Replacing RV Trailer Suspension Bushings
Worn suspension bushings lead to noisy spring clunking, uneven tire wear, and sloppy trailer tracking. Upgrading to heavy-duty bronze leaf spring bushings paired with a greasable wet bolt kit ensures long-lasting, smooth operation.
Step-by-Step Bushing Replacement
- Park the trailer on firm, level ground and block the tires on the unworked side with wheel chocks.
- Jack up the trailer and support the frame securely on heavy-duty jack stands, allowing the axles to hang freely.
- Support the axle tube with a floor jack to relieve pressure on the spring shackle bolts.
- Remove the shackle nuts and drive out the worn shackle bolts. If heavily rusted, cut them free using a reciprocating saw or cutting torch.
- Using a brass drift punch and hammer, drive the old nylon or plastic bushing out of the leaf spring eye.
- Tap the replacement bronze or heavy-duty plastic bushing into place until centered in the spring eye.
- Reinstall heavy-duty shackle straps and greaseable bolts, torquing locknuts to manufacturer specifications.
See also:
- RV Springs, Suspension & Alignment – Leaf spring designs, shackle layout, and axle geometry.
- Axle Over/Under Conversion – Repositioning axles to raise trailer clearance.
- Servicing RV Bearings – Repacking wheel bearings and replacing grease seals.