Re-using U-bolts?

[ChallengerHK]

I've always been told that U-bolts should never be re-used. I have to take my leaf springs off my axle (long story) and I'm wondering if that applies to my situation.

I installed all of this about two years ago, and since then the car has seen about 2,000 miles. So, if the answer is "You shouldn't re-use u-bolts because they enter plastic deformation when they're tightened" the I shouldn't be using them, but if the answer is "You shouldn't re-use u-bolts because they experience road salts, high stresses and large temp variations which will wekean the steel" then I should be fine.

Thoughts?

[Street_Challenged73]

Considering how cheap they are, I'd just replace them.  The only U-bolts I'd ever reuse are ones used for exhaust hanger brackets.   I'd figure the amount of force put onto the threads for the initial usage would have weakened the bolts in that area, but cannot confirm that.

[quapman]

I myself would not hesitate to reuse the current bolts. Sure, there is stress and stretching of the threads, but there isn't the amount that a connectiong rod bolt would see. Usually, most of the deformation is in the NUTS, so it probably wouldn't hurt to get new ones there.

Two cents for the jar!

Steve

[FJ5_440]

Back when I didn't have $15 to my name, I reused U bolts on a car that ran high 12s/ low 13s  and was mostly used as a daily driver for years.  I never had a problem.  That being said, now that I have a tiny little bit of expendable income, I just replaced a set that were only 2 years old and had about 45 miles on them.  I considered it cheap insurance.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

I was in a similar situation, and I re-used them. As long as you don't have trouble getting the nuts loose, which I doubt... they should be good to go.



  Mike

[heminut]

The only time I've replaced the U bolts with new ones was when they were rusted so bad that I didn't want to deal with getting the nuts off. I've reused a lot of U bolts in 40 years and never had a problem.

[Changin Gears]

I have reused u-bolts many times.  If you do replace them make sure  to use the one that have the flat spot the grips the axle.  These u-bolts support the entire weight of the back of car and the round ones only contact the axle in a small area.  Not so important on trucks since the axle is under the spring.

[bb71challenger]

I would not hesitate to re-use u-bolts. I know the bolts made today is probaby better metal but they are unproven also. The old ones have been through everything and if they didnt break in tens of thousands of miles then they are good enough for me   

[MJS73]

I re-used mine. They were completely rust free, so I re-used, them, the shackle bolts and the nuts even.

Mike

[ShelbyDogg]

I reuse mine too. I just had to cut 3 out of 4 off because the threads wouldn't let go of the nut or just broke off on these 37 year old bolts. This was after wire wheeling the lower threads and sprying with penetrating oil days earlier. Sometimes it works, other times doesn't

[Chryco Psycho]

I use new , a setcosts around $30 why reuse them ?

[ChallengerHK]

I use new , a setcosts around $30 why reuse them ?

That's the direction I'm leaning in too. Thanks for the feedback, guys.

[ShelbyDogg]

a setcosts around $30 why reuse them ?

Why? Because a new set cost $30.

Same reason that I have a container with all the the bolts from mopars that I've parted out. The old bolts look "correct".   I've seen some replacement u-bolts on people's cars and some of the thread areas are too long.
I never bought a new set. What do they look like?

[71chally416]

I didn't want to deal with getting the nuts off.

My Ex was like like that. 

[nivvy]

I would just buy another set and not worry about it....