Looking for Feed Back to Solve Elongated Hole in Spring Hanger

[LeftOverParts]

Hello MOC Members,

I recently replaced the Road Armor equilizers and bronze bushings. I found a couple of elongated holes in two spring hangers. I found posts on here where someone with a similar problem had heavy duty washers welded onto their hangers.

I want to make sure the welt bolt fits in a tight hole. (I realize the hanger can be replaced but thinking it can be avoided.) I've drawn up a potential solution. Can you let me know your thoughts? If you have a different solution, please share it. If you know of a washer already made for this type of repair, please include some information about it.

Thank you!

[Paul M]

Ordered new ones from lippert and had them welded on. And also add the v brace from lippert also for support

[Daryles]

I have one that is rounded out. It just means I have to hold that bolt head with a wrench when I check the torque on the suspension. I'm not worried about it.

[scottz]

Originally Posted by Daryles

I have one that is rounded out. It just means I have to hold that bolt head with a wrench when I check the torque on the suspension. I'm not worried about it.

All four of my wet bolts on the ends of the springs are the same; knurled part does not hold, but I would not call them elongated. The bolt heads on the equalizer are tight.

If you have one that is truly oval shaped, your patch idea looks good, but your wet bolts may not be long enough.

After breaking a hanger on the Alaska highway, I carry two spares; just have to find a welder.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[mlh]

There is another way that will avoid welding. Drill the hanger out to a size that is large enough that the hole will be round then make a bushing with a thick head on it. Put it in and put the wet bolt in tighten it down. You might even make it a slight press fit. If it wears out make another.
If you can’t make it and most people can’t or have someone that can make it PM me and I will make it for you.
Lynwood

[MandK]

If you decide to weld the “washer”, might want to think about making the washers from 1/4” material, one on each side. This would let you buy the 3 3/8” shoulder wet bolts for a perfect fit. If you don’t use the shoulder wet bolts, then use a self locking nut or castle nut and cotter pin and just snug the nut up against the hanger so that the nut doesn’t pull the spring hangers closed to tight. It will make getting grease in too difficult and will wear the hangers. (Nuts are supposed to bottom out on the wet bolt shoulders, not the hanger)
I’d replace the hangers as long as you are welding anyway. Then you could add x-factors if you want. You would not be able to if you modify the hangers.

[LeftOverParts]

Hi, thanks for all the feedback, suggestions, and watch-outs.

Re how loose the holes are, I have exactly the situation with one hole not holding the knurled end of the bolt and one hole on the nut end that is slightly larger. The hole on the nut end looks out-of-round but haven’t measured it. Everything is put back together for now.

Thinking the better option is to replace the hanger and use a V-clip. That’s what I had done to the rear most hangers. (Broke one wing of the hanger and cracked one wing on the other side during our AK trip). Since the front hangers are intact except for the hole issue, thinking addressing the hole can work. I’ll compare costs and work required between options. Report back with whatever I go with.

Thanks again. I appreciate and always respect your knowledge.

[Razahoryin]

Hangars are meant to be replaced
When worn out or damaged
Your repair my only delay replacements
Have had to replace mine

[Bruce in DFW]

I strongly recommend to replace the worn hangers - and not try to patch them. I had to replace one that was cracked down one entire side. The angle iron brace - like on newer trailers - is a good idea too. A mobile welder can make quick work of it - no big deal.

[Montana Man]

If a hanger is slightly obround, what does it matter? It actually produces a larger contact area between the hanger and bolt.

[ChuckS]

For myself there would be one and only one method to repair a worn out spring hanger bracket.

Replace the bracket

What does it matter if the hole is elongated?

** Depending on HOW WORN the hole is this will allow the spring eye AND AXLE to move back and forth.. This most likely will result in excessive tire wear due to Toe In/Out changes while the RV is in motion.

After over 55 years of working on autos, RVs, appliances, etc I learned if you are gonna do the task then do it right the first time...

[LeftOverParts]

Thank you for the additional recommendations. Good discussion. It has prompted additional thoughts and ideas. Also adding a couple drawings.

I do agree that replacing the hanger is the standard/best option. I'm also "bugged" at the same time that they only lasted 3 years (6200 miles on CAN and esp AK roads this summer prob didn't help). This situation also makes me wonder why the short life and if an improvement is possible.

As to why the short life, consider that these hangers are made from 3/16" thick stock regardless of trailer weight. That's not a lot of bearing surface for a hardened bolt. (Our trailer has a 16.7K lb GVWR.)

Re potential improvements, what could make the hanger last longer or even not have to be replaced? Consider a modification of Lynwood's idea to use a replaceable drill bushing style insert either bolted or welded-on in 3-4 places (not hardened so the knurled end of the bolt can be inserted). IMHO, that could make for a pretty fast, lower cost change-out. Also, axle alignment wouldn't be "messed with". Or, use 1/4" plate stock to get similar benefits. Adding a 1/4" of bearing surface to both sides would increase the total bearing surface by 2.3x. Then as Mark mentions, the 1/4" stock would work with a long shoulder bolt.

Haven't decided which way to go yet for a temp repair or replacement. For replacement, I'll add the 1/4" stock via a bushing or plate to increase the bearing surface. The V-clip would be good too.

Thanks again!