Removing the Old Springs Download Article
- 1 Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes. ...
- 2 Soak the spring’s nuts and bolts in oil. ...
- 3 Remove the bolt from the shock pads with a ratchet wrench. ...
- 4 Loosen the U-bolts to remove them. ...
- 5 Unscrew the eyelet bolts on the spring’s ends. ...
- 6 Repeat the steps to remove the other leaf spring. ...
Full Answer
How do you replace a U-bolt on a leaf spring?
Take off the nuts of the u-bolt and remove. Old, rusted u-bolts many need to be cut off. Place the new U-bolt around the leaf spring. Connect the two portions of the "U" with two nuts. Use a torque wrench for the installation.
How do you remove a leaf spring from a front wheel?
Unscrew the eyelet bolts on the spring’s ends. At the front end of the wheel, you will see a pair of bolts securing the leaf spring to the vehicle’s underside. Turn these counterclockwise to slide them off of the leaf spring. Repeat this to remove the bolts on the spring’s back end. [7]
How do you replace a U-bolt on a Chevy Silverado?
Jack up one side, put the truck on the jack stands and locate the damaged U-bolt that you would like to replace. Take off the nuts of the u-bolt and remove. Old, rusted u-bolts many need to be cut off. Place the new U-bolt around the leaf spring. Connect the two portions of the "U" with two nuts. Use a torque wrench for the installation.
How do you mount a leaf spring to a hanger?
First, place the leaf spring in position and insert mounting bolts and retainer nuts at each end to secure the spring to the hangers. It is recommended to use new nuts and bolts as the old ones may be worn down. Make sure all of your mounting bolts are secure by tightening them up.
How to tighten a leaf spring?
How to remove leaf springs on a car?
How to remove shock pads from car?
How to loosen springs?
How to install a spring on a rim?
Why put a floor jack under the spring?
What is leaf spring?
See 4 more
About this website
Should you replace U-bolts on leaf springs?
U-bolts are a vital part of your suspension system and should never be reused. Failure to replace or properly fit your U-bolts when maintaining or servicing your suspension could cause premature failure of your leaf springs or other components with catastrophic results.
How do you remove leaf springs from U-bolts?
0:031:11Axle u bolt Replacement, How to Replace U Bolts and U ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo basically you just cut them with a cut-off wheel and then you know they'll just come off and it'sMoreSo basically you just cut them with a cut-off wheel and then you know they'll just come off and it's pretty straightforward.
How do you tighten U-bolt leaf springs?
0:312:12Torque Your Leaf Springs U-bolts Properly | One Minute MondayYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhen torquing the u-bolts. Be sure to do so in a criss-cross fashion. If your springs break betweenMoreWhen torquing the u-bolts. Be sure to do so in a criss-cross fashion. If your springs break between the u-bolts.
Do leaf spring U-bolts need lock washers?
Lock washers or ordinary flat washers are not suitable for use with U-Bolts. The soft material is prone to compression, leading to a loss of torque. Only deep nuts and thick, hardened washers should be used on u-bolts.
How install U bolt?
0:100:35U-Bolt Installation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStart by locating the two holes near the center of the rocker. Panel next insert one end of the u-MoreStart by locating the two holes near the center of the rocker. Panel next insert one end of the u-bolt into the larger oval hole rotate the u-bolt. And pull it through the smaller round hole.
How do I remove a rusted U bolt?
Hydrogen peroxide can dissolve rust. Applying hydrogen peroxide to the fasteners and letting it sit is also an effective method to remove rust and loosen nuts and bolts. Scouring it with a hard brush will help you get rid of all the rust left on the nuts and bolts.
Can loose U-bolts cause vibration?
By definition, an under-tightened bolt is already loose and the joint does not have enough clamp force to hold the individual sections together. This can lead to sideways slippage between sections, placing unwanted shear stress on the bolt that could eventually cause it to break. Vibration.
How tight should you tighten U-bolts?
Tighten all U-Bolts until they are snug only. Tighten in the sequence shown to approximately 1/3 of recommended torque. Repeat, using the same sequence, gradually increasing the torque through a second and third stage until the recommended final torque is attained.
What happens if you over tighten U-bolts?
One of the most damaging ways to do that is by over-tightening, or over torquing the fastener. This can result in stripping screws, snapping screw heads and damaging pre-tapped threading.
How to tighten a leaf spring?
Screw the leaf spring to the front bracket with a ratchet wrench. Pick up the end near the front of the tire. The leaf spring fits in the lowest point of the bracket, which hangs down from the car’s underside. Slide the eyelet bolt into the bracket and spring, replacing the nut and twisting it clockwise to tighten it.
How to remove leaf springs on a car?
Unscrew the eyelet bolts on the spring’s ends. At the front end of the wheel, you will see a pair of bolts securing the leaf spring to the vehicle’s underside. Turn these counterclockwise to slide them off of the leaf spring. Repeat this to remove the bolts on the spring’s back end.
How to remove shock pads from car?
