rear leaf springs 1957

[WEL]

When I drive over a bump in the road I hear a loud clunk sound coming from the rear of the car. It sounds like it is bottoming out. I'm thinking my leaf springs need replaced. When viewing them from under the car while sitting on all four wheels they appear straight across when I believe they are supposed to have a slight arch. I'm sure they are the originals. If they need replaced I'm assuming I should replace all the bushings too. The shackles seem to be in good condition as the underside is not very rusty. With all four tires aired up to 34 psi, putting a level on the rear fender indicates the rear is sagging about a bubble to bubble + half. Thank you for your suggestions. WEL

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[Rust]

I'm near Cleveland, TN & I have a set. I bought them & that wasnt the problem. When you are sure thats the problem I can sell them, I just dont want you to store them for 5 years,,,

 

[WEL]

I'm near Cleveland, TN & I have a set. I bought them & that wasnt the problem. When you are sure thats the problem I can sell them, I just dont want you to store them for 5 years,,,

If the springs weren't the problem, what did you do to solve the noise in the rear when going over a bump? Thanks.

 

[Boozeman]

When I drive over a bump in the road I hear a loud clunk sound coming from the rear of the car. It sounds like it is bottoming out. I'm thinking my leaf springs need replaced. When viewing them from under the car while sitting on all four wheels they appear straight across when I believe they are supposed to have a slight arch. I'm sure they are the originals. If they need replaced I'm assuming I should replace all the bushings too. The shackles seem to be in good condition as the underside is not very rusty. With all four tires aired up to 34 psi, putting a level on the rear fender indicates the rear is sagging about a bubble to bubble + half. Thank you for your suggestions. WEL

I just replaced mine - I had the same problem you are having. Actually, the clunk you hear is the rear end hitting your exhaust. Keep in mind that if you replace or re-arch the rear springs, you will need to replace your front springs as well, or the car won't sit level. I'd recommend replacing them though - it made a huge difference in how my car handles!

 

[paul5456]

Check the ubolts holding the axle to the rear.

Is the rear of the car stock height or near to it?

 

[74 Harley]

Don't forget to check the shocks.

 

[Douglemmo]

Per design, the center of the rear stop light lens should be 24 inches from the ground.

 

[jimntempe]

I found this in more detailed listing of specs..

 

[Ward 57]

When I drive over a bump in the road I hear a loud clunk sound coming from the rear of the car. It sounds like it is bottoming out. I'm thinking my leaf springs need replaced. When viewing them from under the car while sitting on all four wheels they appear straight across when I believe they are supposed to have a slight arch. I'm sure they are the originals. If they need replaced I'm assuming I should replace all the bushings too. The shackles seem to be in good condition as the underside is not very rusty. With all four tires aired up to 34 psi, putting a level on the rear fender indicates the rear is sagging about a bubble to bubble + half. Thank you for your suggestions. WEL

I don't think they set perfectly level. There is a thread on here with the measurement from the ground to the center of the tail light. Your clunk <well I see somebody just posted the info. as I was writing this. It could be something like a bad shock absorber. You would feel it in your behind if it was actually bottoming out.

 

[55blacktie]

I bought my leaf springs from General Spring in Kansas. The front bushings were pre-installed. Even with new springs, the front end appears to be considerably higher than the rear (they looked that way hen new), and there is a considerable amount of space between the tops of the front tires and the fender wells. However, if you look at the rocker panels, they should be level. Make sure when measuring/checking, the car is on level ground.

Although my springs looked like they had been on the car forever, I was able to remove the front bolts from the leaf springs with just normal hand tools. Once the nuts are removed, you will probably have to loosen up the bolts by rotating them back and forth, and use a punch/drift to knock them out. You will also need a mallet/hammer to knock the bolts through when installing, until enough threads are showing to install the nuts. I've done it twice, both times reusing the original bolts, and I did not damage the threads.

It's amazing what you can accomplish when patience prevails.

