Equalizer brand WD hitch Torque Specs
I can't remember the exact part names right now as I'm away from the small print on the parts and in the installation manual, but here's a question about torque on Equalizer Hitch bolts.
I bought a TT from dealer a couple of years ago. Part of the deal included a new "Equalizer" brand weight distribution hitch, parts and installation. Well there were several problems with the installation that I had to fix, such as the proper - and balanced - distances for the brackets that bolt onto the trailer tongue and the angle of the head (of course they didn't provide me with the extra washers needed to properly set the angle so later in my different state of residence I had to go track some of those down for proper setting).
Finally got it all set, except on occasion the hitch made loud, ugly noises while turning and at first I could seem to control it with more grease (I use white lithium) on the pressure surfaces (the noise was coming from just one side at the hitch platform. The socket I think it's called.
A few days ago I was setting up the trailer and cleaned and re-greased all the WD hitch parts in preparation for the season. In the instructions, I couldn't find torque specs for the big bolts that secure the sockets to the hitch. It's those sockets that are squeezed and are in essence, the pivot points of the arms.
The instructions covered torque specs for the other big bolts used in installation, but these come attached from the factory and didn't list any torque specs. I compared the two sides with the torque wrench and the tighter side was 150 ft lbs while the looser side was 140.
The noise still occurred. So upon a complete dis assembly, I noticed a label on each socket in VERY small print that said "for longer life keep lubed and bolts tight, aprox 45 ft lbs".
I loosened the bolts to 45 ft lbs and everything works well!
Has anybody else run into this? Do they come so over tight from the manufacturer? Did the dealer installer incorrectly tighten everything without verification for application? Any comments or thoughts on the subject?
I bought a TT from dealer a couple of years ago. Part of the deal included a new "Equalizer" brand weight distribution hitch, parts and installation. Well there were several problems with the installation that I had to fix, such as the proper - and balanced - distances for the brackets that bolt onto the trailer tongue and the angle of the head (of course they didn't provide me with the extra washers needed to properly set the angle so later in my different state of residence I had to go track some of those down for proper setting).
Finally got it all set, except on occasion the hitch made loud, ugly noises while turning and at first I could seem to control it with more grease (I use white lithium) on the pressure surfaces (the noise was coming from just one side at the hitch platform. The socket I think it's called.
A few days ago I was setting up the trailer and cleaned and re-greased all the WD hitch parts in preparation for the season. In the instructions, I couldn't find torque specs for the big bolts that secure the sockets to the hitch. It's those sockets that are squeezed and are in essence, the pivot points of the arms.
The instructions covered torque specs for the other big bolts used in installation, but these come attached from the factory and didn't list any torque specs. I compared the two sides with the torque wrench and the tighter side was 150 ft lbs while the looser side was 140.
The noise still occurred. So upon a complete dis assembly, I noticed a label on each socket in VERY small print that said "for longer life keep lubed and bolts tight, aprox 45 ft lbs".
I loosened the bolts to 45 ft lbs and everything works well!
Has anybody else run into this? Do they come so over tight from the manufacturer? Did the dealer installer incorrectly tighten everything without verification for application? Any comments or thoughts on the subject?
