Leaf Spring Removal

[martylemoo]

Does anyone have any tips on removing the front mounting bolt from the leaf springs. I removed the drivers side by hitting it with a hammer for a while but the passenger side one will not budge at all. Its the odd bolt with the two holes in for a strange spanner.

[simmitc]

The large head sits in a re-inforcing plate that is held to the mounting bracket by two smaller bolts. Try removing the small bolts and then the plate will come away with the bolt - separate them off the car afterwards. It's quite likely that you won't be able to undo the small bolts, so be prepared to sacrifice them and use an angle grinder.

[ColinP]

And I'm sure that if I don't plug this link:-
http://pyoor.org/deed/video.shtml

Someone else will very soon!

(possibly even the creator!)

I understand that brute force and more brute force plus some cunning may be needed..

Do check that everything is aligned - it may be quicker and easier to cut it apart and replace with new.

Colin

[SR]

i hammered the bolt as far as it would go then used a pry bar on the flange end, not a nice job but it came off in the end

[chickenjohn]

I soaked the bolts in plug gas for several days, then applied heat- and they all came undone!

Quite fiddly to get the small nuts out from inside, but can be done if you have a small enough 7/16" spanner and patience.

[rayofleamington]

Try removing the small bolts and then the plate will come away with the bolt -

That is by far the easiest way I've found. If the small hex screws are very corroded, just angle grind them off as you'll not be re-using them anyway.

Best way to do it in the least time is to buy the plate and pin as replacement items. The old pin is likely to be corroded and when you've bashed the threaded end with a big hammer it's not likely to be much good anyway. When the plate is unbolted you can force some thin srewdrivers between it and the spring hanger and this in combintation with a big hammer on the pin itself will usually do the removal job very quickly. Once it's moved a few mm you can use bigger screwdrivers to lever it and eventually a pry bar.

The 2 holes for a double-pin-spanner are just an assembly aid, If the pin turns when you torque the nut up, you can stop it rotating by fitting something in the holes - fortunately that's not likely and I've never had to do that myself.

[martylemoo]

cheers guys, i am about to attempt removal now, i will let you know how many hours it took me

[Multiphonikks]

Well, I hope it hasn't taken three days. How did it go???

[blueangelical]

I have eleven leaf springs on my rear... (just thought I'd share that)

[Onne]

but you sort of need those don't you?

[martylemoo]

sorry, got it off in the end. Didnt have to cut anything either which made me happy. Just had to get the leaf in such a position that it had the least load on the bolt, then a couple of hard hits and it flew out. Thats that job done now onto the many other million and one jobs to do.

[blueangelical]

but you sort of need those don't you?

yep....., well springy though, like sitting on a space-hopper!!!

[paulk]

With 11 leaves its still bouncy????

Maybe you need another couple leaves

[blueangelical]

[Onne]

or extra heavy shock absorbers

[bigginger]

Cue the cries of "DAMPERS!"

[Onne]

my apologies... I of all people should know. It's the nerves you know!

[bigginger]

I'm not fussed - just thought that I'd preempt them

[Onne]

:D:D

[Kevin]

Dont worry Onnem Ioften use the term shockers by mistake I think its to do with years ago when our coal fire had a damper.........