I seen a 2000 western star I want to buy everything is fine but when parked I turn the wheel left and right I hear and feel cla kunk I looked at it when someone else turned the wheel and the bottom leaf spring on the drivers side moves back and forth a little. Im getting the truck at a really good price and have room to get it fixed. I was just trying to figure out the problem and how much $$$$$$ trouble I was getting my self into I am thankfull for any advice
My leaf spring moves H E L P
Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by ThatboyB, Aug 15, 2010.
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Leak spring shackles may just need to be tightened up. I don't know about the Stars, but Petes have a habit of loosening up after awhile. Just torque em back down & go.
ThatboyB Thanks this. -
You need pins and bushings.... about $600.00 around here.
ThatboyB Thanks this. -
They make shims to fit between the spring eye and shackle. This will eliminate sideways movement when turning. Best to check pin and bushing condition before shimming.
ThatboyB Thanks this. -
That's what I'm thinking as well. Wonder what condition the centre bolt might be in?
ThatboyB Thanks this. -
if it is just the bottom leaf turning--probabely have a broken or loose center bolt
you should really check and see how your pins and bushings are as well---and yes---too much gap between shakles and spring eye will cause a very big clunk when turning might have to flip the shackles around and shim them upThatboyB Thanks this. -
If your lucky it will only need new bushings. But it sounds like it is really worn which can cause wearing of the shackle and spring itself worst case scenario.
ThatboyB Thanks this. -
see if they will do a dot inspection first before you buy it
i have also seen a shaker do that--when i got it up on the jack to check it--both front spring eyes were broken--only thing holding it in was weight of truck and gods will
depending how many miles you plan on driving --you could switch them over to bushings with needle bearings --work great as long as they are greased regularilyThatboyB Thanks this. -
Volvo's at a company I use to work at were doing that at around 450k miles. The bushings would wear out and then everything else would go. I know that the company shop was replacing 4-8 front ends a week for months. Leafs, shocks, bushings etc.
ThatboyB Thanks this. -
yes volvos were hideous for that--not sure if the newer ones are better or not--i replaced so many bushings and pins that i would have nightmares about them---even went to a special grease for the pins--was real snotty--couldnt wipe it off of your hands had to cut it with fuel to get it off---kinda think an auto greaser would help--as those trucks only got greased at service time--or when in shop
ThatboyB Thanks this.
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