How do you change a rear leaf spring shackle?

How to Change a Leaf Spring Shackle

Place a floor jack under the rear differential of your vehicle and raise it off the ground.
Lower the jack and allow the suspension to droop, taking the weight of the vehicle off the shackle.
Remove the lower mounting bolt from the shackle and spring using a socket and ratchet.

Just so, how much does it cost to replace a leaf spring shackle?

The average cost for a leaf spring replacement is between $874 and $928. Labor costs are estimated between $147 and $186 while parts are priced between $727 and $742. Estimate does not include taxes and fees.

Also, can you replace just one leaf spring? A used leaf spring is generally interchangeable with a new one as long as both are the exact same size. Therefore, when you replace an old leaf spring with a duplicate, it will restore the performance of the truck to its earlier driving condition.

Simply so, how do you change a rear leaf spring on a Chevy?

Lower the floor jack and use it to support the rear axle by placing it under the rear axle gear housing. Next you are going to start to remove the old leaf springs. Loosen the nuts and bolts on the leaf spring bracket U-bolts first then remove the U-bolts and place them to the side.

How do I know if I need ACNL Springs?

If the car is out of level in the back of the vehicle, then the leaf springs may be bad. To test this, push down on the rear of the car. If it goes down easily, then the leaf springs may be bad. If it comes up slowly, the shocks are still good, so you will need to look deeper into the problem.

38 Related Question Answers Found

What does a leaf spring shackle do?

A shackle is an integral component of the suspension system that attaches between the leaf spring and the vehicle frame. It allows for the leaf spring to work through length changes during suspension articulation.

What is a shackle Bush?

Shackle bushes are an item that are often overlooked during routine maintenance. Shackle bushes live in the leaf spring shackle, they are the bush that allows movement in the suspension.

How do you change a leaf spring?

Part 2 Removing the Old Springs

Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes.
Soak the spring's nuts and bolts in oil.
Remove the bolt from the shock pads with a ratchet wrench.
Loosen the U-bolts to remove them.
Unscrew the eyelet bolts on the spring's ends.
Repeat the steps to remove the other leaf spring.

Can you drive with a broken leaf spring shackle?

Technically, you can drive a truck with a broken leaf spring, but that doesn't mean you should. Driving a truck with a broken middle leaf could render your vehicle unstable, but not too dangerous, provided you limit your driving to the nearest, safest places.

How do you tighten leaf springs?

When swapping leaf springs out, I gather that it's standard practice to snug up all of the bolts (but not torque them down), put weight on the suspension with the car on the ground, bounce it a few times, then tighten up the bolts on the mounts and the shackles.

What holds leaf springs together?

The leaves are held together by means of two U-bolts and a center clip. Rebound clips are provided to keep the leaves in alignment and prevent lateral shifting of the leaves during operation. At the center, the leaf spring is supported on the axle.

How do shackles work for lifting?

Lift Shackles / Lowering Shackles

Shackles are used to connect your leaf springs to the frame of your vehicle and allow the spring to move back and forth during the suspension cycle. One side of the shackle bolts to the frame and the other side connects to the eye of your spring by way of the spring eye bolt.

What happens if leaf spring breaks?

A: Should the main leaf break, dire things could happen. When the main plate of a multi-leaf spring breaks in front of the axle, the axle may shift rearward. When a mono-leaf spring breaks behind the axle, the body of the vehicle will drop down onto the tires and probably bring the car to a quick stop.

How long does it take to change a leaf spring?

If your leaf spring bolts are rusted, or you break a weld nut inside the uni-body, it can take anywhere from one hour to one day to change a leaf spring, depending on your available tools, mechanic skills, and previous experience changing Cherokee leaf springs.

How much does it cost to reset leaf springs?

steer clear of big lowering blocks, pedders will reset your leaves for about $200 or new for $350.

How long do rear leaf springs last?

If you primarily drive your pickup on the highway to and from work and keep it in a garage, your springs can last well over 100,000 miles. When you use your truck on the job and regularly haul heavy loads and tow to maximum capacity, it will inevitably shorten your leaf springs' life expectancy.

Should truck leaf springs be replaced in pairs?

When in comes to replacing leaf springs on trailers we recommend that you replace them in pairs so you are using the same springs on each side of the axle.

How much does an add a leaf raise?

Add-A-Leaf Helper Kits

Adding a leaf can give the average pickup an extra 700+ pounds in carrying capacity. Adding a leaf to your springs will raise your truck between . 5 and 2 inches depending on your vehicle and can effect your ride to feel more rough or stiff.

What is a shackle bracket?

Leaf spring shackles and brackets, which are also called “hangers,” are parts of a vehicle's suspension that attach the leaf spring to the vehicle's frame. Leaf springs are commonly used in trucks (new and old), as well as some big old cars, and generally only on the rear axle.

How often should you replace leaf springs?

In any case, leaf springs should be checked at regular durations, which would be every 12,000 miles for most trucks. With certain trucks, there might be a shorter recommended interval, so it's always best to check with your auto manufacturer.

How much does it cost to replace rear springs?

The average cost for a coil spring replacement is between $350 and $422. Labor costs are estimated between $133 and $168 while parts are priced between $217 and $254. Estimate does not include taxes and fees.

What causes a broken leaf spring?

Cause #1: Overloaded Truck

One of the most common reasons leaf springs break — along with many other vehicle components — is an overloaded truck. Always follow the load weight rating set by the truck manufacturer to prevent overloaded leaves and springs from cracking, distorting or breaking.