Q. If I'm replacing a spring, can I re-use the old u-bolts?
A. No, you should never re-use u-bolts. A properly installed U-Bolt stretches a little bit under torque. The results of this small amount of stretching and its effects on the U-Bolt threads and deep nut, lower a used U-Bolt's ability to sustain the required clamping torque.
Q. Is torque important when I tighten u-bolts?
A. You bet it is. The following are a list of common problems resulting from improperly torqued u-bolts:
- looseness in seat area
- excessive wear on chassis components
- possible spring breakage
- possible axle slippage and misalignment