Excel Lubing of Spring Shackle Bushing Interval

rockintom · 08-29-2010, 04:44 PM

One of our regular members here on this forum wrote to me off line and asked me about his suspension making creaking noises. I know after they get some miles on them the center equalizer bolts (no grease zerk) get worn and dry and squawks up a storm, and I figured that was what was making his noise. While questioning him about his servicing history of lubrication of the spring shackles, he claimed he hadn't done any as it isn't in the Excel Owner's Manual (he gotta older 2007, I think, with quite a few miles). By golly, I looked and I couldn't find it either. Guess I just knew to to do the lubing being a ol' car guy. Even the Dexter Axle Manual doesn't address the service interval of specifically lubing the shackles (that I could find).

Any one else notice this issue? Or can update me on the regular service interval of the spring shackle bushing lube? rockin'

Workshop · 08-30-2010, 07:37 AM

I wasn't able to find anything on Dexter's site other than to 'periodically' lube....

The first major project I did to the Beast was to rebuild the 'running gear' and pack bearing and brake check.

I also had the 'making noise' sounds coming from the Beast as it rolled. With the wheels off during the bearing pack...I noticed the shackle mount holes were enlarged on almost all the shackles. Further inspection showed the roadside equalizer and two shackles were replaced at some point.

After the bearings were done....replaced the equalizers and shackles on both sides with bolts that could be lubed. If I had to do it again...I would just order the kit from Dexter rather than 'run around' finding the parts locally.

Don't have a schedule for when I lube mine. As mine sits more than rolls these days.

Do just add grease even if not needed just to keep it moving and not getting hard from non use. As had been mentioned before on other threads....not all take grease easily.

I would and do have this on my inspection list. If one of those shackles fail....you could have a serious problem on the road. In my case....14,500 pounds being hung off the axles my skinny little shackles. Go figure.

workhorse

rockintom · 08-30-2010, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Workshop

I wasn't able to find anything on Dexter's site other than to 'periodically' lube....

The first major project I did to the Beast was to rebuild the 'running gear' and pack bearing and brake check.

I also had the 'making noise' sounds coming from the Beast as it rolled. With the wheels off during the bearing pack...I noticed the shackle mount holes were enlarged on almost all the shackles. Further inspection showed the roadside equalizer and two shackles were replaced at some point.

After the bearings were done....replaced the equalizers and shackles on both sides with bolts that could be lubed. If I had to do it again...I would just order the kit from Dexter rather than 'run around' finding the parts locally.

Don't have a schedule for when I lube mine. As mine sits more than rolls these days.

Do just add grease even if not needed just to keep it moving and not getting hard from non use. As had been mentioned before on other threads....not all take grease easily.

I would and do have this on my inspection list. If one of those shackles fail....you could have a serious problem on the road. In my case....14,500 pounds being hung off the axles my skinny little shackles. Go figure.

workhorse

As usual, very good information from workhorse.....the voice of experience.

"replaced the equalizers and shackles on both sides with bolts that could be lubed."

Are you talking about the center equalizer bolt that originally didn't have a grease zerk or are you talking about the actual shackle mounting bolts?

Workshop · 08-30-2010, 08:24 AM

Rockin'....obtaining the parts locally and not Dexter parts....I installed a greasable bolt on the equalizer also...every bolt in the suspension system. Dexter's parts catalog shows there is a grease fitting on the equalizer that is accessable between the hanger.

When I installed the bolts...I installed them 'inwards'. Because I had a little wear on the hanger that prevented the bolt splines from grabbing the hangers as well and to me they were more accessable from underneath. Besides this required me to look at the running gear more often. One gets dirty also. Maybe in a few years I'll allow the DW to do it!

rockintom · 08-30-2010, 08:55 AM

work,

When you said you mounted the equalizer bolts inwards.......as in the grease zerk was pointing at you under the rig just like the shackles zerks? The only thing I see in the Dexter online parts is this http://dexteraxle.com/i/u/1080235/f/..._Flex_8-08.pdf which looks pretty cool. Cushy equilizer with grease zerks!!! Looks like it cost about $90.00 for both equalizers and bolts. rockin'

Workshop · 08-30-2010, 04:11 PM

This is what I refered to as 'inwards'. Spacing between the grease fittings and tires were to close for me to want to work with. By using the floor creeper...I can slide underneath to grease and inspect the running gear or just get out of the summer heat.

