Jeff
Rear spring hazard
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Des Moines IA
Rear spring hazard
I found out the way NOT to remove the rear leaf spring on my 69 vette.
I had pulled the rear end out in a complete assy. I wanted to break it all down to send the trailing arms out to be redone. I couldnt get the bolt loose that holds the spring to the spindle so I cut through it with my saw saw as far as I could. I couldn't get through all of the way due to the pressure, (that should have been a clue) so I whacked it with a hammer.....the bolt breaks off and hits me square in the mouth and then hits the opposite wall of my garage @#$%$#@$$#@....well 3 hours at the docters office and 6 stiches later..... Damm I feel dumb.....I should have broke it down while it was still in the car and used my floor jack to remove the pressure BEFORE cutting the bolt. I hope this helps someone from getting hurt like me....
I had pulled the rear end out in a complete assy. I wanted to break it all down to send the trailing arms out to be redone. I couldnt get the bolt loose that holds the spring to the spindle so I cut through it with my saw saw as far as I could. I couldn't get through all of the way due to the pressure, (that should have been a clue) so I whacked it with a hammer.....the bolt breaks off and hits me square in the mouth and then hits the opposite wall of my garage @#$%$#@$$#@....well 3 hours at the docters office and 6 stiches later..... Damm I feel dumb.....I should have broke it down while it was still in the car and used my floor jack to remove the pressure BEFORE cutting the bolt. I hope this helps someone from getting hurt like me....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
Scary stuff. Consider yourself lucky. A friend of mine almost lost his eyesight when a bolt, not corvette related, penetrated his cornea and ripped his retina. I just removed my rear spring but did use a jack to relieve the pressure before removing the bolt.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: GA
I agree with Mr. D on that one. I removed mine with it on the car without using a jack. Sawzall to the bolt untill POP, shot one up into the wheel well and the other to the ground. I proceeded to the other side and booya, all done.
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Verdad Gallardo
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,175
Likes: 3,987
From: Connecticut, USA
when installing have a helper and use a long (10-12") piece of 1.5" black pipe. With the car in the air use the pipe as a pry bar between the strut rod and pring bottom. Have your helper lift the spring into position whie you install the nut on the bolt. Works great every time.
Gary
Gary