Remove the bolt from the shock pads with a ratchet wrench. Look for a triangular mounting bracket right beside the leaf spring. It will be on the axle and bolted to a bar that attaches to the car’s underside. Use a ratchet wrench to turn the bolts counterclockwise until you can remove the bracket.
How to loosen springs?
Soak the spring’s nuts and bolts in oil. To loosen the parts, spray penetrating oil on them. The oil helps prevent damage to these components as you remove them. You can use a penetrating oil like WD-40.
How to install a spring on a rim?
Attach the spring to the rear bracket. Fit the other end of the spring in the square-shaped bracket at the back end of the wheel. Replace the eye bolts and nuts, tightening them until the spring is suspended in place.
Why put a floor jack under the spring?
If you have an extra floor jack, placing it under the spring removes some of the tension, making the bolts easier to remove .
What is leaf spring?
The leaf spring is the long, flat, and slightly curved metal strip. It extends across the length of the tire.
How to replace a U bolt on a truck?
Jack up one side, put the truck on the jack stands and locate the damaged U-bolt that you would like to replace. Take off the nuts of the u-bolt and remove. Old, rusted u-bolts many need to be cut off. Place the new U-bolt around the leaf spring. Connect the two portions of the "U" with two nuts.
What happens when a leaf spring flexes?
As the leaf spring flexes under normal operation, the U-bolt will work into the top plate which will lead to loose U-bolts and possibly premature leaf spring failure. In figure 2 the shape mismatch is causing the pressure to be concentrated at the corners of the top plate.
How to contact U bolts?
If you have any question about install you u-bolts or need new ones, call 1-800-358-4751 to talk to one of our leaf spring suspension experts. Comments are closed.
What is a proper fit for U bolts?
Proper Fit of your U-bolts. If your U-bolts are semi-round, proper fit is essential to maintain clamping forces. Unlike square or round bend U-bolts that do not vary much from one manufacture to another, semi-round bend shapes are usually unique to a particular vehicle or suspension manufacturer.
Can you reuse U bolts?
U-bolts are a vital part of your suspension system and should never be reused. Failure to replace or properly fit your U-bolts when maintaining or servicing your suspension could cause premature failure of your leaf springs or other components with catastrophic results.
How to install a leaf spring?
First, place the leaf spring in position and insert mounting bolts and retainer nuts at each end to secure the spring to the hangers. It is recommended to use new nuts and bolts as the old ones may be worn down. Step 5 - Attach U-Bolt s. Make sure all of your mounting bolts are secure by tightening them up.
How to remove leaf springs from bushings?
Now remove the leaf springs by first removing the eyelet bolts from the bushings. Now you can carefully take down the old leaf springs. Step 4 - Attach Eye Bolts.
Why do you need leaf springs?
They are in place to support the weight of the vehicle, keep the tires on the road by regulating wheelbase lengths while accelerating and breaking, control ride height and controls axle damping. There are many reasons why someone would want to replace their leaf springs.
How to raise rear tires?
Use a floor jack to raise the car so that the rear tires are 3 inches off the ground. Place a jack stand on either side of the car about one foot in front of each rear tire. Lower the floor jack and use it to support the rear axle by placing it under the rear axle gear housing.
When should U bolts be replaced?
Bottom line is we recommend that the u-bolts be replaced once they have been torqued to spec. Whether one does so or not is their choice.
Why should U bolts be replaced after torque?
The reason u-bolts should be replaced after they have been torque is because the threads are rolled, not cut. Because of this the threads are distorted when torqued. This distortion will not allow the torqued to be maintained when the nuts are loosened then retightened.
What steel is used for U bolts?
Quality aftermarket u-bolts are made to SAE standard J429 using SAE1541 steel. 1541 provide a 150,00 PSI minimum tensile strength, and 130,000 PSI minimum yield strength and a 120,00 PSI proof load. So stretching, or exceeding the yield is not something one needs to be concerned with.
Why are my springs breaking?
Because loose u-bolts are the main cause of broken springs, we suggest that they be re-torqued. While the springs are new and the u-bolts are new, the rest of the suspension is aged and will have wear. It is common that the new parts receive additional stress than the older parts.
Can you re-use U-bolts?
I basically removed the brand new drivers side U-bolts for nothing, and then found out that you are not supposed to re-use U-bolts, if that is actually considered re-use since the vehicle was never driven or moved. I even took the time to paint the U-bolts with epoxy paint and a good enamel top coat to prevent rust. The weight of the vehicle was on the springs the whole time I did the work, it that matters at all.
What are U bolts?
U-bolts are what provide the clamping force needed to hold your springs to the axle. Any movement in the center bolt area can cause a spring to break so follow your manufacturers recommendations.
Do tight U bolts extend spring life?
And heck, it’s a good idea to check them every time you’re underneath your vehicle. Remember, tight U-bolts will extend your spring’s life and performance.
How to tighten leaf springs?
Raise the front end of the leaf spring to a level between the forward mounts. Slide the bolt into place and secure it with the locking nut, but only loosely. The spring pack is not ready to be tightened. Bring down the back end until it makes contact with the spring and put the center into alignment.
