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Old 06-26-2021, 07:25 PM   #1
Draaago
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Leaf Spring Wet Bolt Appears Loose

Hello all,
Disclosure: I have little to no knowledge of anything related to trailer suspension and this will be painfully evident by the end of this post.

In preparation for a big move next weekend, I checked wheel torques and inspected the axles/leaf springs on our 3730FL this AM. In doing so, I noticed that the two shackle bolts on the front, door side leaf spring appear to be loose (pics attached). I was hoping to, once again, tap the forum's wealth of experience/knowledge so I can get it sorted out before we leave.

My questions are:
Are these bolts actually loose, or is it normal for them to have a little play on either side of the shackle? (none of the other bolts look this way)
If they are, in fact, loose and need to be tightened, what size socket is needed and how much torque should be used?
How often do wet bolts like these need to be greased?
Do I need a specific type of grease?
Do I need a specific type of grease gun?
Do I need a specific attachment type or size for said grease gun?
Are there any tricks or tips that might be helpful for an half-wit such as myself to get this done?

Any insight anyone is able to provide is greatly appreciated. This forum has saved my ass many times over the past year and a half. I wish I had more to bring to the table in return, but I am grateful nonetheless.
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Old 06-26-2021, 10:07 PM   #2
Theunz
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The wet bolts have a ribbed shank and are an interference fit. Sometimes you can reach the specified torque, which by the way is 50 lbs. ft., before the head is drawn all the way in. You might be able to use a socket that fits over the grease nipple but still contacts the bolt head to pound it flush. Nothing special about the grease or grease gun, however a flex tube helps.
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Old 06-27-2021, 04:58 AM   #3
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I got the Lock-n-lube fitting specifically for mine. I was having trouble getting grease in on several and this fitting locks onto the zerk so I can apply more force without it coming off. The end with the zerk fitting doesn't turn if memory serves. It has splines to align the bolt at 3 or 9 o'clock so the hole in the bolt faces sideways and not up and down. The nut on the back side should turn and tighten and draw the other side tight.
I use the Mobil 1 Synthetic grease on bearings and the wet bolts. It's on the Dexter recommended list for the bearings. I think any NLGI-1 rated grease will work. The zerk fittings are a standard size, nothing special.
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Old 06-27-2021, 05:55 AM   #4
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As mentioned the bolt is ribbed and should not be turned. Only put a wrench on the bolt (end with zerk) to prevent turning. Turn only the nut. Turning the nut will not compress hard against the shackles. It tightens against a shoulder on the bolt. There will be some clearance as it needs some so the shackle can turn when going down the road.
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Old 07-10-2021, 01:05 PM   #5
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Looking at your second photo, the mount between both axles has a rubber insert called a shear spring that the shackles attached to. Yours is cracked but I can't tell how much. Cracks around a quarter inch deep are just normal aging of the sheer spring, but if you can put like a putty knife over 3/4 inch deep into them they need to be replaced. Here's an old post covering the subject. https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...ad.php?t=48578
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Old 07-10-2021, 02:24 PM   #6
Daryles
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If you really want to get into it, first crawl under you rig from the back end (take your camera/phone). Look for the White sticker on each of your axles. It will have the make, model and serial number of your axle.
Go to www.dexteraxle.com, download your manual. It will be either 7K lb or 8K lb axle.
https://www.dexteraxle.com/Resources...mily=&keyword=
It has all the specs for your axles. Bolt torque, grease recommend etc.

For a grease gun I recommend a 14 oz (standard size, NOT mini) pistol grip (pump with one hand) and a locking nozzle with a quick release (stays on, easy to release).
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SVGHNPV...ing=UTF8&psc=1
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Old 07-19-2021, 11:50 AM   #7
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Having some issues being able to pump grease into a few wet bolts, has anyone tried a air powered grease gun?
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Old 07-19-2021, 11:54 AM   #8
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Pretty common issue. If you have Level Up, lift most all the weight off the tires and you can usually pump grease in the zerks. If you don't have Level Up, just use a jack to lift the tire off the ground. Some have tap the wet bolts out and clocked the grease hole either 9:00 or 3:00 to usually remedy the situation. Rare cases have found the grease hole not drilled all the way through the bolt.
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Old 07-19-2021, 01:13 PM   #9
rohrmann
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You will need to lift the frame of the trailer to get the weight off the suspension if needed to get grease into the zerks. Lifting the axle with a jack will not remove the load off the suspension but might actually add load to that individual part of the suspension.
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Old 07-19-2021, 06:24 PM   #10
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Good catch Bob ... I was trying to cover all bases, but didn't put down enough words.
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