NOLATHANE Nuts, Bolts & Screws

Nolathane nuts, bolts, and screws cover the suspension hardware that holds everything else in place. The range is led by universal U-bolts, the u bolts that clamp a leaf spring to the axle, along with specialist automotive bolts and washers for adjusting and mounting suspension parts.

Hardware is easy to overlook, but every bushing, spring, and arm depends on it. The right size, correctly torqued, keeps parts located and loads where they belong. Each listing shows the dimensions, thread size, and application of each part.

The Role of Suspension Hardware

Suspension hardware does two jobs. It carries load, and it clamps parts in position. Bolts hold arms to their mounts, U-bolts clamp springs to axles, and washers spread clamping force so bushings and brackets aren?t crushed or pulled out of shape.

That makes the correct size and torque just as important as the parts the hardware holds. A good bushing on a loose bolt still lets the arm move. A new spring on stretched U-bolts can still shift on the axle. Getting the fasteners right is what lets every other part do its job.

U-Bolts in a Leaf Spring Suspension

On a leaf spring suspension, the spring pack sits on a perch on the axle tube. A spring plate goes on the other side, and two U-bolts wrap around the axle and pass through the plate. Nuts on the U-bolts pull everything tight.

That clamping force is what holds the axle in place on the spring. The center bolt through the spring pack locates it, but it?s the U-bolts that stop it moving under acceleration, braking, and load.

When U-bolts loosen, problems follow quickly. The axle can shift on the spring, which upsets alignment and handling. The center bolt can shear as it takes loads it was never meant to carry. The spring itself can be damaged where it rubs against the perch. Leaf spring u bolts and axle u bolts need to be the right size and properly tight to prevent this.

Measuring U-Bolts

U-bolts are sized by a few key measurements. Each listing shows the inside width, length, thread, and top shape, so you can match them to your axle and spring pack. Universal U-bolts are guaranteed to match the dimensions shown in the listing.

Inside Width

Measure the inside width between the two legs. It needs to match the width of the spring pack, or the diameter of the axle tube on round designs.

Length

Measure the length from the inside of the bend to the end of the thread. It must be long enough to pass through the spring pack, spring plate, and any lift block, with enough thread left for the nut.

Thread Size

Match the thread diameter and pitch to the nuts and to the holes in the spring plate.

Square Top or Round Top

Square u bolts have a flat top with square corners and suit square-sided spring perches or axle pads. Round u bolts have a curved top that wraps around a round axle tube. Choose the shape that matches how the U-bolt sits on your axle.

Why U-Bolts Shouldn?t Be Reused

It?s tempting to reuse U-bolts that look fine, but they shouldn?t be. When a U-bolt is torqued, it stretches slightly to create clamping force. Once it has been stretched, it may not clamp as well a second time.

The threads can also gall, where the metal of the nut and bolt tears as it?s tightened, which gives a false torque reading. A reused U-bolt can feel tight on the wrench while delivering less clamping force than it should.

Fit new U-bolts, nuts, and washers whenever the springs, axle, or lift blocks have been disturbed.

Other Suspension Hardware

Beyond U-bolts, the range includes specialist hardware for particular jobs. Each listing shows the application.

Camber Adjusting Bolts

Camber adjusting bolts use an offset design to add a small amount of camber adjustment at the strut or control arm. They?re covered in detail on our Camber Bolts page.

Sway Bar Link Washers

Hardened cupped washers support the bushings on sway bar links. They hold the bushing in shape under load, so it doesn?t spread or pull through.

Strut Brace Tensioning Hardware

Strut braces tie the strut towers together to reduce body flex. Their tensioning hardware sets and holds the brace?s preload.

Fitting and Torquing Suspension Hardware

U-bolts and axle hardware are safety-critical, so qualified fitting is recommended. The general process looks like this:

• Clean the threads on the U-bolts and any bolts being reused where allowed
• Fit new nuts and washers
• Tighten U-bolts evenly in a cross pattern, bringing each nut up gradually, until they reach the specified torque
• Re-torque U-bolts after the first few miles, and again after heavy loads or off-road use, as the spring pack settles
• Tighten other suspension bolts at ride height where the specification calls for it

Tightening U-bolts evenly matters. Tightening one side fully before the other can pull the spring off center or leave uneven clamping.

Limitations and Trade-Offs

Suspension hardware has limits worth knowing:

• Universal sizes need accurate measuring to fit correctly
• New hardware can?t fix worn spring pads, broken center bolts, sagging springs, or damaged axle perches
• The listings don?t specify grade or coating, so check that the part suits your application
• Camber adjusting bolts have a limited adjustment range

Compliance and Insurance

Make sure the vehicle meets the inspection and towing rules of the state where it?s registered, and let your insurance company know about any modifications.

Warranty and Support

Nolathane suspension hardware is backed by Nolathane?s warranty. Not sure how to measure your U-bolts? Our local support team can help.

Shop Nuts, Bolts & Screws

The range also covers camber bolt kits, leaf spring U-bolt kits and sway bar link washers.

Find U-bolts and suspension hardware for your vehicle and order online. In-stock items ship fast. Universal U-bolts are covered by our fitment guarantee to match the dimensions shown in the listing.