Creaking Rear Spring
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Wadsworth Ohio
Creaking Rear Spring
Both my 1979 and 1980 have their original rear leaf spring and they both creak as the body moves up and down. I've tried oiling the sides of the leaf stack in the hopes that some will wick in and silence the noise. It helped but the problem is still with me. I've searched the C3 forum and haven't come up with much on this topic. Has anyone had a similar problem and found a solution?
If I take this to the extreme I imagine it will involve removing the spring from the car and either replacing it or having it rebuilt. There is a spring shop here in Akron, Ohio that I hear can do magic with springs and are very reasonable. So, is there any advice on the likely problem and a solution?
Thanks!
Tom
If I take this to the extreme I imagine it will involve removing the spring from the car and either replacing it or having it rebuilt. There is a spring shop here in Akron, Ohio that I hear can do magic with springs and are very reasonable. So, is there any advice on the likely problem and a solution?
Thanks!
Tom
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 18,341
Likes: 101
......A little more expensive but really..........a fiberglass spring front and back.........make life SOOOOOOOOO.......much more simple.Metal coils and leafs are best left in your memories of the 1960s and 70s.......... IMO they have no place on any Corvette today unless you are looking to stay 100% original.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 4,930
Likes: 11
From: AnyTown NJ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I had the same problem with my 82....I just sprayed the entire spring with WD40 and I mean a lot. I could not believe the amount of crap that came out from between the leafs....no more squeek. 
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Wadsworth Ohio
Thanks for the inputs. I haven't ruled out going to fiberglass but the 80 is 100% stock with only 13K miles on it. As irrational as it sounds, I really want to keep it stock. If it was already modified I wouldn't hesitate. I suppose one option is to keep the original spring so I can put it back to stock should I change my mind.
One idea I have is to spread the leaves and put UHMW (slippery plastic) material in the rub points. The theory sounds easy enough, I just need to get under there and see what the reality of the assembly is.
One idea I have is to spread the leaves and put UHMW (slippery plastic) material in the rub points. The theory sounds easy enough, I just need to get under there and see what the reality of the assembly is.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Taking it to a specialty spring shop is normally how leaf springs are done & they can re-arch them.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 147
From: S Nevada
Im not sure about your 82, but the spring I pulled out of my 72 has something between the leafs. Rubber, plastic Im not sure. It is just old and sticking out. A composite will go back in when I get to that point.
