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Sometimes, going back to the basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. Let’s take a look at torque-to-yield bolts.
What is a torque-to-yield bolt? It is a one-time-use fastener that is designed to stretch during the torquing process (installation). Because of this stretching, the integrity of the bolt is compromised. These bolts cannot and should not be reused due to the stress caused to the bolt during its first installation.
It is important to be aware that these bolts will not have the same clamping strength if attempted to be used a second time. Torque-to-yield bolts may break if reused or become loose over time. Some common areas where these bolts are found include cab, pickup box, and suspension mounting locations. It is important to note that most repair manuals refer to these bolts simply as one-time-use fasteners instead of torque-to-yield.
The repair manual should always be referenced to ensure the correct fasteners are being used for a complete, safe, and quality repair.
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Article validated in 2025