one took grease. Can't get the last one to take grease. It is on the curb side equalizer zerk and doesn't matter what I did it would not take grease.

Can you just loosen the wet bolt and rotate to align the holes. Not sure what the best way forward is at this time. I know I am taking the trailer to the dealer on Jan 28th for some warranty work. Maybe best to have them fix it as cold weather is here now.
Rob

You can't just rotate the bolt. There are splines near the head of the bolt. To rotate the bolt, you'll have to remove it far enough to clear the splines. Even then, you won't know where the grease hole is unless you remove the bolt far enough to inspect it. The grease outlet is about half way down the bolt shaft. Here's a picture:



Jim

[Calbar]

You can't just rotate the bolt. There are splines near the head of the bolt. To rotate the bolt, you'll have to remove it far enough to clear the splines. Even then, you won't know where the grease hole is unless you remove the bolt far enough to inspect it. The grease outlet is about half way down the bolt shaft. Here's a picture:



Jim

Thanks Jim. This makes it more difficult. Sounds like a warranty fix to me. Just one more to add to the list.

Thanks again,
Rob

[Dawgfever]

I too have a couple of wet bolts not taking grease. If I back the bolt out far enough to see the hole, how difficult is it to get back in the other side? Even though the tire has no weight on it, I would think the spring would have some tension on it. Or just back it out till spines show, then turn to 3 or 9 and go back in and call it good?
Also, do I need to torque the nut when I go back together? Or, since the bolt has a shoulder, then all I can get is enough...

Eddie

[J&G garage]

Keep in mind you’ll need to replace the nut. They are one time use.