Leaf spring bolt

[hdossett]

Was crawling under my rig this AM investigating a gray water leak when I happend to see that the nut was ready to fall of the front bolt of the LR leaf spring! The bolt had backed up about 3/8 of an inch. Of course, I do not have my large wrenches with me, have to go borrow/rent some if I can find them. Tried to drive the bolt back in, but no luck. Tuff to get to and the bushing didn't help!

Any ideas for a limp home fix to keep the bolt from falling out?

Does anyone know if they are Metric or SAE

Does NAPA rent wrenches?

Where is a Harbor Freight when you need one?

Oh well, at least it is beautiful, sitting just north of Organ Pipe Cactus NP, 100 miles from the nearest Wal*Mart!

Now to find something to fix the gray tank leak!

[Campingman]

Always carry a 10" adjustable wrench. Works as a hammer also. Do you have chanel locks or vise grip pliers? I even carry an Impact hammer with all the sockets.

[hdossett]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Campingman Always carry a 10" adjustable wrench. Works as a hammer also. Do you have chanel locks or vise grip pliers? I even carry an Impact hammer with all the sockets.

My 10" adjustable on goes to 1-1/8, looks like I need a 1-3/16 I flagged down A follow RVer as he was pulling out of the area, he had what looked like an 18" adjustable. It was too big to fin in the area of the nut. Other RVs are scarce here!

I do have 14" or so pipe pliers, but I think the thread are messed up.

I can secure a block to prevent the bolt from coming out. Next thing I need to do is take the weight off of the spring, and try again.

Where would I find a replacement bolt, if needed? I have about 3/4 of a nuts worth of good threads for sure, (the other ones did not use a "full nut" of threads. May just put a flat and lock washer to get pass the bad threads.

Will be headed to near Tucson soon, should find any needed tools at Harbor Freight there.

NAPA wanted $40 for there 1-1/16 combo wrench, (there largest), would hate to think about the price of the 1-3/16. The prices were going up exponentially with size! Not in a bad enough spot (yet) for me to spend $50+ for one single use wench! but they didn't one anyway!

Still don't know how to get to the gray tank leak yet!

Ah, the joys of home (on wheels) ownership!

Harold

[Chuck 1935]

Once you get the weight off the spring the bolt should go right back in. Then you can run the nut back on no matter how bad the threads are. I wouldn't worry about getting a new nut or bolt right now. Also, when the bolt is all the way back in, put the load back on the spring to prevent the bolt from turning. That way you will only need one wrench, water pump pliers, or pipe wrench to turn the nut.

[hdossett]

OK, got that one fixed. Took the weight off, and got the bolt all the way through, and let it down to hold it while I tightened the nut. The threads were screwed up just enough to lock the nut in place. Job well done!

Thanks for the ideas

Harold

[Chuck 1935]

Harold,
It's always easy to come up with a solution when it's not your problem. Glad you got it fixed.

Chuck

[KC1BUD]

"Does NAPA rent wrenches?"

Don't know about NAPA but you might try Auto Zone.