Play/slop in unloaded leaf spring hangers?

Question

I'm building a trailer and picked up some used removable leaf springs/hangers/axles. There seems to be quite a bit of side to side play when it's just sitting uninstalled/unloaded and its got me thinking that it would cause the trailer to tilt side to side quite a bit, especially when cornering or windy. I've taken a video of it to show what I mean. Should all the bearings and connections have zero play in them? I tightened down the center load-splitting bolt and nut, but that makes it hard to move? Or once a heavy load is placed on them, it prevents the side to side movement?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxnh6L-ChMo

darryl_rita · Answer

Bushings or shackle wear. Probably both.

myredracer · Answer

The bushings are clearly badly worn.  Holes in equalizer could be worn &amp; ovalized.  If you are building something nice and want it to last, forget putting standard cheapo plastic bushings back in and get some nice Dexter wet bolts.  Couldn't see shackles in the vid but if present, they're more than likely to have worn holes too.

lynnmor · Answer

The only difference between your observed issue and much of the rest out there is that you checked it out.  Disassemble, inspect and replace, preferably with wet bolts and metal bushings.  Spray those rusty springs with Fluid Film.  Be aware that the side to side play is normal.

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Play/slop in unloaded leaf spring hangers?

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