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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: NJONES on April 04, 2004, 02:20:31 PM

Title: Rear Leaf Spring Problem
Post by: NJONES on April 04, 2004, 02:20:31 PM

Well I was on a good run and then...

I can't get the bolts out of my leaf spring, where they attach to the frame, not the shackles. The bolt appears to be ceased to the metal bushing.

The night is closing in fast so does anyone have a easy fix? I have no torch :(, so I was thinking about using a hacksaw on each side of the leaf spring to cut thru the bolt. Then see if I can get them seperated.

Was hoping to be driving my zuk to work on Monday :(, gonna miss driving her.

Thanks Again,
Nathan

Title: Re: Rear Leaf Spring Problem
Post by: 87BlackSami on April 04, 2004, 02:38:43 PM

I've been in your situation too. The quickest resolution if you don't have a torch is to cut the bolt on either side of the leaf spring with a sawzall(recipricating saw). Then you can get at the old bolt once the spring is on the workbench.

Title: Re: Rear Leaf Spring Problem
Post by: kf4zgz on April 04, 2004, 10:55:30 PM

This is common on leaf springs..Sammis or heeps.
A hacksaw will work...don't ask how I know.
Last time I hacksawed the nut end of the bolt, then center punched and drilled the head off the other side. It takes a bit longer, but it's easier than all the hacksawing!

Matt-btw-getting the bolt and bushing out of the leaf eye ain't no picnic either!

Title: Re: Rear Leaf Spring Problem
Post by: Trentski on April 05, 2004, 01:04:53 AM

Grinding the ends off the bolts is the quickest (and easiest) option. then the end of the spring will drop and you can punch the bolt & sleeve out of the bushing.

It is common for the hanger bolts to rust to the bushing sleeves.  The long term solution is to replace with greasable bushings to prevent the rust, or to remove and grease once in a while.