Dean,
I'd suggest checking the little rubber buttons that separate each leaf of the
spring. If they are worn out, the metal rubs together, possibly squeaking.
Replacements are available, or make your own. Installation can be done without
removing the spring. I lubricate each as I install them.
Hope its a cure,
Cheers, Fred
Dean Dashwood wrote:
> Listers,
>
> I'm after some advice on a subject about which I know absolutely nothing, but
>I
> know for a fact that there are several of you out there who know lots - the
>rear
> spring!
>
> My car is a '77 1500 with a stock swing-spring, and I'm quite happy for it to
> remain that way. It's a right-hand-drive, although I don't think that's
> relevant to the question.
>
> I began noticing a squeak coming from the rear of the car. By bouncing each
>of
> the corners, I established that the squeak was coming from the left-rear. I
> decided to take a look at the spring, and found that one of the brackets which
> holds the leaves together had broken away from the spring, and the lowest leaf
> had around 1/4 inch separation between it and the next leaf up. Comparing to
> the other side suggested that the leaf should actually be held against the
>next
> leaf up by the broken bracket.
>
> I took the car to a local garage, and asked them to fix the bracket (I didn't
> fancy doing this myself - I said I know nothing about suspension). I didn't
> mention the squeak, although I probably should have done. The garage
>fabricated
> a new bracket, and I got the car back last night.
>
> I *think* I can feel a difference (improvement) in the handling of the car,
>but
> that might just be because I *want* to feel a difference. However, the squeak
> is still there. It's now not just on the left, but on both sides.
>
> So, the questions: What causes a rear spring to squeak? Has the spring been
> permanently damaged by driving with the broken bracket? Should I replace it?
> Or is this nothing to worry about?
>
> Unless there's a quick fix, or this is a major problem, I'm tempted to leave
>it
> alone. I can only hear it when going very slowly (<20mph) and I usualy try
>not
> to drive that slowly <g>. But I'd at least like to know that my wheels aren't
> going to fall off as I'm heading down the motorway at 70mph.
>
> As always, thanks for your help,
>
> Dean
> ------------------
--
Fred & Wendy Griffiths,
Calgary, Canada
http://www.cadvision.com/griffco/index.htm
mailto: griffco@cadvision.com
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