Broken center bolt

[papabug71]

I was in the process of removing the helper springs from my truck tonight & managed to break a center bolt.

If my terminology is lacking, im referring to the bolt that runs thru the leafs & bolts the leaf springs to the pad. Old timers around here call them a "center pin".

How do you go about replacing one? Only way i can see is to cut the pads off & put in a new stud. Or, could I weld new studs on the top side of the pad without it interfering with the way the spring sets on the pad?

Im going to replace both sides as the side that didnt break looks pretty boogered up.

Your help is appreciated

[fordman]

so it broke off of the pad and not the one going through the leafs? i think you could probably weld soemthing on there. and i think you can also buy new pads leaf spring perches too. i am not sure exactly who to get the new pads from but i am sure several companies offer them for sale. if it is the pin that goes all the way through the laefss those canbe bought also. i have also taken apart a spring pack the had just a regular bolt through it too. so it must have been replaced at one time or anohter.

[papabug71]

Pictures are worth 1000 words!! This is what broke.

The good one:


The broke one:



It broke off right at the bottom of the nut, so I cleaned it up with the grinder.

[papabug71]

Good deal. I'll hit them up about em' when I pick up the U bolts

[cep62]

im referring to the bolt that runs thru the leafs & bolts the leaf springs to the pad

The center bolt isn't bolted to the pad it just sits there.
Your's is just stuck, tap it loose with a hammer.

[papabug71]

im referring to the bolt that runs thru the leafs & bolts the leaf springs to the pad

The center bolt isn't bolted to the pad it just sits there.
Your's is just stuck, tap it loose with a hammer.

Good to know. That was my next question. I went to all the parts stores today looking for some & got the usual BS. Nobody has anything like that.

I'll just get them from the machine shop

[averagef250]

If it comes down to it, just buy a regular bolt and grind the hex head round. This bolt doesn't do much when everythings bolted up.

[papabug71]

If it comes down to it, just buy a regular bolt and grind the hex head round. This bolt doesn't do much when everythings bolted up.

Roger that. The thought had crossed my mind. Depends on how much the machine shop wants for a couple of them