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padutchmnm · 08-02-2012, 08:31 PM

thought i'd start a new thread since we got way off topic in the post about the ac problem that was resolved. since we ended with not being able to get grease in one wet bolt in the equalizer shackles, i tried the "take the weight off with a jack" trick with no success (had to try). bit the bullet and took it apart to find that yes, the grease hole was straight up 12o'clock. just what we thought. the other bolt hole was in the side. fix was simple....rotate link 180 deg. to put hole on bottom. looking at the bolts closer i saw that when manufactured they did not deburr the drilled grease holes. the raised burr could dig into the brass bushing and groove it over time. this may or maynot cause a problem. as long as grease flows through it should be ok. as an extra measure to ensure flow, i took a triangular file and put a small groove across the grease hole. this allows grease to start a flow path around the bolt. just a minor detail to look at if you ever have the spring shackles apart. but, one that could save major headaches down the road......it takes grease nicely now

rockintom · 08-02-2012, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by padutchmnm

thought i'd start a new thread since we got way off topic in the post about the ac problem that was resolved. since we ended with not being able to get grease in one wet bolt in the equalizer shackles, i tried the "take the weight off with a jack" trick with no success (had to try). bit the bullet and took it apart to find that yes, the grease hole was straight up 12o'clock. just what we thought. the other bolt hole was in the side. fix was simple....rotate link 180 deg. to put hole on bottom. looking at the bolts closer i saw that when manufactured they did not deburr the drilled grease holes. the raised burr could dig into the brass bushing and groove it over time. this may or maynot cause a problem. as long as grease flows through it should be ok. as an extra measure to ensure flow, i took a triangular file and put a small groove across the grease hole. this allows grease to start a flow path around the bolt. just a minor detail to look at if you ever have the spring shackles apart. but, one that could save major headaches down the road......it takes grease nicely now

Glad this all worked for ya Mitch.... however Dexter says the wet bolt grease hole should be installed horizonally (9 and 3 o'clock) so the grease is not entering under the loaded portion of the bushing. See the Dexter PDF file page 5 attached below. I do agree that a little groove on the lube hole may aid in the greasing of the bushing. And wonder if just a hair bigger lube hole would also aid in greasing ease......but gotta remember to not compromise the strength integrity of that wetbolt. Just my .02 worth.

padutchmnm · 08-03-2012, 10:03 PM

thanks tom, i think i'll be ok going forward. i thought about removing the bolt and turning it but was afraid of damaging it. a local trailer supply shop has dexter parts in stock when and if i'd need them, but i felt ok with the grease hole at 6oclock. not ideal, but ok. grease will work its way around the bolts as we travel down the road. after every trip, a little dab'll do ya.....mjf.