C2 Leaf Spring Bushings - NCRS Discussion Boards

C2 Leaf Spring Bushings

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  • Roger P.
    Expired
    • February 25, 2009
    • 354

    C2 Leaf Spring Bushings

    Hi guys,
    As some of you may remember, I overhauled the rear suspension on my '65 convertible about 9 months ago. I replaced the strut rods, as well as all the associated bushings & bearings, and had Van Steel restore the trailing arms. Everything turned out really nice and the car rides great. When I put the car away today after cruising this weekend, I decided to bend down and take a look at the rear suspension to see if it still looks as new as it did a few months ago. Much to my surprise, I found what appears to be several dry-rot type cracks in all four leaf spring rubber cushions. How can that be? They are only 9 months old, and I live in hot & humid South Florida. Should they look this way, or did I receive cushions that have been sitting on the stockroom shelf way too long? If they should be replaced by the supplier, should I stick with the rubber cushions or change to polyurethane cushions? I attached a photo of one of the cushions when it was first installed (it looked very good then).

    Suggestions are appreciated,
    Roger (50141)
    Attached Files
  • Michael G.
    Extremely Frequent Poster
    • January 1, 1997
    • 1251

    #2
    Re: C2 Leaf Spring Bushings

    Roger,

    We pretty much know what a new bushing looks like. If your wanting an opinion need to see the bushing in it's current condition.

    Comment

    • Roger P.
      Expired
      • February 25, 2009
      • 354

      #3
      Re: C2 Leaf Spring Bushings

      Originally posted by Michael Gill (28614)
      Roger,

      We pretty much know what a new bushing looks like. If your wanting an opinion need to see the bushing in it's current condition.
      To Michael and others willing to offer an opinion,
      I finally got a chance to take a few photos of the spring cushions in their current condition. Please take a look at the attached photos and give me your thoughts on the "dry-rot" type cracks. I was also surprised to see so much surface rust on washers & bolts that are less than 9 months old. Is that amount of rusty film normal from simply going through a puddle and washing the car? It is hot & humid here in South Florida, but I assumed they used a protective coating considering we are in the new millennium!

      Thank you,
      Roger (50141)
      Attached Files

      Comment

      • Timothy B.
        Extremely Frequent Poster
        • April 30, 1983
        • 5186

        #4
        Re: C2 Leaf Spring Bushings

        Roger,

        That looks normal to me, and the rubber cushions are not damaged IMHO.

        If that bothers you get some silicone grease and rub it around the exposed bushings and washers.

        Comment

        • Edward J.
          Extremely Frequent Poster
          • September 15, 2008
          • 6942

          #5
          Re: C2 Leaf Spring Bushings

          Roger, I replaced my 72 cushions about 3 years ago and there is no rot on mine, maybe they were sitting on the shelf a few years before they were sold. maybe a set of poly cushions may work better, its not ncrs conforment but they work well.
          Last edited by Edward J.; September 16, 2010, 08:31 AM.
          New England chapter member, 63 Convert. 327/340- Chapter/Regional/national Top Flight, 72 coupe- chapter and regional Top Flight.

          Comment

          • Duke W.
            Beyond Control Poster
            • January 1, 1993
            • 15668

            #6
            Re: C2 Leaf Spring Bushings

            Those cushions are okay, but they are limited life components and should be replaced every five to ten years regardless of mileage.

            I don't recommend hard polyurethane cushions. They will dramatically increase rear ride harshness.

            What was the source? GM? Aftermarket? They may not be the same polymer formulation as original.

            Unplated steel will start to develop surface rust the instant it is exposed to water - even splash from puddles or washing the car.

            Duke
            Last edited by Duke W.; September 16, 2010, 05:48 PM.

            Comment

            • Edward J.
              Extremely Frequent Poster
              • September 15, 2008
              • 6942

              #7
              Re: C2 Leaf Spring Bushings

              Roger, a little steel wool will clean the washers up and spray a few light coats of satin clear that should help with the rust.
              New England chapter member, 63 Convert. 327/340- Chapter/Regional/national Top Flight, 72 coupe- chapter and regional Top Flight.

              Comment

              • John H.
                Beyond Control Poster
                • December 1, 1997
                • 16513

                #8
                Re: C2 Leaf Spring Bushings

                Roger -

                Judges will expect to see those separate flat washers on the bushings to be flipped over the other way, so the rounded chamfer on the washers faces the cushions, not the sharp edge; they were designed that way to keep the edge of the washers from cutting into the cushions.

                Do I see two main leaves on that spring?

                Comment

                • Alan D.
                  Extremely Frequent Poster
                  • January 1, 2005
                  • 2038

                  #9
                  Re: C2 Leaf Spring Bushings

                  The GM bushings shown were purchased in 1975, now the rear is hanging from lift so bushings are not compressed in the normal manner. However no cracks.
                  These have been on for 2 years now, but only a 100 or so miles.
                  Attached Files

                  Comment

                  • Michael G.
                    Extremely Frequent Poster
                    • January 1, 1997
                    • 1251

                    #10
                    Re: C2 Leaf Spring Bushings

                    Originally posted by John Hinckley (29964)
                    Roger -
                    Do I see two main leaves on that spring?
                    This is a curious thing.....appears to be two main leaf springs.

                    Comment

                    • Roger P.
                      Expired
                      • February 25, 2009
                      • 354

                      #11
                      Re: C2 Leaf Spring Bushings

                      Gentlemen,
                      Thank you all for your input and suggestions. I purchased the cushions and most of my parts from Eckler's since they are located in Florida and I receive ground shipment the next day. I won't change them immediately since most opinions think they're OK, but I also get the impression that they really shouldn't be cracked. Sounds like shelf dry-rot to me. I will contact Eckler's to see if they will send me a replacement set that I will change when the car is on the lift next (hopefully not for a while). Duke, I never thought to check with a Chevy dealer to see if the part is still available -- I just assumed that most parts for a '65 have been discontinued by GM for years. John, you spotted the second main leaf when I posted photos 9 months ago at the time the rear suspension was done. One of the previous owners must have made that modification before I bought the car, but you and others agreed to leave it for now since the ride & stance were good after the suspension overhaul. Edward, I will clean and spray the rust-filmed steel as you had suggested, and will do the same to the new parts before I replace them. Timothy, I will apply some silicone grease on the cushions to give them some moisture for now. Alan, I appreciate the photo and information -- it gave me a good side-by-side photo comparison!

                      Thank you all once again,
                      Roger (50141)

                      Comment

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