rear leaf springs

[BobS76]

While working on my rear brakes, car on stands under the rear axel, I noticed that the left spring is deflected UPWARDS, while the ledt looks OK. My guess is that the spring is shot, nothing to do with the mounting (doesn't sound reasonable, can someone confirm). It does not sound reasonable to replace just one. Does anyone know of a GOOD source for a used set? If I buy new from Moss, it will be expensive enough. But I will then be torn with the temptation to scale upwards for one of the lowered springs. 76 Midget.

Bob Shaw

 

[blkcorvair]

sounds bad. while replacing take the spacers out of the front for about 3/4" of drop and put some $20 spacers under the front spring pans. Good to go. I had 1 good used one. Just gave it away. Timing is everything...

 

[Glen_B]

Hard to understand how the thick steel sheaves of a spring get "shot", far more likely is a problem with the spring box being rusted out. Unless one or more of the leaves are broken, a large noticeable difference between R and L is going to be the mounting points. To convince yourself, swap the springs and see how things sit. The act of removing them from the car to swap them may expose the real problem.

Glen

 

[The_Mite]

Hey Bob,
I'm here in AZ and I've got a good set of used springs from a '65 (5 leafs) and a set from a '70's model with 6 leafs. You can have either set (or both) if you find a problem with yours. Send me an email if you need them.

(The Other) Bob

 

[blkcorvair]

by deflecting upwards it sounds like it may have contacted something high while backing up? I have seen this on other small cars, never knew what caused it. Perhaps an impact of a large hole with one wheel or the other of sorts.

 

[LCVDriver]

I seem to remember, and it was way back when, I've had this problem before. The springs can flex or hyperextend the opposite way and I had to pull them off of the rear shackle and remount them to get them to flex the right way. The shackle would get pushed the wrong way was how I think it did it....

Maybe it was just some weird 70's dream I had though......

bob

 

[Atrus]

oooooohhh - I think I need a set too, and I believe my '68 would have the 5 leaf set! I may be contacting you, Other Bob, if the First Bob doesn't need them!

 

[djk]

Not sure how you're counting the springs, but I have a set of 11 springs from a later model sprite (I'm using the original of 13 on my bugeye). If anyone needs them I'm happy to sell them off.
-Debra

 

[tosoutherncars]

Not sure how you're counting the springs, but I have a set of 11 springs from a later model sprite (I'm using the original of 13 on my bugeye). If anyone needs them I'm happy to sell them off.
-Debra

Hehehe, that'd be a heck of a beefy spring, if it was 11 leafs! :wink: DJK, I'm guessing you're referring to the number of coils (front springs)?

 

[racingenglishcars]

I need a set. Can it pay to send used springs half way around the world?

 

[Trevor Jessie]

I think debra is talking about 1/4 elliptical springs and the original poster was discussing 1/2 elliptical.

 

[bugimike]

Bingo!! :wink:

 

[PeterC]

Duncan, Bugeyes and pre-64 Spridgets have 1/4 elliptical springs. Half the length of your semi-elliptical, and nearly twice the leaves! They just go from the bulkhead to the axle and stop there.

Peter C.

 

[djk]

I've got an extra set of rear leaf springs. I have photos if you like. Feel free to contact me at debra@brokenroads.com if you'd like more info.

 

[tosoutherncars]

Duncan, Bugeyes and pre-64 Spridgets have 1/4 elliptical springs. Half the length of your semi-elliptical, and nearly twice the leaves! They just go from the bulkhead to the axle and stop there.

Peter C.

Eesh, of course... I'm starting with my 'senior moments' in my 30s! :wink: Just imagine when I hit my 60s...