Dexter shackle kit. The parts I was able to get locally, didn't have the equallizer that was grease-able. That's why I used the bolt there.

workhorse

rockintom · 08-30-2010, 04:31 PM

Thanks work! My Journey both old and new have the regular bolt on the equalizer without a grease zerk. I see how yours is set up. Nice.

Just a note. Not to be critical....but I think you have the link to the wrong kit for our units. The one you show is for a 33" axle (up to 6000 lbs.) and ours are 35" (up to 8000 lbs. axles) rockybaby

Workshop · 08-30-2010, 05:27 PM

I know what your saying Rockin'....I replaced the thickness of the shackles with the same that came off. I went to a trailer dealer that had one of the largest selection of parts in the area....and we matched part for part.

It wasn't until the suspension was rebuilt and 'hung' and downloading Dexter manuals that I noticed that the kit for the 8000# axle had a heavier shackle.....but that is what came off....maybe that and not greasable is why they went bad before their time....and why I referenced buying from Dexter next time.

I might be replacing them this fall as a redo project anyway....but since it dosen't ever go anywhere....it will never go bad.

workhorse

rockintom · 08-30-2010, 05:45 PM

My equalizers started creaking about 50,000 miles (and 4 years of average travel life). I never did fix it.....seems there was always something more critical on the agenda! I think I would go with the new equalizer listed a couple of post back with the cushy little piece of rubber bumper. A bit spendy, though. rockin'

Workshop · 08-31-2010, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockintom

Thanks work! My Journey both old and new have the regular bolt on the equalizer without a grease zerk. I see how yours is set up. Nice.

Just a note. Not to be critical....but I think you have the link to the wrong kit for our units. The one you show is for a 33" axle (up to 6000 lbs.) and ours are 35" (up to 8000 lbs. axles) rockybaby

I misread your comment about the link....you are right, I guess I was using the link as a picture reference to show that there was a grease zerk there. Need to be careful sometimes with links and use the correct link for the equipment we have.

What I was referring to about the shackles was the thickness of the shackles that came off my unit when I replaced them. I didn't order them from Dexter but instead obtained them from a local trailer dealer and taking the old parts with me...replaced them with like items.

It wasn't until the project was complete that I noticed that the shackle thickness on the 8000# axle from Dexter was thicker than what was on there initally or what I replaced. Don't know if the specs changed from 2001 to what is now offered ????

Might revisit this project later but will give Dexter a call and check first. The E-Z Flex setup looks interesting...and be the first on the block to own them.

While looking around on the Dexter site...came across this recommendation for lubing the running gear. On page three...suggest every 3,000 miles.

rockintom · 08-31-2010, 01:33 PM

Great info, work! Thanks. rockin'

gdbontly · 08-31-2010, 02:09 PM

I really like the Complete Tandem Kit (K71-653-00), includes the E-Z Flex equalizers and complete set of greasable shackle bolts. I probably don't need them yet, with only a few thousand miles so far on our 2-month old coach, but I'll save this for a future project.

Dexter Axle - Trailer Axles and Running Gear Components - K71-653-00 E-Z Flex Complete Tandem Kit

rockintom · 08-31-2010, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gdbontly

I really like the Complete Tandem Kit (K71-653-00), includes the E-Z Flex equalizers and complete set of greasable shackle bolts. I probably don't need them yet, with only a few thousand miles so far on our 2-month old coach, but I'll save this for a future project.

Dexter Axle - Trailer Axles and Running Gear Components - K71-653-00 E-Z Flex Complete Tandem Kit

Me too Glenn!! I like your style!!! I would like to talk with someone that's installed them and previously had the standard equalizers. Nothing like experience.

It appears it's a fairly new product. Anyone have any experience with this set up??? We'd like to hear from ya!!! rockin'

Ray,IN · 08-31-2010, 11:24 PM

Hope you guys don't mind if I jump into this conversation. Just last July I had all 4 tires fail (another long story), anyway, while removing the wheels, the mechanic noticed a broken spring hanger. Closer inspection revealed severely worn hangers and bolts on all 8 spring eyes and MorRyde rocker. Had the tires not failed, I surely would have lost an axle, or wrecked my trailer. Grand Junction says nothing is grease-able, so I didn't

That cost me >$750 to replace parts and labor. Monthly inspection of trailer running gear is on my to-do list now!

Grease-able bolts are on my list ASAP.