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Topic: Replaced the rear leaf spring tip pads. (Read 344 times) previous topic - next topic
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Replaced the rear leaf spring tip pads.

Our LD has 120,000 miles on it and during a recent thread pertaining to suspension squeaks, worn spring tip pads were discussed. Inspecting our LD's rear spring, I found 13 out of 14 pads damaged or missing. They are a wear item and these wore out.
Ordered what I hoped was the proper pads and these fit with a little trimming of the nubs, they were longer than the stock pads. The plastic was easy to trim away.
Amazon.com: Dorman 924-070 Leaf Spring Spacer: Automotive

Before starting this morning, I took a short drive around the neighborhood to listen closely and feel how the rear suspension was reacting. After the change, the rear suspension is silent and the ride is smoother, feeling more like new, a lot of inner leaf spring friction was removed.
Funny how you do not notice slow changes. It was worth the three hours and $30.
Anyone considering doing this should be an experienced mechanic and highly concerned about safety.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/sets/72157714911812371/

Larry

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Replaced the rear leaf spring tip pads.
Reply #1 –
Larry, Flickr says one needs to be "signed in" to see the photos.  ::)
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Replaced the rear leaf spring tip pads.
Reply #2 –
Ditto what Joan said.
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life
Re: Replaced the rear leaf spring tip pads.
Reply #3 –
Quote from: Blueox25  - 
Ditto what Joan said.

Check it now, Flickr occasionally changes the permission level on a photo file without me knowing, since the files always open for me, as the owner, I don't notice.
Thanks for the notice.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Replaced the rear leaf spring tip pads.
Reply #4 –
Thanks, Larry! Did you hammer the "spike" (What is it? A cold chisel?) between the leaf springs to separate them? How did you pull the separator out after replacing the pad? (Probably by hammering the opposite side, but inquiring minds want to know!  ;) )

2003 TK has a new home
Re: Replaced the rear leaf spring tip pads.
Reply #5 –
Larry, wouldn't it have helped to detach the sway bar at that end?

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Replaced the rear leaf spring tip pads.
Reply #6 –
Quote from: Joan  - 
Thanks, Larry! Did you hammer the "spike" (What is it? A cold chisel?) between the leaf springs to separate them? How did you pull the separator out after replacing the pad? (Probably by hammering the opposite side, but inquiring minds want to know!  ;) )

The spring's leaves were spread by hammering in wedges to provide the needed opening to remove the remains of the old pads and to insert the new ones.
I used an old screwdriver and three flat tip, cold chisels. The chisels look like this.
KENDO 3-Pieces Heavy Duty All Purpose Cold Chisel Set - Industrial Grade...

After the old pads were removed, the contact areas, where the pads slide, were lightly sanded with fine emery paper, cleaned and coated with a dry lubricant, before the new pads were fitted.
After the new pads were fitted, the chisels were tapped out, not a big deal. I had changed spring pads on other vehicles before and was familiar with the process.
The other option is to remove the leaf spring assembly and disassemble the whole spring pack.

Doing what I can to keep the LD in top shape and running well. Someday, we might even get to go somewhere.

Larry

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Replaced the rear leaf spring tip pads.
Reply #7 –
Quote from: Joan  - 
Thanks, Larry! Did you hammer the "spike" (What is it? A cold chisel?) between the leaf springs to separate them? How did you pull the separator out after replacing the pad? (Probably by hammering the opposite side, but inquiring minds want to know!  ;) )

The spring's leaves were spread by hammering in wedges to provide the needed opening to remove the remains of the old pads and to insert the new ones.
I used an old screwdriver and three flat tip, cold chisels. The chisels look like this.
KENDO 3-Pieces Heavy Duty All Purpose Cold Chisel Set - Industrial Grade...

After the old pads were removed, the contact areas, where the pads slide, were lightly sanded with fine emery paper, cleaned and coated with a dry lubricant, before the new pads were fitted.
After the new pads were fitted, the chisels were tapped out, not a big deal. I had changed spring pads on other vehicles before and was familiar with the process.  The other option for doing this is to remove the leaf spring assembly and disassemble the whole spring pack.

