Should Equalizer Bolts have to Get Hammered In
Question:
I am replacing springs, bolts, shackle straps, and bushings on my 2005 Outback 25rss travel trailer. I installed one of these never fail bushings into my equalizer and had to hammer it into the hole. I then tried to fit a 9/16 shackle bolt into the bushing and could not slide it in. I was woundering if this tight of fit is normal? Because to get the bolts into the equalizer with the new bushings, I will have to hammer them in. The measurments say they are the right size for my job. Thanks
asked by: Paul
Expert Reply:
The inner diameter of the Never Fail Bushings # LC279685 is right at 9/16 of an inch so it would be a tight fit for a 9/16 inch diameter bolt to fit into it but one should work as long as you didn't deform the equalizer when you hammered it into place. You might try measuring the diameter of the equalizer and the diameter of the bolt you have to make sure the measurements are what they are supposed to be.
The fit should be tight but the bolt should still be able to spin in the equalizer without a great deal of force. Otherwise the suspension won't function properly. I suspect either you have the wrong size parts or the equalizer got deformed while attempting to have it installed.
