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bazdad's avatar
bazdad
Explorer
Mar 21, 2015

Wet bolts install

This is directed to those that have installed wet bolts as a single person. Is it hard to reinstall the wet bolts after taking the old bolts out? Do we take all three of the old bolts out then reinstall all three bolts on each wheel. Is this a very hard job? Thanks for your answers.
  • I suggest anyone who installs wet-bolts to pump some grease through each one before installation. I say this because I slathered everything with grease and then assembled the shackles. I didn't bother to grease it with a gun at that point because it just wasn't necessary.
    Then a year later I tried to grease it with my grease gun and it wouldn't go through because half of the bolts I got from eTrailer were not drilled all the way through.
    Since it was a year later they of course, would not replace them for free.
  • Yes it is moderately hard work. Not technically difficult just a physical effort.
    I did one side at a time a week apart. Was part of my project to replace the springs.

    You also need the tools to jack up the entire trailer so it rests on the frame.
  • How hard it is depends on your level of mechanical aptitude and experience. It's not terribly technical but requires a certain amount of lifting, hammering, and reaching and tightening.

    The old bolts are striated and will leave some grooves in the hangers. When you install the new bolts try to line up the striations on the new bolts with the grooves if possible. Be sure to drive the bolts in and not try to use the nuts to draw the bolts in.

    I did our triple axle toyhauler myself over the period of a couple days. You'll need supports to hold it when you jack up the axles and take the wheels off. My advice is to leave it hooked up to the truck for support and to make sure it doesn't move any.

    There's more tips and tricks and other people will be along to share theirs.
  • Yes. It can be difficult. You will need a couple of alignment bars, lots of jacks and lots of patience. I did one hole at a time. I also swapped the swivel plate at the same time, so there was some extra work involved.
  • You also need to remove the plastic or bronze bushings and press in the new bushings.

    Ken