Why you don't re-use your u-bolts
#1
Why you don't re-use your u-bolts
Truck had been "shifting" and making a weird left movement lately when braking hard. So while I was under there welding a new cab mount I looked at the front axle and noticed 2 of the u-bolt nuts weren't even tight. I could see an air gap between nut and axle
Anyways, looks like the prior owner re-used the u-bolts. And the threads rolled or something.
Hard to see, but the nut would run up until resistance. Then it would pop and slip down. Scares the hell out of me that I drove with it like that.
Replaced with these. Says are for a 99-04 truck, but they are same dimensions.
So yeah. Be careful out there
Anyways, looks like the prior owner re-used the u-bolts. And the threads rolled or something.
Replaced with these. Says are for a 99-04 truck, but they are same dimensions.
#4
#5
#7
Trending Topics
#8
U bolt threads are cut differently than normal bolts. The threads are pointed, more like the top of a triangle. This is designed so that once tightened it deforms the thread and does not allow them to come loose. You should always use new u-botls or you chance them coming loose.
http://www.clampsinc.com/pdf/guideli...olt-design.pdf
#9
There are three main types, round, half round, and square. Important to use the right type. Nobody will mistake a round for a half round, but half round and square won't interchange.
Threads are cold rolled, nut cut. They do tend to deform when removed and are often so corroded or rusty it's not going to happen anyway. Lots of folks re-use them successfully but strictly speaking they are supposed to be a one time use. Maybe the U-bolt folks are just scamming us.
Threads are cold rolled, nut cut. They do tend to deform when removed and are often so corroded or rusty it's not going to happen anyway. Lots of folks re-use them successfully but strictly speaking they are supposed to be a one time use. Maybe the U-bolt folks are just scamming us.
#10
Never heard that before either; my chief concern with reusing u-bolts would be any kind of stretching they have endured, causing increased fatigue and eventual failure. I've seen it first hand on reused headbolts (not studs). Are these u-bolts subject to similar stresses where they could fatigue and eventually give out? Composition and manufacturing processes certainly play a role too.
#12
#13
#14
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Arnold Kenyon
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
33
09-01-2016 08:43 AM