U bolt torque

[99seapro]

Hi everyone I am currently replacing alot of stuff on my trailer. I replaced the whole spring hanger assembly and need to know what I should torque the
1/2" grade 2 u- bolts to? Also what should I torque the axle tie plates to? I torqued all the above to 45 ftlbs and felt like bolts started to stretch so I went no further. Checked a torque table for 1/2" galvanized u-bolt it said starting torque value of 61ftlbs which sounded way high. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Bondo]

Re: U bolt torque

Ayuh,... 60/ 65ft.lbs sounds about right...

 

[robert graham]

Re: U bolt torque

If you're worried about them coming off, use some LocTite or double nut them. Good Luck!

 

[99seapro]

Re: U bolt torque

If you're worried about them coming off, use some LocTite or double nut them. Good Luck!

Not worried about them coming off just don't want the spring assembly to slide and have the alignment be off and also don't want to torque the bolts so tight to weaken them and have them snap on the road.

 

[nlain]

Re: U bolt torque

Make a couple trips and recheck the torque on the ubolts, just to be sure.

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: U bolt torque

Most of that stuff becomes so rusty and such that actual torque numbers become less relevant.

I use the bang bend and stretch method.

I try to tighten in increments so that they all start to pull down about the same time. Then as I continue to get everything fit up, in place, and secured I might tap on the ubolt and associated hardware and listen for a nice "ting" sound indicating tension, rather than a dull loose "thud"


Then if I feel it still isn't as secure as required I'll keep a close eye on items to start bending, like those little plates that go on before the nuts.

That's me, and the way I do it. I many times use a cutting torch for removal, and a 1/2" air operated impact gun for assembly. I've stopped fussing with rusted, mashed, bent over, and fused components, in favor of mechanic efficiency a long time ago.


I do suggest using anti sieze compound on these.

And if you are worried about the axle sliding across a spring, make sure it is secured in place with the saddle/center pin, or drop a couple small welds where it matters.

 

[dingbat]

Re: U bolt torque

Checked a torque table for 1/2" galvanized u-bolt it said starting torque value of 61ftlbs which sounded way high. Any advice is appreciated.

Depends on the grade of the hardware. #61 sound about right for Class 2 or better hrardware.