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07-27-2015, 06:56 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 7
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Broken U bolt replacement tips?
One of my U bolts broke on the driver side of the rear axle. It's not the one under the spring. I ordered a pair from Deaver Springs today. Does anyone have any tips on installing the new U bolts? I wanted to change both but the one under the spring looks more complicated. Thanks.
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07-27-2015, 07:04 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Powell River, B.C.
Posts: 31,269
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Welcome to iRV2.
Only thing I can say , is get the torque specs and re-torque the "U" bolt after 20 miles of driving and again after 100. If you get any movement at the 100 mile re-torque, do it again 100 miles down the road.
EDIT: Your post says " under the spring " did you mean , in front of the axle?
__________________
99DSDP 3884, Freightliner, XC, CAT 3126B, 300 HP /ALLISON 3060
2000 Caravan toad, Remco & Blue Ox.
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07-27-2015, 07:09 PM
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#3
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 7
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Thanks for the quick tip. Will the bottom bracket pull back up onto the axle cover when I tighten it up, or should I loosen the other one and re-tighten them together? Thanks.
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07-27-2015, 07:16 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 35,317
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You should make sure the center bolt is not sheared. It locates the spring to the axle.
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07-27-2015, 07:21 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Powell River, B.C.
Posts: 31,269
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Judging by the amount of rust , I'd say , you're not going to get those nuts loose , JMHO. The saddle will rock back as you tighten the new U bolt , so you should be fine just tightening the new one , check the old U bolt frequently , it could have been stressed, and could require replacement soon.
__________________
99DSDP 3884, Freightliner, XC, CAT 3126B, 300 HP /ALLISON 3060
2000 Caravan toad, Remco & Blue Ox.
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07-27-2015, 08:06 PM
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#6
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 7
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Will do. Thanks again. I had to pull off the old bolts from the broken U bolt so they aren't rusted on there. Thanks.
Please provide any additonal tips you think of. I will let you know how it goes. Thanks.
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07-27-2015, 08:22 PM
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#7
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 7
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How do I find the torque specs?
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07-27-2015, 08:29 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Powell River, B.C.
Posts: 31,269
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kmelford
How do I find the torque specs?
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From your chassis manufacturers web site , you'll need the GVWR, or if you ordered the part from the manufacturer , ask for the torque spec , when you pick it up.
__________________
99DSDP 3884, Freightliner, XC, CAT 3126B, 300 HP /ALLISON 3060
2000 Caravan toad, Remco & Blue Ox.
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07-27-2015, 09:55 PM
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#10
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 7
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Thank for the link. I found similar info as well. Unfortunately the size of my U bolts don't match any of the sizes in the table.
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07-28-2015, 05:11 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 35,317
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kmelford
Thank for the link. I found similar info as well. Unfortunately the size of my U bolts don't match any of the sizes in the table.
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Unless it's metric, it should be one of the listed sizes.
Remember it is not the wrench size. It is the bolt diameter.
Here are some approximate sizes
1/2 = 3/4 wrench
9/16 = 7/8 wrench
5/8 = 15/16 wrench
3/4 = 1 1/8 wrench
After a close look at your picture, I think I see an air bag, ahead of the axle, over the top of the front U bolt. That may need to be moved to replace the front U bolt.
With what seems like your limited experience in this kind of work, I would advise that you take the MH to a heavy duty spring shop for an inspection of all of the suspension parts.
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07-28-2015, 06:44 AM
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#12
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 8,777
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Quote:
Originally Posted by twinboat
Unless it's metric, it should be one of the listed sizes.
Remember it is not the wrench size. It is the bolt diameter.
1/2 dia. bolt = 3/4 nut/wrench
9/16 dia. bolt= 7/8 nut/wrench
5/8 dia. bolt = 15/16 nut/wrench
3/4 dia. bolt= 1-1/8 nut/wrench
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kmelford
twinboat is correct
If metric see: Ubolts
Mel
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07-28-2015, 11:23 AM
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#13
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 7
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Thanks guys. Yes it is a 3/4" diameter U bolt. The dimensions that aren't the same are the length at 14" and and the width at about 4" (inside).
The problem is I can't drive it until I install the new U bolt. I will take your advice and take it for an inspection after installation. Thanks again.
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07-28-2015, 05:51 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Boise, Idaho
Posts: 715
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kmelford
Thanks guys. Yes it is a 3/4" diameter U bolt. The dimensions that aren't the same are the length at 14" and and the width at about 4" (inside).
The problem is I can't drive it until I install the new U bolt. I will take your advice and take it for an inspection after installation. Thanks again.
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Torque them only once after the initial torque setting was reached. If you continue to torque them down the road they may break. (use only motor oil on the threads, no anti-seize).
__________________
2016 Thor Tuscany 34ST XTE, Freightliner XCR, ISB 360hp/800tq. Allison 3000, Koni FSD shocks, Roadmaster 1.75" front sway bar, Safe-T-Plus, DYI air bag flow control valves.
2015 Jeep Willy's Wheeler Wrangler Unlimited Toad, Ready-Brute-Elite tow system.
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