Posted by Desoto61 [162.158.186.159] on Friday, May 18, 2018 at 06:01:15 :
In Reply to: Re: U-bolts revisited posted by Clint Dixon [172.68.90.97] on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 10:10:29 :
A lock-nut effect is basically what I figured when I first read about it too. Considering the kinds of stresses they are under I could easily see that being a need.
It could also be a factor that since the first few threads take most of the load the use of a deep nut is to allow threads in the nut and bolt to deform and "mate" as the bolts are stressed under load, especially where the axle is on top of the springs and the stresses in tension will be much higher. If so then you've lost or compromised that capability if you were to remove and re-install them next time.
If the nuts are stressed or similar so they lock then they have a limited cycle life and there would be little way for the average mechanic to know if this was the first or 5th time, so as a manufacturer you wouldn't ever take that liability.
At it's most basic as the manufacturer of a high stress safety component on a vehicle I'd never leave that door open either as someone would re-install a U-bolt or nuts that were clearly not safe and when it failed and they crashed into a bus load of nuns would blame you for a defective product. Doesn't hurt that it makes you more money either.
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