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Once your nuts are in place, start by hand tightening the nuts closest to the beam first. Finally, tighten each end’s second nut. This will lock the U-bolt in place. Then, use a power tool or wrench to tighten the nuts until they’re secure.
How tight do you tighten U-bolts?
Tighten all U-Bolts until they are snug only. Tighten in the sequence shown to approximately 1/3 of recommended torque.
What happens if you over tighten U-bolts?
When being tightened, the threads stretch out under torque. When this happens, the threads are actually cut and grooved by the nut as the nut is tightened around them. This means that if the nut is loosened back up or if it is retightened again, it is going to damage the threads on both the bolt and the nut.
Do you use Loctite on leaf spring U-bolts?
Lock nuts alone should have been fine but you could use some Loctite, # LT37614, for extra protection. Also make sure the nuts are torqued down properly. For 1/2 inch u-bolts torque them to 45 to 70 foot pounds. For 9/16 inch go to 65 to 95 foot pounds.
How do you torque leaf spring bolts?
Torque Rating for Shackle Bolts and Trailer Suspension Components If you are using 9/16 inch shackle bolts which are the most common you will want 65 to 95 foot pounds of torque. If you are using 1/2 inch then go for 45 to 70 foot pounds. And for 5/8 inch bolts use 100 to 120 foot pounds.
Should you replace U-bolts on leaf springs?
U-bolts are a vital part of your suspension system and should never be reused. Failure to replace or properly fit your U-bolts when maintaining or servicing your suspension could cause premature failure of your leaf springs or other components with catastrophic results.
What is the torque on a 3/4 U-bolt?
Recommended U-Bolt Torque for Cold-Formed U-Bolts Size Material Grade Max. Torque Ft. Lbs. Unplated 5/8 – 18 8 177 3/4 – 16 8 313 7/8 – 14 8 500 1 – 14 8 1010.
Are leaf spring U-bolts one time use?
I would like to ask some questions and start a discussion related to U-bolts used to clamp leaf spring stacks on the suspensions of vehicles such as small to full size pickups, jeeps, and larger work trucks. Generally, most after-market U-bolt manufacturers recommend to never reuse U-bolts.
How much weight can U-bolts hold?
How Much Weight Can An Eye Bolt Hold? Shank Diameter (in) Weight Capacity (lbs) 7/8 7,200 1 10,000 1-1/4 15,000 1-1/2 22,000.
How much weight can a 1/2 U-bolt hold?
U-Bolt a b breaking strength 3/8″ 5/16″ 4600 lbs. 1/2″ 3/8″ 8000 lbs. 9/16″ 1/2″ 12500 lbs.
Can loose U-bolts cause vibration?
By definition, an under-tightened bolt is already loose and the joint does not have enough clamp force to hold the individual sections together. This can lead to sideways slippage between sections, placing unwanted shear stress on the bolt that could eventually cause it to break. Vibration.
How do you tell when leaf springs are worn out?
Look out for these tell tale signs that you need to replace your leaf springs: Squeaky sounds while your truck is in motion. Slouching on one side. Sagging in the back. Diminished handling. Trouble hauling and towing loads. Suspension bottoming out. Cracks on leaves.
Should you use Loctite on suspension bolts?
Since there is a need to re-torque the fastener, it doesn’t make sense to use Loctite. This is true for two reasons (after the Loctite has set): With the Loctite holding the fastener in place, it will give you a false torque reading.
What is a square U bolt?
Square U-Bolts have a square bend. They are used for attaching to pipe or other round surfaces. U-Bolts can also be embedded in concrete as a hold bolt anchor.
What should leaf springs be torqued to?
Never over torque the stationary end (front eye) bolts, as it will prevent the suspension from moving freely. Recommended torque is 20 lbs. Because the torque requirements are low, it is suggested to always use self-locking nuts to prevent nuts from backing off. This applies equally to the shackle and slider ends.
When should the u-bolts on a spring suspension be re torqued after installation?
Also, TMC recommends running the truck on a course where maximum articulation of the suspension occurs after installation, then loading the suspension before retorqueing the U-bolts. They should be retorqued again between 3,000 and 5,000 miles after replacement.
How much do I torque leaf springs?
If you want to use a bolt as well as welding your leaf spring hangers, then you can follow the same torque specs as the leaf spring u-bolts. A 1/2 inch diameter bolts should be torqued between 45 ft/lbs and 70 ft/lbs.
How long does it take to replace u-bolts?
U-bolts come in many sizes and many shapes, round, semi-round, square, etc. U-bolts can get worn down so it is important to always make sure your U-bolts are checked and repaired frequently. Here at Smith Springs, U-bolt Replacement is the fastest service we offer. We can complete this process in about 10 minutes.
Can you over tighten leaf spring bolts?
Tightening the shackle bolts too much will squeeze the shackle straps against the leaf springs and the whole suspension system will bind and cause problems. The best thing to do when tightening down shackle bolts is to use lock nuts and tighten them until they are snug and then backed off 1/4 turn.
What are the torque specs for U-bolts?
A properly torqued u-bolt stretches by design resulting in a clamping force that acts as a spring clamp, holding the components of the suspension together. The torque specs for a 1/2″ u-bolts which is the size most frequently used on Venture Trailers is 45ft/lbs-70ft/lbs.
Can you thread U-bolts?
However, not threading U-bolts deep enough can cause big problems. If nuts extend past the bolt’s ends, it puts extra stress on both the bolt and the nuts. Instead, make sure the bolt extends through the whole head of the nut.
