U-bolts are used to clamp the axle tube and leaf springs together. Torque on the u-bolt nut should be checked every 6 months or 6,000 miles. The proper torque for 3500-8000 lb capacity axles is 65 ft-lbs (u-bolt diameter of 1⁄2” and 9/16”).
How do you tighten U-bolt leaf springs?
Place the new U-bolt around the leaf spring. Connect the two portions of the “U” with two nuts. Use a torque wrench for the installation. Tighten them in a cross pattern, gradually bumping up the torque.
What should u-bolts be torqued?
| Size Material Grade Max. Torque Ft. Lbs. Unplated | 3/8 – 24 5 26 | 7/16 – 20 5 44 | 1/2 – 20 5 70 | 9/16 – 18 5 100 |
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What is the torque for trailer u-bolts?
Helpful Expert Reply: If the U-bolts are 9/16 inch diameter, the torque specs should be between 65 to 95 foot lbs. If the U-bolts are 3/8 inch diameter, the torque should be between 30 and 50 foot lbs.
How tight do you tighten leaf springs?
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 .
Is it OK to reuse leaf spring U-bolts?
We get a variety of reactions when we advise our customers that reusing U-bolts is never a good idea . There are some very specific reasons why we stress this point so much, trying to sell you something you don’t need is not one of them. U-bolts are a torque to yield bolt.
Can you over tighten leaf springs?
If you over tighten either end of the leaf spring attachments... you can pinch the spring eye and eliminate all movement . You’ll know if you’ve done this because you’ll go from riding like a buckboard to riding like a steam roller.
What is the torque on 1/2 inch U-bolt?
Helpful Expert Reply: For 1/2 inch trailer u-bolts that attach to axle the recommended torque value is between 45 and 70 ft lbs of torque .
How much torque does a 1/2 inch bolt have?
| Size Recommended Torque | Grade 2 18-8 S/S | 1/2′′ 37 45 | 9/16′′ 53 63 | 5/8′′ 73 104 |
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How much weight can u-bolts hold?
| Shank Diameter (in) Weight Capacity (lbs) | 7/8 7,200 | 1 10,000 | 1-1/4 15,000 | 1-1/2 22,000 |
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How much do I torque leaf springs?
A 1/2 inch diameter bolts should be torqued between 45 ft/lbs and 70 ft/lbs . A 9/16 inch diameter bolt should be torqued between 65 ft/lbs and 95 ft/lbs and a 5/8 inch diameter bolt should be torqued between 100 ft/lbs and 120 ft/lbs.
How do I know if my leaf springs are bad?
- 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.
Are leaf spring shackles supposed to move?
Be careful not to overtighten the leaf spring shackles. Overtightened shackles will not move along with the springs or function properly .
How do you adjust shackles?
You’ll need to take your pry bar , or whatever you are using, and use it to push the shackle forwards or backwards, whichever way you choose to go, as you can see in the picture above. Once the shackle is as far back or forward as you want it, hold the shackle in place and have someone tighten both bolts.