Doing what I can to keep the LD in top shape and running well. Someday, we might even get to go somewhere.

Larry

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Replaced the rear leaf spring tip pads.
Reply #8 –
OK, now I get the "how" and with "what"; thanks! Maybe the Ford shop can do this job - some day!  :(
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Replaced the rear leaf spring tip pads.
Reply #9 –
Quote from: Joan  - 
OK, now I get the "how" and with "what"; thanks! Maybe the Ford shop can do this job - some day!  :(
For most of your treasure, of course.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Replaced the rear leaf spring tip pads.
Reply #10 –
So Larry, would it help any to take some or all the weight off the axle on which ever side you were working on?

Jon
1994 MB
Re: Replaced the rear leaf spring tip pads.
Reply #11 –
Quote from: JonS  - 
So Larry, would it help any to take some or all the weight off the axle on which ever side you were working on?

The body of the LD was lifted, removing the weight off the side being worked on. The axle is hanging as low as it will go.
The lower shock bolt was removed but it didn't add any droop. It isn't visible in the photos that the outer rear tire is suspended a 1/2" off the block
The spring must be unloaded to be able to spread the leaves apart.

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Replaced the rear leaf spring tip pads.
Reply #12 –
Larry,
Thanks for the flicker photos.  If I can't solve my creak, I'll pull those pads. From the outside they look OK, but if nothing else solves the problem, I'll at least take a close look and maybe replace them.

Harold
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life
Re: Replaced the rear leaf spring tip pads.
Reply #13 –
Quote from: Blueox25  - 

Thanks for the flicker photos.  If I can't solve my creak, I'll pull those pads. From the outside they look OK, but if nothing else solves the problem, I'll at least take a close look and maybe replace them.

The pads are visible if they are still in place, your pads don't have that many miles on them.


For a quick test to see if they are contributing your squeaks, spray the spring leaf tips with a dry lubricant and then go for a drive. If the squeak is gone, you know the source.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Replaced the rear leaf spring tip pads.
Reply #14 –
Thanks Larry,
I did that last week and the creak is still there.

I'm still looking.  I'll find it and let you all know.

Harold
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life
Re: Replaced the rear leaf spring tip pads.
Reply #15 –
Larry,

Wow, great job.  It's clear why you stress safety for this operation.

We developed leaf spring noise a couple of years ago (it's a 2014 MB).  The noise was sort of a mystery until I took it to Lazy Daze and had them take at look at it.  The guy I talked to (I think his name was Steve) and a partner did a thorough examination and diagnosed it as the leaf springs.  They shot some grease into the ends, near the pads, and that mitigated the problem somewhat, so I'm quite sure that was the noise source.

I just got under there and looked at it again, and it does seems that those pads are worn kind of thin.

You mentioned that your coach has fourteen of these pads.  On ours I seem to see just twelve, three on each end of each leaf spring - but perhaps it's just a question of the chassis model year.

Best Regards,

Tim

2014 Mid-Bath
2014 Honda CRV toad
 
Re: Replaced the rear leaf spring tip pads.
Reply #16 –
Our 2008 creaks terribly in the rear and I suspect the Leaf springs but our rig only has 21,000 miles on it. I was gonna try spraying some Moly Lube...is there a particular area where you should focus lubricating? Right onto the pads?
Joe B.
2008 26ft  grey/white Rear Bath
Family of 5 hitting the open road as much as we can.
Re: Replaced the rear leaf spring tip pads.
Reply #17 –
Quote from: brewersarcade  - 
Our 2008 creaks terribly in the rear and I suspect the Leaf springs but our rig only has 21,000 miles on it. I was gonna try spraying some Moly Lube...is there a particular area where you should focus lubricating? Right onto the pads?

Don't use anything that doesn't completely dry, if it is greasy, it will attract dirt, making the problem worse.
Only the tips of the leaves need lubing.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze