Abstract: In an automotive axle of the type having a hanger bracket attached to the axle by horizontal welds, the hanger bracket is capable of receiving a suspension member therein, the improvement comprising: a fulcrum element on the hanger bracket; the fulcrum element interposed between the point where the load is imparted by the suspension member to the hanger bracket and the weld on the mounting flange of the hanger bracket, the fulcrum element capable of preventing load reversals from occurring in the welds thereby adversely affecting the fatigue life of the welds, the fulcrum element is at least one bolt in the hanger bracket, the bolt extending through the hanger bracket and into contact with the axle.