Greasing leaf spring bolts

[ejl923]

I will be replacing the leaf springs on my wolf pup, I haven’t taken anything apart yet and still waiting on parts to come in. I believe the eyes have nylon bushings, the question is, should these be greased or left to lubricate from the nylon alone?
Edit I maybe completely wrong on their construction, I’m mech inclined but never replaced leafs. I downloaded the lippert manual but no mention of grease. 2017 Wolfpup 16BHS

[Mike134]

I greased mine when I replaced the worn-out ones. If they were ok "dry" then they shouldn't have worn out.

[Mokurt]

I would.

[ejl923]

Originally Posted by Mike134

I greased mine when I replaced the worn-out ones. If they were ok "dry" then they shouldn't have worn out.

Did you replace the bolt or was it in good condition?

[Larry-NC]

See this article.

[Bob K4TAX]

I use the same stuff I use to pack my wheel bearings.

First, get the trailer up on jack stands, then the wheels come off. I use a small hydraulic jack to manage the spring weight on the bolts. I do one at a time. The bolts slide out, I clean them up, put a nice dab of grease into the bushing, and wipe the shaft of the bolt with grease. Put it back in and secure the nut.

It is a bit of a dirty job, but if you offer to your wife to wash dishes in the sink that evening, the wife will appreciate it and your hands will be clean. After all, dish detergent is designed to remove grease. DUH

Bob

[ejl923]

thanks everyone, i have a suitable grease, i should be more specific. My question was really do you want to grease this in such a dirty environment, seeing as how it has a nylon bushing. Although, just now when i got home the springs arrived, the plastic bushing isnt much at all, pretty thin so i suspect in short order it will be metal on metal, i suppose really for the low miles i actually travel, cleaning and greasing once a year should be standard

[ejl923]

so, doing things backwards, question..... I ordered the replacement springs from lippert, their customer service was great, gave me the industry spec for the spring if i wanted to look elsewhere, their prices were decent and it was convenient to order right then.

Was this a mistake, should i have ordered a heavier size, american made etc. What showed up was chinese made springs, which was expected.

I am replacing working but slightly tired springs. We have a 1200 miles trip this year and bought used last year, so knowing they have broken in the past on others i decided to go ahead and freshen up the axle. Also of note, i have sumo springs i plan on transferring, so they take some of the weight on big bumps.
Long way of saying, what do people usually replace their springs with? Local shop? direct from source as i did?

[Boomerweps]

No idea of the brand or country of origin, but I bought my replacement springs from ETrailer.com. Reason. One, a well respected retailer of trailer parts. Second, I looked and looked at Amazon reviews for various inexpensive springs. Almost all products had some reviews stating the springs went flat fairly soon if not immediately. And this was upgrading 1750# springs for 2500# springs. Since that’s what I was doing, those were the reviews I keyed on.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by ejl923

I will be replacing the leaf springs on my wolf pup, I haven’t taken anything apart yet and still waiting on parts to come in. I believe the eyes have nylon bushings, the question is, should these be greased or left to lubricate from the nylon alone?
Edit I maybe completely wrong on their construction, I’m mech inclined but never replaced leafs. I downloaded the lippert manual but no mention of grease. 2017 Wolfpup 16BHS

"NYLON" is a somewhat generic term for several polymers.

Lubricating with any petroleum based lube ((like most automotive greases) can accelerate the failure.

That said there are "polymer" bushings made specifically for spring eyes and widely used by off-roaders.

Replacement with a more durable bushing may be the better option.

[Campzoo]

Originally Posted by ejl923

I will be replacing the leaf springs on my wolf pup, I haven’t taken anything apart yet and still waiting on parts to come in. I believe the eyes have nylon bushings, the question is, should these be greased or left to lubricate from the nylon alone?
Edit I maybe completely wrong on their construction, I’m mech inclined but never replaced leafs. I downloaded the lippert manual but no mention of grease. 2017 Wolfpup 16BHS

Since it will be apart, why not install wet bolts with grease fittings and brass bushings. I done that on my 2018 cardinal fifth wheel. Now no more squeaking going down the road. Grease them ever spring with a grease gun

[Bob K4TAX]

Originally Posted by Campzoo

Since it will be apart, why not install wet bolts with grease fittings and brass bushings. I done that on my 2018 cardinal fifth wheel. Now no more squeaking going down the road. Grease them ever spring with a grease gun

Would it be best to use brass bushings or bronze bushings with new wet bolts?

Bob

[Campzoo]

Originally Posted by Bob K4TAX

Would it be best to use brass bushings or bronze bushings with new wet bolts?

Bob

I used what came with the kit. I thought they were brass, but maybe bronze. Been trying to find out where I ordered them from so I could double check on that.

[Mokurt]

Originally Posted by Bob K4TAX

Would it be best to use brass bushings or bronze bushings with new wet bolts?

Bob

Bronze is normally used for bushings.