Technical Where can I buy replacement u-bolts for Panda / Marbella leaf springs?

[TheBodger]

Hi everyone,
I'm currently doing a 'light restoration' on my old Seat Marbella with the objective of getting it back on the road and enjoying it again.

As part of this I've pulled the rear leaf springs off to replace them with a better pair to stop the car leaning nearly 2" to the driver's side. The original leaf spring u-bolts look OK, but I'd rather fit new ones if possible.

Could anyone here point me to a UK supplier of suitable (preferably galvanised?) u-bolts for the Marbella?

Also, does anyone know of a UK supplier of the rubber leaf spring bushes? I've found them for sale at https://www.rialzi4x4evo.it/epages/150916.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/150916/Products/RIC73 but would like to avoid the postage charges if possible.

Thanks in advance

 

[portland_bill]

Any good?
https://www.ebay.it/itm/BISCOTTINO-...01813-FIAT-PANDA-4X4-LANCIA-Y10-/171668282803

 

[TheBodger]

Yes, thanks for the pointer
I've hopefully now got a full set of rubber bushes on their way for less than £20 including postage.

Does anyone have any suggestions on the u-bolts? I've contacted owen springs, but they want around £10 per bolt...

 

[portland_bill]

The link I gave was a set including U-bolts.

Do you mean the bolts that clamp the springs to the axle? On this vehicle they appear to be standard straight bolts, not U-bolts, hence my not looking at them initially. Item 15 in the pic below?
If so, these are part number 11288024.
This thread says they are M10 x 1.25 (fine) x 60mm.
https://www.fiatforum.com/panda-classic/457338-high-tensile-bolts-rebuild.html
It is important to look carefully at the bolt head to determine whether they are standard 8.8, higher tensile 10.9. If they are 10.9, you must replace with 10.9.
Beware, stainless are weaker, so the best stainless is about equivalent to 8.8, so if they are 10.9, do not go stainless.
These guys are good: https://www.namrick.co.uk/acatalog/Home_Metric_Fine_HT_Head_Bolts_29.html
But only appear to list 8.8
These are also good, have used both these suppliers.
https://www.spaldingfasteners.co.uk/hex-head-36/
These list both 8.8 and 10.9

 

[TheBodger]

Thanks for the reply, and the links to some good bolt suppliers.

The U-Bolts I'm referring to are the ones which secure the rear axle to the centre of the leaf spring. I've attached a picture of one of them to this post.

The bolt is M10 (10mm) diameter with a fine (1.25mm pitch) thread, with a 55mm internal gap between the sides of the bolt.

Oddly, while the bolts are mentioned in the Haynes manual, and can be seen in one of the photos in the suspension section, they aren't shown in the diagram.

Thanks,
Chris.

 

[panda1408]

The price for new ones from Owen Springs is probably not unreasonable, they are likely to be made to order so £40 for a set sounds ok to me. I'm not sure you will find them elsewhere so I guess it depends how much you want new ones. The one in the photo looks in good condition so I would have no problem reusing it.

 

[binhoker]

square u bolts can be hard to find. i have never bought ones that small but when i need square u bolts i go to my local leaf spring specialist. http://www.jraautoquip.co.uk/
i am sure there is a similar supplier near you, my panda doesn't have u bolts just a plate top and bottom