U-Bolt Torque - Peterbilt 348 2017 Operator's Manual

FRONT AXLE AND SUSPENSION

U-Bolt Torque

It is important that U-bolts remain tight.
Severe use of your vehicle will cause
them to loosen faster. But all vehicles
need to have their U-bolts checked and
tightened regularly. Be sure someone
with the proper training and the right
tools checks and tightens the U-bolts
on your vehicle.
New springs can settle in after service,
relieving the tension on the U-bolts.
Loose U-bolts can cause leaf spring
breakage, axle misalignment, hard
steering and abnormal tire wear.
5
All vehicles should have suspension
U-bolts tightened after the first 500
miles (800 km) of operation. Re-torque
the front spring pinch bolts and shackle
pinch bolts.
5-116
WARNING!
Do not operate the vehicle if the
U-bolts are not properly tightened.
Loose U-bolts will cause the axle
to not be properly secured to the
suspension, which could cause loss
of vehicle control and an accident.
Loose U-bolts can also cause un-
even tire wear and poor alignment.
Failure to comply may result in
death, personal injury, equipment or
property damage.
U-bolts are difficult to tighten unless
you have the right equipment. If you
cannot tighten them correctly yourself,
be sure to have them checked and
tightened regularly by an authorized
mechanic.
Tighten U-bolt nuts to the specified
torque value with the vehicle loaded to
its normal gross weight. The following
torque values apply to U-bolts and
nuts with clean threads lubricated with
Y53-6060-1C1
Chevron zinc lubricant (SAE 20 or 30
oils acceptable but not preferred).
WARNING!
Do not replace U-bolts and nuts with
common U-bolts or standard nuts.
These parts are critical to vehicle
safety. If the wrong U-bolts or nuts
are used, the axle could loosen or
separate from the vehicle and cause
a serious accident. Use only U-bolts
and nuts of SAE Grade 8 specifi-
cation or better. Failure to comply
may result in death, personal injury,
equipment or property damage.
(03/17)