Round U-Bolts

Round U-bolts are a type of fastener designed for connecting objects to round or tubular surfaces. Round U-bolts have a circular shape that makes them ideal for projects involving round components.

There are a few simple ways to identify a round U-bolt. The easiest is by the shape and the material it is made of. Round U-bolts always have a circular top, resembling the letter 'U.' They are always made of metal and threaded at both ends as well. This metal can be raw steel (non-coated), zinc-plated, galvanized, stainless steel, powder-coated, or wrapped in rubber tubing.

Round U-bolts are used in various automotive applications to fasten components. They attach leaf springs to axle housings, as well as mount drivelines, sway bars, and exhaust systems. When installing new U-bolts, the U-bolt is positioned beneath and around the axle housing, with its legs extending upward through a leaf spring U-bolt plate to create a fastening point. Once torqued, it connects the leaf spring to the axle. For drivelines, sway bars, and exhaust systems, round U-bolts wrap around these components and pass through a flange or bracket before being tightened, creating a strong connection.

Round U-bolts are used frequently on trailer suspensions. Just as with trucks and cars, round U-bolts are used to attach trailer leaf springs to trailer axles. The same process occurs where the U-bolts rest below the axle housing, wrapping around and upwards, and connecting to a U-bolt plate. After torquing the U-bolt, the leaf spring and axle are securely fastened together.