Rear u bolts question.

Discussion in 'Volvo Forum' started by ErieMcDreary, Mar 29, 2020.

  1. ErieMcDreary

    ErieMcDreary Medium Load Member

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    While doing some maintenance on my truck I found a loose U bolt on the forward differential. When I tried to tighten it I got a rude surprise. They don't have normal nuts!!! They look like round sleeves instead?!?!
    Is my only option replacing them?
     
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  3. Shawn2130

    Shawn2130 Heavy Load Member

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    What truck is this?

    I’ve never heard of a huck nut being used for u-bolts.
     
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  4. Shawn2130

    Shawn2130 Heavy Load Member

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    If that’s the case, the only way is to replace the u-bolts.
     
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  5. ErieMcDreary

    ErieMcDreary Medium Load Member

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    It's a 2106 Volvo VNL, Volvo air ride tandem.
     
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  6. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    Once a u bolt is loose, it must be replaced, and torqued properly to attain proper stretch. Even if you could tighten it, it won’t hold, will loosen again, because u bolts are already stretched.
     
  7. ErieMcDreary

    ErieMcDreary Medium Load Member

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    OK, thanks. Off to Volvo in the morning.
     
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  8. Snailexpress

    Snailexpress Road Train Member

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    Ask Volvo to check pinion angle as it going out of spec when U-bolts are lose. Otherwise drive line vibration will destroy everything slowly but steady.
     
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  9. 062

    062 Road Train Member

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    Hopefully you have access to a torch or know someone who does.
     
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  10. ErieMcDreary

    ErieMcDreary Medium Load Member

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    Yes I have one, but I don't have a heavy duty impact to tighten the new ones enough.
    Volvo wanted to re-install the same thing, I said NO WAY!!!!
    Local alignment and suspension shop doing it Thursday. All new U-bolts and re-alignment.
     
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  11. Shawn2130

    Shawn2130 Heavy Load Member

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    There really is nothing wrong with using Huck bolts and nuts.

    Those machines put the preload on the bolts the first time and compress the nut in place.

    I have learned myself that u-bolts should be replaced any time they come loose or are removed.

    As time goes on, the nuts seize in place and the threads that are visible to the salt and weather are usually rotted away.

    I have tried re tightening u-bolts for one truck that we have but it’s difficult to get the proper torque specs again.

    End up being better in the long run to just replace them.
     
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