How to remove rear leaf springs on a truck?
Turn the rear-wheel lug nuts loose. Elevate the truck at least three inches at the back end with a hydraulic jack and place a jack stand below the rear axle. With the truck suspended at the rear, remove the loosened lug nuts and slide off the rear wheels. Now, you should have clear access to the two rear leaf springs.
How long does it take to replace leaf springs on a car?
After about seven days, recheck the nuts and bolts to make sure they are tight enough. With the torque wrench in hand once again, reapply the shock absorbers. Now that you have completed the leaf spring replacement on one side, repeat these steps on the other side.
How to secure rear leaf spring?
With the rear leaf spring properly aligned, place it on the shackle and secure it with locking nuts, but not too tightly. Use new fasteners for this, as the pre-existing nuts and bolts could be worn.
Why do trucks have leaf springs?
The purpose of leaf springs is to prevent the truck from slouching in the back when you haul heavy loads. Leaf springs keep the truck balanced and the tires level throughout each ride — even when you accelerate, brake and drive over speed bumps.
What happens if your rear leaf springs are cracked?
If the leaf springs that came with your truck are no longer effective, a new set of rear leaf springs will likely improve your driving experience. If the springs are cracked, they are probably due for a change-out — even if you have not noticed the difference.
How to tighten a U bolt?
Bring down the back end until it makes contact with the spring and put the center into alignment. Take the new U-bolts that came with your replacement kit and put them into place. The assembly is now ready to be tightened. With a torque wrench in hand, firmly secure the nuts and bolts. After about seven days, recheck the nuts and bolts to make sure they are tight enough.
What does OEM leaf spring mean?
OEM leaf springs are designed to be in the middle of weight support and comfort. If the leaf springs are too stiff, then you’re going to bounce all over the cab and have a back ache after you drive to your local supermarket. If their too soft, you won’t even be able to put a slab of sheet rock in the back.
What is leaf pack?
A leaf pack is intended to work together, so that’s just a quick fix, not a solution. As for helper springs; they are a great addition - but only after you replace the leaf spring! A helper spring is intended to do just as the name states, help a spring, but a healthy spring.
Do you need a leaf spring?
You must have a good leaf spring because the vehicle is not designed to rely on helper springs which are not designed to be the "primary" suspension of the vehicle. If the back of truck is only sagging when hauling or using something like a turnover ball hitch, then yes - a helper spring is your best option.
How to tighten a leaf spring?
Screw the leaf spring to the front bracket with a ratchet wrench. Pick up the end near the front of the tire. The leaf spring fits in the lowest point of the bracket, which hangs down from the car’s underside. Slide the eyelet bolt into the bracket and spring, replacing the nut and twisting it clockwise to tighten it.
How to remove leaf springs on a car?
Unscrew the eyelet bolts on the spring’s ends. At the front end of the wheel, you will see a pair of bolts securing the leaf spring to the vehicle’s underside. Turn these counterclockwise to slide them off of the leaf spring. Repeat this to remove the bolts on the spring’s back end.
How to remove shock pads from car?
Remove the bolt from the shock pads with a ratchet wrench. Look for a triangular mounting bracket right beside the leaf spring. It will be on the axle and bolted to a bar that attaches to the car’s underside. Use a ratchet wrench to turn the bolts counterclockwise until you can remove the bracket.
How to loosen springs?
Soak the spring’s nuts and bolts in oil. To loosen the parts, spray penetrating oil on them. The oil helps prevent damage to these components as you remove them. You can use a penetrating oil like WD-40.
How to install a spring on a rim?
Attach the spring to the rear bracket. Fit the other end of the spring in the square-shaped bracket at the back end of the wheel. Replace the eye bolts and nuts, tightening them until the spring is suspended in place.
Why put a floor jack under the spring?
If you have an extra floor jack, placing it under the spring removes some of the tension, making the bolts easier to remove .
What is leaf spring?
The leaf spring is the long, flat, and slightly curved metal strip. It extends across the length of the tire.
Step 1 - Secure The Car on A Flat Surface
- Park the vehicle in a flat area. For safety, move the vehicle to a solid surface, such as a concrete workshop or driveway. Choose a surface that is as even as possible. This is to give the vehicle stability and reduce the risk of an accident.[1] X Research source Make sure the vehicle is not leaning to the side. Although rolling is a more frequent issue, an improperly-lifte…
- Chock 1 of the front tires. You will need a pair of wheel chocks, which are wedges that fit und…
Step 2 - Locate The U-Bolt That Needs Changing
Step 3 - Remove Pressure
Step 4 - Remove The U-Bolt
Step 5 - Change The U-Bolt
- If you are working around the leaf springs, wheel springs or even the exhaust, you will encounter some pressure on the bolts. A U-bolt has a small metal piece that connects the two different parts of the "U" together with two nuts. When this is under pressure, it can twist the metal tines so that it is harder to get the nuts off. Use a jack to lift up the springs or exhaust pipes while you remove t…