TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL
SPRINGS
3. Remove U-bolts, spring bumper and retainer or U-
Cleaning, Inspection and Repair
bolt seat.
1. Wash all parts in cleaning solvent or use steam
cleaning equipment to remove grease and scale.
4. Remove lubricators (not used on springs equipped
Use a wire brush to hasten dirt removal.
with rubber bushings.
NOTE: Do not immerse rubber spring bushings in
5. Remove nuts from spring shackle pins or bracket
cleaning solvent. Use a non-petroleum base type
pins.
rubber lubricant on a clean cloth to wipe these parts
clean.
6. Slide spring off bracket pin and shackle pin.
2. Inspect all spring leaves for breakage and cracks.
Also compare arch of leaves with new leaves and if
7. If spring is rubber bushed, bushing halves may be
leaves are flattened out, replace.
removed from each side of spring and shackle eye.
3. Spring pins must be replaced if they are worn,
corroded or cracked.
Installation
4. Spring eye bushing and spring shackle bushing must
also be replaced if defective.
NOTE: Before reassembly, all shackle bolts, U-
5. Check spring brackets for cracks or for wear around
bolts, etc. should be cleaned and lubricated for
mounting bolt or rivet holes. Replace bracket if
proper installation.
damaged.
6. Always use new center bolts at each overhaul.
While the actual installation procedures will vary with
each spring type, the pivot end of spring is usually
Assembly
fastened to frame bracket first. Shackle end can then be
1. Lightly lubricate spring leaves with a thin coat of
fastened by aligning shackle to other frame bracket.
graphite grease. Place spring leaves in proper order
When installing U-bolts for securing axles, do not final
and align center bolt hole with a long drift.
tighten until springs have been placed under normal
load.
See TORQUE CHART for U-bolt torque
2. Compress spring leaves sufficiently for installing
specifications. Spring failures may occur at the center
center bolt and nut.
bolt hole if U-bolts become loosened. These bolts must
be kept tight and checked frequently. Spring pins should
3. Place spring assembly in vise and compress spring
also be checked periodically.
leaves fully.
Disassembly
CAUTION:
When assembling spring leaves, be
1. Clamp spring end in vise and remove old bushing
careful to prevent physical injury to personnel. The
from spring eye.
use of special holding fixtures or "C" clamps for
holding spring leaves in place during assembly is
2. Reposition spring in vise so that assembly will be
strongly recommended.
clamped near center.
4. Align spring leaves by tapping with hammer and
3. If bolted type rebound clips are used, remove nuts,
position rebound clips on spring. If bolted type clips
bolts and spacers; where clinch type rebound clips
are used, install spacers, bolts and nuts Tighten
are used, bend tabs of clips up, being careful not to
enough to hold leaves in alignment but not enough to
break them. Heating clips with torch will help avoid
restrict free movement. If clinch type clips
breakage.
4. Remove nut from spring center bolt.
5. Release vise to permit spring leaves to separate.
Remove spring from vise and separate leaves from
center bolt.
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