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View Full Version : Rear Leaf Spring found starting to splinter

QB93Z
10-06-2009, 02:34 PM
Back in August while we were replacing the clutch in Darrin's 1990 ZR-1, we noticed that there was damage to the rear leaf spring. The damage appeared to be surface cracking but it was hard to examine. The only way we noticed it was that the exhaust system was off the car to pull the transmission. The car has 70,000+ miles.

Last weekend we replaced Darrin's rear spring and bushings. Thanks to Marc Haibeck for having a replacement spring available.

Easy job: Jack up the car, use two bottle jacks to "compress" the spring, remove the retaining nuts on the hanger bolts, remove the saddle bolts at the center of the spring and it is out.

Pics:
Over all view of the spring (spring is lying upside-down):
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2009%20Oct%202nd%20Maint%20Day/DSC02657.jpg


The damage was much more extensive that we thought from the visual inspection with the spring on the car. Close-up of left side of the spring showing damage:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2009%20Oct%202nd%20Maint%20Day/DSC02659.jpg

Right side of the spring:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2009%20Oct%202nd%20Maint%20Day/DSC02661.jpg



While we had the tools out, we replaced the spring bushings on my 1993 ZR-1 ,with 104,000 miles. These are the bushings we took off:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp152/QB93Z/2009%20Oct%202nd%20Maint%20Day/DSC02672.jpg



Jim
GOLDCYLON
10-06-2009, 04:41 PM
Damn any telltale noises or issues before you saw the damage to the spring?
ZR1Vette
10-06-2009, 05:39 PM
Damn... that is amazing. Just age or something else happening. Nice catch and work!!!
Paul Workman
10-06-2009, 07:02 PM
Before I had the Z, I had a 95, M6 coupe. One day I noticed it seemed to be listing about 3/4" toward the driver's side. On a hoist, sure enough the rear spring was doing the same thing on the driver's side. Changed it out - no big deal. My 90 Z is not delaminating as yet. But, I keep an eye on the springs every time I change oil or have any reason to be scooting under her.

Good catch!!

P.
Scrrem
10-06-2009, 07:28 PM
WOW....I've heard of these springs doing this, just never seen one. I'm amazed it didn't break altogether. Once I get my garage back in order, I think I'll put my car on jacks and do a once over.
Rich
bdw18_123
10-06-2009, 08:18 PM
Wow, that's crazy! Guess I better go check the one in my Z. Especially with 138K on the clock.
QB93Z
10-06-2009, 09:34 PM
Darrin reported that there was no noticable ride quality issues. He drove it 900 miles to Bowling Green last May with no issues.

There was no body tilt before or after we replaced the spring. Maybe because both side of the spring had damage? :dontknow:

I don't believe that it is an age problem because there are a lot of these springs in service that are in perfect condition.

As stated in the Service Manual, DO NOT use cleaners or solvents on the springs.

Jim
GOLDCYLON
10-06-2009, 10:56 PM
Jim where did you get the bushings? GC
Jeffvette
10-06-2009, 11:16 PM
Darryl, you can order most of the bushings you can order separately, but just order the complete kit and knock it out over the weekend.
Jeffvette
10-06-2009, 11:17 PM
Last weekend we replaced Darrin's rear spring and bushings. Thanks to Marc Haibeck for having a replacement spring available.

Jim


Better thank Dwight, as that was the spring from his 90 when he went to coilovers. :dancing
GOLDCYLON
10-06-2009, 11:24 PM
Darryl, you can order most of the bushings you can order separately, but just order the complete kit and knock it out over the weekend.

Cool good idea
QB93Z
10-07-2009, 12:10 AM
Jim where did you get the bushings? GC

Darrin got them from Corvette Central I brlieve.

Jim
ZR-1nce removed
10-09-2009, 12:05 PM
I did get the bushings from Corvette Central they were around $15 for a set of four.
I was real thankful that Marc had a spring for me, I don't know who's car it came from but I'm glad I was able to get it.
Thanks to all for the supervision during the first WAZOO event. It is truly a pleasure to have so much help from the brothers in the area. It makes me feel sorry for the guys that don't have a group like ours to enjoy their vettes with.
As always, a big thanks to Jim for his hosting and help!!!

I don't care what Rich says, I don't require that much supervision!?!

Darrin
secondchance
10-09-2009, 12:13 PM
It is truly a pleasure to have so much help from the brothers in the area. It makes me feel sorry for the guys that don't have a group like ours to enjoy their vettes with.
As always, a big thanks to Jim for his hosting and help!!!

Darrin

I totally agree!!!:thumbsup: