When to replace spring bushings?

How do I know when the spring bushings need to be replaced?

 

Good mechanic or alignment shop will be able to tell you

 

Abnormal noises, strange tire wear and popping sounds are the usual culprits. If you don't have any of those you're probably ok. Or if you're looking for trouble take it to a spring shop that you trust.

 

Front popping noises, usually bushings, or king pins. More noticeable when dry, needing grease, loaded heavy, tuning sharply. Rear spring bushings usually cause wear on inner and outer edges of drives. Especially on inside of inside drive. Same as a Trailer with bad bushings. Can also be caused from loose wheel end. All should be checked. Don’t know about International, but on my Freightliner, the right rear spring bushings wears the most. It can be seen, by eye, deterioration of the rubber bushing, shows a gap around the pin. Especially around the bottom.

 

I definitely have heard popping noises up front.Would a spring shop be the best place to get the bushings replaced at or any mechanic shop will work?

 

Any Shop that’s willing. Spring Shop might be best. Labor time may depend on having the proper tools, and ability. I’d get a quote upfront. I could see being charged too much by someone wrestling with the job, instead of knocking it out. I’d guess anywhere from $700-$1200 with parts. Just a guess. No idea what kind of spring bushings you have. A whole front end inspection including king pins, by a reputable Shop is probably best. Mechanics on this site can give you a better idea what’s a current fair price. I’m not a Mechanic. Post the year, and model, maybe a pic of the entire spring. There’s a few types. If it needs to be removed, new u bolts will be needed. That’s another couple hundred easy. Definitely want the popping noise gone, no guarantee it’s caused by bad bushings. Usually, not always.

 

2003 International 9900I

 

Front springs? Right? Maybe King pins? Maybe alignment? @BoxCarKidd, @spsauerland or @Goodysnap know better what’s involved and fair parts and Shop cost. I have no idea.

 

Shop up the road from me wanted $2,500 to replace my four rear ones, and I was supplying the bushings. Supposed to be closer to $1,000. Point being, you might call around to at least a couple shops before you get ripped off.

I did them myself in the end.

 

Truman and Randy at Tri-County Diesel in Bracken close to you can do it. They get the parts from Billy or Joe at Ace Spring in San antonio.
Ace spring can do it too and will sell you the parts over counter. They are the spring go to guys in this region.
After you get them done they well most likely refer you to Paul owner of Alignment Right in Kirby. He is the best alignment shop in south Texas. They can do as well.
Or do yourself by going to Ace for parts and call Paul for alignment appointment when done. Ace still has tons of kingpin and bushing kits on shelves for the old obsolete stuff. They build custom springs all the time. They been at it since the 1930’s.