u-bolts keep getting loose

[MOTOV8R]

I recently installed MAF's U-bolt flip kit. Nice stuff but I've torqued the u-bolts to 100 ft-lbs 4 times now (over the course of a couple hundred miles). I added red lock-tite last time I did it and they were still loose. Is this just the bolts relaxing/stretching? When does it stop? I can tell when they are starting to get loose because I get a little bit of the dreaded death wobble.

 

[65swb45]

IMO, the u-bolts are not coming loose, but the lower saddle pad is slowly bending to conform to the shape of your springs, and as it bends, it gets closer to the upper plate, effectively making the bolts loose.

Keep checking them; they will settle in eventually.

Best

Mark A.

 

[bsevans]

From an Internet search;

• after 5 days
• after 30 days
• after 60 days
• every 6 months thereafter

or

Important note: Always retorque newly installed u-bolts after 20 miles of service. If they have lost noticeable torque, retorque again after 1 day. Continue rechecking until the u-bolts hold torque. (Loss of torque value is usually from settling of the stack of components being clamped together) This is a very important practice because loose u-bolts will cause spring breakage through the center hole, possible shifting of the axle with resulting damage and safety issues!

or

Always re-torque the newly installed u-bolts after 50 miles of driving.
Then recheck after another 50 miles.
Then again after 500 miles.

 

[MOTOV8R]

Thanks for the input. I haven't driven it much since the last time I torqued them but I'll keep checking them.

 

[ohrly?]

If the bolt that holds your spring pack rusts out it allows the spring leaves to move around, which loosen your u-bolts and before you know it your pulled over by the cops and they are wondering why your truck is smoking and your wheel is resting against the body.

 

[eleblanc]

Same thing happened to me. Last time i had to remove the u-bolt, clean the rusty surface and reinstall them. But yes i had to retight them 3-4 times when i first got them installed.