Dennis
Un-doing "improvements"!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,830
Likes: 491
From: Florida
Un-doing "improvements"!
I've been trying to track down some rattling I get going over bumps. A little tightening of exhaust bolts helped but I still have something making occasional noise in the back somewhere. I rebuilt the whole suspension 20+ years ago, BF (Before Forum). So, not having the massive knowledge base of the Forum I used mostly polyurethane products being influenced by certain catalogs... Here's what I found, cracked poly rear spring bushings. I can't tell that the spring is hitting the bolt but it's close. I was checking the body mounts too and found that the original rubber is still pliable! Yes, that's a 7 leaf spring, another BF indiscretion. LOL
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Close to DC
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I wouldn't think the spring bolts etc would make "rattling sounds. Something more like clunking/banging solid sounds. Have you checked the upper shock mounts, the gas tank straps, brake lines and attaching clips, e-brake cables, pinion mount bolts. Check 'em out. 
Dennis
Dennis
Racer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 302
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From: Small Town in MA
Another thing to check are the exhaust clamps that hold the exhaust tips on. They can rub on the exhaust bezels that go thru the lower rear panel. Mine have enough clearance when the pipes are cold but when the pipes heat up there seems to be enough expansion to cause rubbing.
I have also had squeaking from my lower shock mounts. If I remember correctly, I just loosened them, sprayed some silicone in and retightened.
Good Luck,
Mark
I have also had squeaking from my lower shock mounts. If I remember correctly, I just loosened them, sprayed some silicone in and retightened.
Good Luck,
Mark
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,830
Likes: 491
From: Florida
Thanks for the input.
Bluestripe67, My rattling is more like the sound when an exhaust pipe hits the frame/spare carrier or crossmember. So, Clunking/Banging is a better description. I tightened the pipe clamps which seemed to help a creaking that sounded similar.
67TBowl, I don't have Tips or Bezels, the welded tips exit below the panel. I've got great clearance everywhere. I pulled the passenger shock off, it and the mounts (had grease) seem fine, need to do the driver side. I jacked the car up and it appears the spring was touching the spring bolt on the passenger side, which is where the sound seems to be coming from. But, not sure it would like what I'm hearing, but, could be. The poly strut bushing are SHOT TOO!
Bluestripe67, My rattling is more like the sound when an exhaust pipe hits the frame/spare carrier or crossmember. So, Clunking/Banging is a better description. I tightened the pipe clamps which seemed to help a creaking that sounded similar.
67TBowl, I don't have Tips or Bezels, the welded tips exit below the panel. I've got great clearance everywhere. I pulled the passenger shock off, it and the mounts (had grease) seem fine, need to do the driver side. I jacked the car up and it appears the spring was touching the spring bolt on the passenger side, which is where the sound seems to be coming from. But, not sure it would like what I'm hearing, but, could be. The poly strut bushing are SHOT TOO!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,474
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From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '10-'12-'13
Your spring bushings are missing the cup at the spring. Thats why it tore up your bushings.
I have since changed the spring color and now use the GM rear sway bar and links. But this will give you an idea.
I have since changed the spring color and now use the GM rear sway bar and links. But this will give you an idea.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,830
Likes: 491
From: Florida
True, there is no cup, but these are polyurethane bushings that wouldn't conform to the cup anyway. I'm thinking it wouldn't have made a difference since the strut bushings are doing the same thing.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,830
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From: Florida
Addendum: I agree the bolt might not be hitting the spring if it had a cup to center it. I looked through the parts I pulled off way back when and the spring doesn't have an attached cup (might be C3 I'm thinking of) nor did I have any left over in the my old parts box. I'll be buying them along with new RUBBER bushings! Thanks
Last edited by 6T7L71CPE; Jun 18, 2012 at 12:46 PM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: columbus oh
i have polys in the rear and standard rubber on the front end components
however, nothing will work correctly without the proper hardware (washers etc.)....in either case
i really like the polys on my rear spring and have no wear issues....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '10-'12-'13
Your diagram doesn't show one being used in the control arm. Not sure if it's supposed to? My kit came with 4. So thats how I used it.
Last edited by MiguelsC2; Jun 18, 2012 at 04:07 PM.
Melting Slicks
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Here's a link to an earlier thread showing the cups swaged on the control arm and leaf spring:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-a...af-spring.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-a...af-spring.html
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,830
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From: Florida
John, Mike,
This tells me that the 9 leaf spring I replaced wasn't original as I assumed. I just looked at it and no sign of the cups being peened/swaged like I recall on my '71. I think this 9 leaf spring will be getting a new set of spacers, cups and a new lease on life! Thanks
This tells me that the 9 leaf spring I replaced wasn't original as I assumed. I just looked at it and no sign of the cups being peened/swaged like I recall on my '71. I think this 9 leaf spring will be getting a new set of spacers, cups and a new lease on life! Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: 50 kilometers outside Oslo Norway
This looks nice 
Where do you get the tool to do this job?
Is it just a holder that fits in the cup and a cone to press(bolt/screw)it in place like it looks like on the pictures?
Where do you get the tool to do this job?Is it just a holder that fits in the cup and a cone to press(bolt/screw)it in place like it looks like on the pictures?
Here's a link to an earlier thread showing the cups swaged on the control arm and leaf spring:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-a...af-spring.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-a...af-spring.html
Last edited by TheSaint; Jun 24, 2012 at 01:54 PM.
Melting Slicks
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The tool was made by a NCRS member that loans it for the price of postage, although I think most people include a tip when returning it. He wrote an article on it in the NCRS Corvette Restorer (Fall 2009) with his contact information. It’s a three-step process using three different swage pieces. You place the bolt through the backing disc, through the cup, install one of the swage pieces, nut and washer, then tighten it to roll over the cup edge. The different swage pieces begin to roll the cup edge over in steps and finally flatten it.