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composite spring

Old Jan 7, 2009 | 08:15 PM
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well, got the u-joints back in the half shaft and installed. now what to do with the composite spring. when the half shaft came loose at the rear end, it splintered the spring on the edge a little. maybe quarter inch or so. trying to salvage the spring. is there some kind of epoxy or something i could apply to the damaged area to keep it from splintering farther??????? any ideas, thanks
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Old Jan 7, 2009 | 08:36 PM
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pics?

I'm no expert but I don't think I'd trust a damaged spring.
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Old Jan 7, 2009 | 09:24 PM
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Originally Posted by SS Racing
pics?

I'm no expert but I don't think I'd trust a damaged spring.
I barely trust a new one...
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Old Jan 7, 2009 | 09:36 PM
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Originally Posted by namvet6869
well, got the u-joints back in the half shaft and installed. now what to do with the composite spring. when the half shaft came loose at the rear end, it splintered the spring on the edge a little. maybe quarter inch or so. trying to salvage the spring. is there some kind of epoxy or something i could apply to the damaged area to keep it from splintering farther??????? any ideas, thanks
I don't recommend this, and I'd suggest contacting the spring vendor for advice, but the method for stopping a wood crack might stop the splintering. Drill a small hole at the end of the crack and that should stop the crack from progressing further. Filling the crack with epoxy might help stop delamination.

Composite springs aren't all that expensive and it might be worth the peace of mind to replace the spring rather than be worried that the spring is going to let go at any moment. I think hard about every $ I spend on the Vette but this is a safety issue so I'd err on the side of caution.



Rick B.
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Old Jan 7, 2009 | 10:34 PM
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$hitcan it and get a new one. Dont play around with that.

Imagine that breaking at highway speeds or around a thrilling corner!
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Old Jan 7, 2009 | 10:46 PM
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I am replacing my suspension and have a used VBP composite spring I am going to put for sale for $40 plus shipping if you are interested. Nothing wrong with it but it is around 10 years old.
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Old Jan 7, 2009 | 10:59 PM
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If he doesn't want the used spring, I do. dfolse@aol.com
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Old Jan 7, 2009 | 11:02 PM
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Originally Posted by MN-Brent
$hitcan it and get a new one. Dont play around with that.

Imagine that breaking at highway speeds or around a thrilling corner!
That is some very sound advice.
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Old Jan 7, 2009 | 11:30 PM
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The one on my 81 was somewhat splintered when I bought it - looked like it had been impacted on the front of the spring. It didn't progress any farther in the 2 years I drove with it, but I did put an undamaged one in when I redid the rear suspension - used from another 81, but intact. I didn't notice a difference between the two during driving.

I'd say if you have the means, take care of it. If not, it'll probably be ok until you can.

Dan
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