Squeaky Leaf Spring

jconway23

Bought an X
Location
Blakely, PA
Good Morning All,

So this past Thursday, the second to bottom leaf on my passenger side broke. Long story short I got it repaired (well new leaf) at a shop local to me. However now the dam thing squeaks, and creeks and you name it. Its driving me nuts as i drive down the road. For that I turn the radio up. However I am worried that something is going to happen to it again.

In the near future I think I am going to replace and or lift my X when I save up some money. Hoping that's sooner than later......

Thanks for the info in advance.....


Jesse
 

TJTJ

Skid Plates
Founding Member
Location
NJ
There are teflon pads that can go between the leaves for example to prevent the squeaks...or, you can spray some lithium grease or mobil1 synthetic wheel bearing grease, etc....between the pack parts (You might need to flex it out to get the pack to fan, apply the lube, then work it in by cycling it some more.)
 

metzican

Suspension Lift
Location
Lafaytte, la
When they replaced the leaf did they put those Teflon pads in? Did they remove any of the other ones? The squeak in a leaf pack always ends up winning in the end. Listen to any old truck go down the road.
 

jconway23

Bought an X
Location
Blakely, PA
No pads of any type that I can see. I'd easiler go back down to the place but they didn't seem friendly really. Maybe I will have a few beers now and change my mind. This is usually my luck when things get worked on for me. LoL
 

jconway23

Bought an X
Location
Blakely, PA
I lubed it up. Now it creeks. LoL. The squeak is gone though. I have to find out what is making the noise now and lube that up.

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jconway23

Bought an X
Location
Blakely, PA
Re-torque he u-bolts. This needs to be done once or twice after springs are reinstalled. I typically check mine at 500 and 1,000 miles.
Off the top of your head do you know the torque specs? I never though of that to be honest.

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Muadeeb

Nissan al Gaib
Admin
Location
Dallas
FSM doesn't have a torque spec, just to tighten them and make sure the length of the exposed threads are all the same length
 

Mr Bills

Bought an X
Location
Area Code 530
Off the top of your head do you know the torque specs? I never though of that to be honest.

What diameter u-bolts are you using? Also, did you install new u-bolts or re-use the old ones?

Re-using old u-bolts is bad practice because they have been stretched from the original installation and the rolled threads on the bolts have been damaged somewhat by the sharp threads of the nuts . You will never get them torqued correctly. Many broken spring center pin failures can be traced to the re-use of old u-bolts.

Don't listen to advice that torque doesn't matter, or that you should just tighten each nut until the same number of threads shows, or that "gudentite" is good enough. Proper torque does matter. You may need to re-torque 3 or 4 times before the u-bolt torque holds and the pops and groans are eliminated.

Stock u-bolts have 12mm threads and require 53 ft. lbs. of torque.

Torque for other u-bolt sizes is as follows:

7/16" = 45 ft. lbs.
1/2" = 65 ft. lbs.
9/16" = 90 ft. lbs.

OME, Nisstec and PRG supply 1/2" u-bolts.


 

jconway23

Bought an X
Location
Blakely, PA
What diameter u-bolts are you using? Also, did you install new u-bolts or re-use the old ones?

Re-using old u-bolts is bad practice because they have been stretched from the original installation and the rolled threads on the bolts have been damaged somewhat by the sharp threads of the nuts . You will never get them torqued correctly. Many broken spring center pin failures can be traced to the re-use of old u-bolts.

Don't listen to advice that torque doesn't matter, or that you should just tighten each nut until the same number of threads shows, or that "gudentite" is good enough. Proper torque does matter. You may need to re-torque 3 or 4 times before the u-bolt torque holds and the pops and groans are eliminated.

Stock u-bolts have 12mm threads and require 53 ft. lbs. of torque.

Torque for other u-bolt sizes is as follows:

7/16" = 45 ft. lbs.
1/2" = 65 ft. lbs.
9/16" = 90 ft. lbs.

OME, Nisstec and PRG supply 1/2" u-bolts.


The leaf spring replacement was done by a professional shop. I guess I just have to stop back down there. Something about the whole process just seemed off the day I was there. Like they were doing me a favor because it was before a holiday.

Thanks for the advice however. This may be all for nothing soon anyway. I plan on changing my suspension around anyway.

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