Front spring broken

[chrs1961815]

Crossmember damage? Or maybe they thought they were missing a leaf? Or their U bolts were too short?

 

[sofield]

Hello,

I have one more question. A cutted spring leaf about 12 " long has been (bad) welded into the top of the housing for the leaf spring - cross member-. 10 leafes were mounted.

I have no idea why this was done. Does anyone know what could be the matter point?

I have seen this before. The reason that this was done was the cross member was cracked and instead of replacing the cross member this was the easiest way to correct the problem. You should be able to confirm the crack by looking for at the cross member from the engine compartment.

 

[Werner]

I carefully examined the cross members from all sides. The original is in very good condition, no rust, no warping.

What occurs to me that a harder suspension was wanted because of the 2/10 " lower blade position? Which makes no sense, because the suspension of the A is clearly hard for my terms.

Mystic!

 

[Brentwood Bob]

I have welded in a section to repair worn spindles such as yours, along the lines of Brent's method. Will be interested how your approach will workout.

 

[john in illinois]

I would agree about the epoxy. Bad idea. I have used a carbon rod in the perch hole and welded up the oval void, Much safer as that is one of your main suspension parts.


John

 

[Brentwood Bob]

I ment perches, not spindles.

 

[Werner]

I wanted to buy the front spring according to Blue Print. However, it has a delivery time of 2 months. Therefore, as an exception, I opted the cheap "import variant".


What a creepy quality!

The spring eye bushings were pressed in crooked oval. The shackle arms were 0.2 mm undersized, so they wobbled. The main leaf spring is 1.6 mm wider, so that the shackles block turning when tightened. The ends of the leaf layers were sharp-edged.
Hours of reworking until this spring was ready to be installed.


Something like that shouldn't be sold!

 

[Gene F]

Not for me. New perches are the only way to go. Hope you all respect differences of opinion. I drive my car, so reliability is a big thing for me. I will add this, taking the old perches out can be un-fun!

 

[Cory Moffat]

At one time the front cross member has cracked from the up word momentum of the leaf spring. The cross member was probably welded and dressed up. Then this plate was added as a reinforcement to aid in stopping future cracking. I found this same fix done to my coupe. It will make the car a little higher on the front (the thickness of the added material). Its not noticeable. I left it in place and have never had a problem. The car steers fine and no shimmy. She drives perfect.

Never told anyone else besides you.

 

[Werner]

I would now like to add that Don Snyder, after I described the poor quality to him, was accommodating inform of a refund.

Conclusion: A really recommendable dealer!

 

[Brentwood Bob]

Glad to see you are working on the model a.