 

[55blacktie]

By the way, don't reverse the spring hangers/shackles to the downward position to raise the rear height. If you hit a pot hole, etc., the hangers/shackles can revert to the correct location (upward), thereby upsetting the handling of the car. I don't like seeing hangers/shackles hanging below the axle housing either; it was a cheap way for my older brother to raise the back end of his 55 Chevy during his 60s high school days.

 

[Rust]

If the springs weren't the problem, what did you do to solve the noise in the rear when going over a bump? Thanks.

My problem was the metal part under the car that pulls both rear brakes when you pull the emergency (parking) brake. When not being used there was enough slack that it would bounce and make the noise. I wrapped some leather around it part & that stopped the klinking.

 

[Ward 57]

By the way, don't reverse the spring hangers/shackles to the downward position to raise the rear height. If you hit a pot hole, etc., the hangers/shackles can revert to the correct location (upward), thereby upsetting the handling of the car. I don't like seeing hangers/shackles hanging below the axle housing either; it was a cheap way for my older brother to raise the back end of his 55 Chevy during his 60s high school days.

35+ years ago when I had a shop replace my front springs I pulled the leaf springs to have them re-arched. I barely remember Pulling them and re installing in my parents side parking area. When I picked them up they informed me that they added an additional leaf as they thought they were too soft. Got them installed and the car sits at the perfect Hight. Only issue is that they are pretty stiff and I can feel the rear end in the seat of my pants but no corner rollover. In this car I'd rather feel the road than a soft ride like the later land yachts. A little more of a sports car feel.

 

[55blacktie]

My problem was the metal part under the car that pulls both rear brakes when you pull the emergency (parking) brake. When not being used there was enough slack that it would bounce and make the noise. I wrapped some leather around it part & that stopped the klinking.

How effective was the parking brake with excessive slack in the cables. Rather than wrapping them in leather, wouldn't it have made more sense to adjust the cables or replace them?

 

[Rust]

How effective was the parking brake with excessive slack in the cables. Rather than wrapping them in leather, wouldn't it have made more sense to adjust the cables or replace them?

They were already tight,, but enough slack when I would hit a bump, they would travel up & down just enough to hit.

 

[rponfick]

I bought my leaf springs from General Spring in Kansas. The front bushings were pre-installed. Even with new springs, the front end appears to be considerably higher than the rear (they looked that way hen new), and there is a considerable amount of space between the tops of the front tires and the fender wells. However, if you look at the rocker panels, they should be level. Make sure when measuring/checking, the car is on level ground.

Although my springs looked like they had been on the car forever, I was able to remove the front bolts from the leaf springs with just normal hand tools. Once the nuts are removed, you will probably have to loosen up the bolts by rotating them back and forth, and use a punch/drift to knock them out. You will also need a mallet/hammer to knock the bolts through when installing, until enough threads are showing to install the nuts. I've done it twice, both times reusing the original bolts, and I did not damage the threads.

It's amazing what you can accomplish when patience prevails.

I second 55blacktie's comment about getting the spring with the front bushing installed. After just replacing mine with my trusty Harbor Freight 12 to press, I don't want to do it again. Not an easy chore.
Ralph

 

[Charles M]

When I drive over a bump in the road I hear a loud clunk sound coming from the rear of the car. It sounds like it is bottoming out. I'm thinking my leaf springs need replaced. When viewing them from under the car while sitting on all four wheels they appear straight across when I believe they are supposed to have a slight arch. I'm sure they are the originals. If they need replaced I'm assuming I should replace all the bushings too. The shackles seem to be in good condition as the underside is not very rusty. With all four tires aired up to 34 psi, putting a level on the rear fender indicates the rear is sagging about a bubble to bubble + half. Thank you for your suggestions. WEL

Your springs are probably "tired" and sagging. Check out Eaton Springs for brand new factory spec springs with bushings.

 

[Tom Davis]

I have a set of rear leaf springs which were taken off my 1957 should anyone want them.