torque suspension nuts

[moose308]

does anyone torque the nuts on their suspension?

[ewkearns]

No, not really. They need to be tight enough that they will not rotate in service, but there is no specified torque value for them.

Torque values are typically designed to stretch a bolt placed in tension. Hangar bolts and the like are stressed in shear and, thus, don't need to be torqued to any specific value, but rotation is a no-no.

Tighten the bolts enough that they won't rotate, but don't bend the hangers. Make sure that there are a couple of threads extending beyond the nuts and make sure there is some form of locking mechanism on the nuts. I would guess that elastic stop nuts are the most common form of locking devices....

[hankpage]

Not sure if all are this way but ...... My hanger bolts (from Dexter) were knurled near the head and fit tightly into hanger. Instructions said to turn only the nut to a specified torque (Don't remember ft,lbs.) to prevent bolt from turning and elongating the hole in the hanger when in use. I am sure this info should be available from Dexter or maybe even Lippert websites. They were very clear on NOT turning the bolt. JM2¢, Hank

Just checked Dexter website .. they say 65-70 ftlbs on hanger nut and 30-35 on equalizer nuts Hope this helps, Hank

[ewkearns]

Originally Posted by hankpage

Not sure if all are this way but ...... My hanger bolts (from Dexter) were knurled near the head and fit tightly into hanger. Instructions said to turn only the nut to a specified torque (Don't remember ft,lbs.) to prevent bolt from turning and elongating the hole in the hanger when in use. I am sure this info should be available from Dexter or maybe even Lippert websites. They were very clear on NOT turning the bolt. JM2¢, Hank

Just checked Dexter website .. they say 65-70 ftlbs on hanger nut and 30-35 on equalizer nuts Hope this helps, Hank

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. This assembly uses knurled bolts to prevent rotation (so, turning the bolt would be disastrous) and uses bushings for clearance.... so, torquing the nut to achieve tension against the bushing makes sense.....

Ignore me (and anybody else), if the manufacturer has specific instructions.....