Leaf Spring Essentials: How Center Bolts, Bushings, and U-Bolts Work Together
In heavy-duty vehicle suspension systems, the reliability and performance of leaf springs depend heavily on the harmony of three critical components: center bolts (stud bolts), bushings, and U-bolts. These parts don’t just support the structure—they define it.
At TEKAY, we produce all three in-house to ensure they work together seamlessly and meet OEM standards in durability, strength, and precision.
🔩 Center Bolt (Stud Bolt)
Often overlooked, the center bolt holds the leaf spring pack together and keeps it properly aligned. It ensures:
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Stability of the spring leaves
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Prevention of shifting under load
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Correct positioning of the axle
A poorly manufactured center bolt can cause the spring pack to shift, leading to axle misalignment and suspension failure. TEKAY’s stud bolts are precision-machined and treated to withstand high loads without deformation or loosening.
🧈 Bushings
Bushings sit inside the eye of the spring and act as a cushion between moving parts. Their functions include:
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Absorbing shocks and vibrations
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Reducing wear between metal surfaces
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Supporting flexible movement of the spring
TEKAY manufactures bushings using copper-zinc alloy, which offers excellent resistance to wear, corrosion, and temperature changes — perfect for extreme driving conditions.
🔧 U-Bolts
U-Bolts are critical for fastening the spring pack to the axle. They provide:
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A secure connection between axle and suspension
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Load distribution during high stress
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Structural integrity under heavy-duty use
TEKAY’s U-bolts undergo cold forming, heat treatment, and coating to ensure high tensile strength, corrosion resistance, and long-lasting performance.
⚙️ Why Integration Matters
Each part supports the other. A weak bolt or worn bushing compromises the system. That’s why we focus on full integration — so when you install a TEKAY suspension system, you’re installing a complete, reliable solution.
🏭 Made in Türkiye – Trusted Worldwide
With 70+ years of experience and OEM-level expertise, TEKAY exports its suspension components to over 50 countries, delivering precision, safety, and value.
