Replacing RV Trailer Suspension Bushings

If you are experiencing excessive suspension play, unusual tire wear, or a noisy, squeaky ride, your leaf spring bushings are likely shot. Factory RV suspensions typically use cheap plastic or nylon bushings at all the pivot points, and they wear out incredibly fast.

1. Jacking and Supporting the Trailer

The trailer is jacked up and placed securely on heavy-duty jack stands. This allows the axles to hang freely so that the work can proceed.

2. Supporting the Axle

With the tires and wheels removed, the axle must be supported. Place a floor jack under the axle tube to take the weight off the leaf spring, allowing you to safely remove the spring hanger bolt.

3. Removing the Old Bushings

The old worn-out bushing is driven out and replaced with the new bushing.

4. Replacing the Hardware

There are 7 bushings per side on a standard tandem axle trailer, making 14 in total. The spring hanger bolts and nuts should always be replaced when replacing the bushings, as the threads and shanks often sustain damage once the nylon wears through.

5. Inspecting the Shackles

While you have the suspension apart, you must thoroughly inspect the other components of the system. Look closely at this factory shackle plate below. These shackles are completely worn out. The mounting holes are elongated (oval-shaped instead of round), which results in far too much suspension play and can eventually lead to a catastrophic suspension failure on the highway.