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My U-Bolts were loose after warranty work and 1.2 years time!

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Crom, Feb 23, 2011.

  1. Feb 23, 2011 at 2:50 PM
    #1
    Crom

    Crom [OP] Super-Deluxe Member

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    While fueling up my truck this Monday I did my usual walk around and inspected the truck. My jaw dropped when I found a U-bolt about to come off the last threads of the bolt! They were all loose! I tightened them by hand and then drove to a parking lot and wrenched on them with a socket set I had with me.

    The next day I bought a torque wrench and torqued them down to 80 ft/lbs. The drivers side was extremely loose. The passenger side was not torqued correctly, and they turned several rotations before hitting 80 ft/lbs. I don't know if 80 ft/lbs is tight enough but I'll check them again in 100 miles.

    I had the rear spring TSB work done in late 2009. I wonder if the mechanic who did the work followed the erroneous data in the Toyota Factory Service manual (FSM). The FSM calls for a U-Bolt Torque limit of an amazingly low 37 ft/lbs. This is WRONG!!! If you have the rear TSB springs installed by your dealer, please consider checking your U-Bolts and torque them if necessary.

    Here is a little video I made after hand tightening the bolts and driving to an empty parking lot.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSw7a1obpYw
     
  2. Feb 23, 2011 at 2:59 PM
    #2
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    FlimFlubberJAM
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    75# is the correct torque value for the U bolts.
     
  3. Feb 23, 2011 at 3:04 PM
    #3
    Crom

    Crom [OP] Super-Deluxe Member

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    Chris, Thanks.

    A while ago the best theory was that the 37 was a typo and it should have been 73 instead. Did we just round the 73 to 75? Or did Toyota correct it in their manual?

    About a year ago the typo was still in the 2010 FSM IIRC.
     
  4. Feb 23, 2011 at 3:06 PM
    #4
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    For some reason, its still listed as 37. I havent checked the newest manuals yet, but I was told it was a typo. Kind of a big typo if you ask me. You would think it would be corrected ASAP. As for the 75#, I round it up :eek:
     
  5. Feb 23, 2011 at 3:06 PM
    #5
    scottri

    scottri Well-Known Member

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    Good to know. Thanks for the heads up, I'll check mine when I get home.
     
  6. Feb 23, 2011 at 3:08 PM
    #6
    Crom

    Crom [OP] Super-Deluxe Member

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    Thanks Chris. Yeah round up is good. :) easier to remember that way.
     
  7. Feb 23, 2011 at 3:18 PM
    #7
    HuntnTruk

    HuntnTruk Tacohead

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    My routine inspection while filling my tank consists:
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    I am impressed you found that. I should do more for your type "routine inspections"
     
  8. Feb 23, 2011 at 3:22 PM
    #8
    BartStar

    BartStar Well-Known Member

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    are they lock nuts?
    the rule is "once a locknut is removed, its not a locknut anymore"
    I would suggest to install new nuts and use "Lock Tite" and torque to specs
     
  9. Feb 23, 2011 at 5:32 PM
    #9
    island808

    island808 Me l've got brains.

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    That's the off road model. U bolts loose for more flex.

    I imagine under load they kind of cinched up so you didn't hear the jingle eh?
     
  10. Feb 23, 2011 at 6:27 PM
    #10
    Crom

    Crom [OP] Super-Deluxe Member

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    Not necessary. The nuts for the U-bolts are reusable. I'll check them after 100 miles to insure they are still torqued up.

    Recently there was some noise when going over speed bumps but I thought it was something else. The noise is gone now so it was definitely the leafs separating from the axle. I am glad it's all fixed up. Hopefully others will not be as unlucky as I was.
     

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