Trailing arm U-bolts

[mechanicalman]

Question: Are the trailing arm U-bolts re-usable? I heard it mentioned that after they have been in service a long time, if you loosen or remove then that you need to replace them or risk a failure.

I'm reaching out to anyone who has experience failed or not failed, or if this is rule of thumb.

I replaced my trailing arm bushings about 6 years ago, and loosened/retightened the U-bolts to gain clearance to replace the bushings. I had absolutely no trouble loosening them with my Matco 1/2 inch air impact and tightened them to 100 ft lbs. I do live in Arizona, and the bolts were not very rusty and I did spray them just before I did it.

Did I blunder and put myself at risk? Should I get new U-bolts and install them? Never thought I might get myself in trouble so maybe I need to learn. I'm looking for whatever answers are out there, even if they are conflicting then I'll decide on what to do.

[trac209]

I've reused them with no issues. IF they aren't rusted bad you should be fine

[LockDoc]

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I reuse them if there is no visible rust damage to them where they go through the trailing arms. Never had a problem.

LockDoc

[Ricks1971]

Rule of thumb. Always replace used u bolts. I guess being a diesel mechanic we always replace u bolts as retorking them stretches them and they could bust. So the added cost is not that much for the safety.

[mechanicalman]

Originally Posted by Ricks1971

Rule of thumb. Always replace used u bolts. I guess being a diesel mechanic we always replace u bolts as retorking them stretches them and they could bust. So the added cost is not that much for the safety.

Even though a lot of people, myself included, have re-used them and had no problems, I was hoping someone who does it for a living would respond and I am going to replace them. Like you say, cost vs safety not that much.

Thank you.