How to Torque Your Trailer’s U-Bolts | Proper U-Bolt Torque Specs (3.5K-7K Axles)
Ensuring your trailer axle U-bolts are properly torqued is critical for safety, performance, and longevity. In this step-by-step trailer maintenance tutorial, we’ll show you how to correctly torque your trailer’s U-bolts and cover the proper U-bolt torque specs for 3,500-lb to 7,000-lb axle kits.
In This Video, You’ll Learn:
- Why torquing U-bolts is essential for axle security
- Proper torque specs for 3.5K, 5.2K, 6K, and 7K U-bolt kits
- Step-by-step guide to torquing U-bolts correctly
- Other problems to look out for when torquing your U-Bolts
- How to check and re-torque U-bolts for long-term performance
Keeping your trailer suspension secure starts with properly installed and torqued U-bolts! Whether you’re replacing a trailer axle, upgrading your suspension, or performing routine maintenance, this guide has everything you need.
When torquing the U-Bolts on your trailers suspension start by determining their correct torque secs. Once identified set a torque wrench to the correct foot pounds of torque the nuts require.
U-Bolts on a 3,500 lb axle require a torque spec of 45-70 ft-lbs. U-bolts on Axles ranging from 5,200-7,000 lb require a torque spec of 90-110 ft-lbs.
Based on your axle’s capacity set the torque wrench to the correct setting and make one round tightening all the nuts until the wrench clicks. Once you have tightened all four nuts repeat the process once more ensuring they are correct.
After completing this process on one side of the trailer move to the other and complete the same process once again. While under your trailer it is best practice to inspect all other components of your suspension for wear or signs of damage.
It is also recommended to grease the pivot points in the suspension to prolong their lifespan.
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