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u bolts and wheel hubs (re: ebay madness)Views : 1305 Replies : 10Users Viewing This Thread : |
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Jan 26th, 2018, 06:57 | #1 |
Non Fragile
Last Online: Oct 13th, 2023 05:46
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Chadderton, Oldham
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u bolts and wheel hubs (re: ebay madness)
Some of you might know the history. Breif synopsis, searching for cheap trailer, got one off ebay (this one) for £18, and I'm quite happy but:-
I just had to mess with it, d'in I!? This 'U' clamp holds the axle to the leaf springs. I wasn't happy with one of the springs, a band wasn't lining up with the others and the perfectionist in me struck! I wanted to realign the spring, and paint it while I'm at it, and get all this grease off, and I've gone and snapped it. When will I ever learn to leave things alone? The easiest option is to buy some new ones, but where can I buy these? So far I've tried bending threaded rod into the 'U' shape, but that didn't work, just snapped. It might do better if hot, and that's something I'll experiment with today. Another option is to use television aerial fixings. The other problem is the wheel hubs. The seem to be oozing grease at the axle side. I presume this is indicative of a worn bearing? I'm hoping you guys in the trailer forum will be able to fill in some gaps in my knowledge. Please can someone advise me. Thankyou. |
Jan 26th, 2018, 07:53 | #2 |
Premier Member
Last Online: Yesterday 21:25
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Plymouth
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Hi
U bolts:- loads on eBay, motor factors will probably sell them, trailer places probably, breakers yard. eBay is probably easier 4 for £10. Don't use aerial ones, they will not be strong enough, should really be high tensile steel Iain |
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Jan 26th, 2018, 09:28 | #3 |
Master Member
Last Online: Apr 23rd, 2020 07:12
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: high ham somerset
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"U" bolts
Morning Canis, well ref. The trailer rebuild. Glad you found one with leaf springs. you can "tune" these,adding and removing leaves to stop them sagging,as the Duchess said to the Vicar. or the wheels spending more time off the road than on it.
Now what I would advise, (used to work for a truck/coach,bus dealer,so i know a bit about leaf springs.) have a look for a firm that repairs/makes leaf springs the will also make 'u'bolts.if you can't find one without too much hassle,nip into one of your local truck dealers workshop,or wk.shop reception, and ask them where they get their springs done. don't forget to take your "u" bolt for a pattern,they may even have some laying around, Just a tip ,ask one of the older blokes if you have the choice. Do you have a center bolt?holding the leaves together? if so worth replacing while you have got them apart. The suspected dodgy seal on the hub bearing, take the old seal or the hub to you local bearing factor,they can measure it up and fix you up. Just one thing,don't paint the rubbing surfaces of the spring leaves. Good luck with the rebuild,Regards,Keith.
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Jan 27th, 2018, 14:43 | #4 |
Non Fragile
Last Online: Oct 13th, 2023 05:46
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Chadderton, Oldham
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Thanks for all the advice, it all make sense but to no avail. I can't seem to get hold of the U bolts I need for love nor money.
They are available in america. And cheap too. But they won't post to england. The blasted EU strikes again, saving me from the perils of being forced to use imperial measurements, protecting my consumer interests by insisting everything be metric. And so here I am, unable to get the bits I need. Thanks Germany. Never in my life did I imagine it would come to this. It's just not fair. |
Jan 27th, 2018, 15:02 | #5 | |
Premier Member
Last Online: Yesterday 21:25
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Location: Plymouth
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Hi
Quote:
Are they a special size or material? Seems strange they are so rare There must be an alternative/equivalent in the UK Iain |
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Jan 27th, 2018, 15:44 | #6 |
The truth is out there...
Last Online: Aug 10th, 2021 08:43
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Location: Barnstaple
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