Reasons to Check Your U-Bolts
Although
extremely important, U-bolts may be one of the most overlooked components of
the leaf spring suspension system. These invaluable pieces of the suspension
can mean the difference between a well functioning system and failure that can
lead to damage of the
leaf
springs
they hold.
How Are U-Bolts Used?
A U-bolt
is a bolt that is threaded at both ends and is shaped like the letter “Uâ€, but
can come in a round U shape, a square U shape or a semi-round U shape depending
on the needs of the suspension. It is
one of the major parts of the leaf spring suspension and provides a permanent
tie between the spring leaves. U-Bolts go around the axle and hold the leaf
spring bundle tightly on the underside of the axle.
This is
especially important if the leaf springs do not have spring clips to securely
hold the leaves together in the bundle. By tightly holding the leaf spring
against the axle, the springs can then absorb the shock that is applied to your
suspension when your wheels go over rough terrain since the shock will be
transferred from the axle to the springs.
What Can go Wrong with U-Bolts?
Like any bolt,
the biggest problem that can happen with a U-bolt is for the nut to become
loose. This is made easier by the fact that the suspension system and the
U-bolts within it are constantly subjected to vibrations and jolts when you are
driving. When the nuts become loose, a couple of things can happen. The first of
which is that the U-bolt itself can start hitting against the axle. It is
designed to be tightly held against the leaf spring, and this constant striking
can lead to bolt breakage.
Secondly, even
if the bolts are not to the point of rattling around, they can become slack resulting
in the shorter leaf springs within the leaf spring bundle to move sideways. If
caught early, you can tap the leaf springs back into place and re-tighten the
U-bolts, but if left unattended, this can allow your leaf springs to become
disassembled.
Where to Buy All of Your Suspension System Needs?
Our experts at General Spring
have been an authority in the design and installation of automotive leaf spring
and suspension products since 1965, and in this time we’ve mastered what it
takes to keep a suspension working smoothly. By keeping many items in stock we
can supply quality products with fast shipping, low prices. Furthermore, we can
easily check the quality before shipping to our customers due to our factory
direct approach.
If you need a heavy-duty
option for your car, truck, van, SUV, or you just need to replace broken or
worn factory springs, we can replace them. If we don’t have them in stock, we
can custom design one for you. So give us a call today or
contact
us online
! If you are local you can call us at
913-829-0619, and national customers can call us toll free at 888-829-0619.
When you need suspension products of any kind, we are here to help.
Reasons to Check Your U-Bolts
Although
extremely important, U-bolts may be one of the most overlooked components of
the leaf spring suspension system. These invaluable pieces of the suspension
can mean the difference between a well functioning system and failure that can
lead to damage of the
leaf
springs
they hold.
How Are U-Bolts Used?
A U-bolt
is a bolt that is threaded at both ends and is shaped like the letter “Uâ€, but
can come in a round U shape, a square U shape or a semi-round U shape depending
on the needs of the suspension. It is
one of the major parts of the leaf spring suspension and provides a permanent
tie between the spring leaves. U-Bolts go around the axle and hold the leaf
spring bundle tightly on the underside of the axle.
This is
especially important if the leaf springs do not have spring clips to securely
hold the leaves together in the bundle. By tightly holding the leaf spring
against the axle, the springs can then absorb the shock that is applied to your
suspension when your wheels go over rough terrain since the shock will be
transferred from the axle to the springs.
What Can go Wrong with U-Bolts?
Like any bolt,
the biggest problem that can happen with a U-bolt is for the nut to become
loose. This is made easier by the fact that the suspension system and the
U-bolts within it are constantly subjected to vibrations and jolts when you are
driving. When the nuts become loose, a couple of things can happen. The first of
which is that the U-bolt itself can start hitting against the axle. It is
designed to be tightly held against the leaf spring, and this constant striking
can lead to bolt breakage.
Secondly, even
if the bolts are not to the point of rattling around, they can become slack resulting
in the shorter leaf springs within the leaf spring bundle to move sideways. If
caught early, you can tap the leaf springs back into place and re-tighten the
U-bolts, but if left unattended, this can allow your leaf springs to become
disassembled.
Where to Buy All of Your Suspension System Needs?
Our experts at General Spring
have been an authority in the design and installation of automotive leaf spring
and suspension products since 1965, and in this time we’ve mastered what it
takes to keep a suspension working smoothly. By keeping many items in stock we
can supply quality products with fast shipping, low prices. Furthermore, we can
easily check the quality before shipping to our customers due to our factory
direct approach.
If you need a heavy-duty
option for your car, truck, van, SUV, or you just need to replace broken or
worn factory springs, we can replace them. If we don’t have them in stock, we
can custom design one for you. So give us a call today or
contact
us online
! If you are local you can call us at
913-829-0619, and national customers can call us toll free at 888-829-0619.
When you need suspension products of any kind, we are here to help.