Author Topic: Leaf spring (Read 4975 times)

michaelodonnell500 · « **on:** August 10, 2006, 12:30:13 PM »

I've recently put my 500 back together, and although it's driving, it still has a few issues!
I pinched the leaf spring off a 126 aircooled along with the stub axles and brakes. The spring fits and works, but seems very stiff and sits a bit high. My camber is definately out, but i cant set that until i know the spring is fine!
I have read from one source that the 500 & 126 leaf springs have different ratings, but i have read from another source that they are the same. Can anyone verify which is true?
Assuming the spring im using is suitable is it posible that some corrosion between the leafs could be preventing them from settling properly?
If so i will be looknig to strip and clean the leafs, anyone ever done this before?

Chris Lakin · « **Reply #1 on:** August 10, 2006, 01:29:10 PM »

hi mate, ive just spent the last 20 mins looking for a site i came across some time ago, with no joy, it was one of these blitz buggy sites, the bloke striped sanded and hamerited the spring sections. Made a good job of it, looked straight forward from the pics.

regards

Chris

PaulB · « **Reply #2 on:** August 10, 2006, 02:29:29 PM »

As far as I know the springs are the same - they are sold as 500/126 springs by suppliers.

If the spring is corroded it will need stripping down and cleaning up and the plastic dividers will probably need replacing. If the spring is badly corroded or pitted then its only a matter of time before it cracks in cold weather.

Check the bushes in the spring eyes - if the holes have become oval or the rubber looks perished then replace them as its essential they do their job.

Another thing that affects the whole geometry how the spring is fitted - it must be fitted under load, so before any bolts are tightened the car must be lowered off the jack and weighed down until the distance between the centre of the eyes and the underside of the spring at the far side of the nearest mount is about 28mm - hard to explain but see the drawing below. This aspect of fitting the spring seems to have been neglected by haynes in the 126 book but is covered in detail in the 500 one.

(This is Fiat 500 wheels and their pram tyres so ignore the other figures for 126s - the 28mm is correct for 126s)

Once the spring is under load you can tighten it all up and it should sit properly.

Finally, don't skimp on suspension - it can be deadly if its worn out. If you have used some old shock absorbers, plan to replace them as soon as you can afford it.

michaelodonnell500 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 11, 2006, 12:39:32 PM »

Thanks Paul & Chris. I think I'll go for a strip and clean to see what happens. The spring was taken from a D reg 126 that i used to drive daily, and my inspection showed nothing other than corrosion to worry about. I replaced the rubber bushes before refitting and the bushes went in nice and snug so I'm pretty sure there is no excessive wear on the eyelets. I don't remember if i bolted up before or after dropping the car onto the wheels, but if i cant remember i suspect its worth me checking. My shocks are old and from what ive been reading combined with this, they're next on my shopping list. Do you know where i can source the plastic liners for the leafs and the U clips?

Michael

PaulB · « **Reply #4 on:** August 12, 2006, 08:23:31 PM »

I've had a look for the palstic strips and they don't seem to be available anymore - so its probably a case of replacing the spring if its suspect. About Ã‚Â£35 plus postage from gerstl.... probably half that from poland... or free from a wreck?

126dave · « **Reply #5 on:** August 13, 2006, 08:17:07 AM »

i wouldnt muck about mate,just get new springs and shocks,while you do it get the 30mm lowered ones as well,with the 652cc and lowered suspenders you'll be on your way to a nice 'sleeper' :cool:

as an aside,the reverse eye spring is easier to fit that the normal one,no need for the special tool or a jack and piece of wood from top shock mount to workshop cieling!!!!!!!!!! :shock:

michaelodonnell500 · « **Reply #6 on:** August 13, 2006, 07:38:15 PM »

What can i say, im Scottish and hate spending money! However i would like to keep it on the road!
I've heard about this spring fitting tool before, but i've never had too much trouble. I normally jack up 1 side at a time with the jack under the eyelit bolt together, then the shock goes in pretty easily. Am i doing something wrong, or have i just been very lucky?!?

126dave · « **Reply #7 on:** August 13, 2006, 07:49:05 PM »

hi,no,your doing nothing wrong,but it does show that your spring is knackered!,normaly there is too much camber to just jack it up,before it gets in position the car starts to go up as well,hence the bit of timber between the cieling and the shock mount!!.......

Chris Lakin · « **Reply #8 on:** August 20, 2006, 06:36:08 AM »

ive found that site!!!!

http://www.k9rdj.co.uk/mybuggy/donorparts.htm#Front%20Suspension

they clean up the BIS leaf suspension nicely here,

Chris

michaelodonnell500 · « **Reply #9 on:** September 19, 2006, 10:50:59 PM »

Tanks for that site Chris. As it happens i only just read it and have stripped and rebuilt my own.
I accept the advice against it particularly 126 who knows his stuff, but i figured, if i plan on buying a new one, then destroying an old one wont make any difference!!

One thing I will say is that having cleaned the leafs (all in above average condition) the spring was alot more difficult to install. Very taught. However, IT STILL SITS TOO HIGH!!!!! my problem from the start. Can someone answer me something.... Would the shocks affect this in any way? they are not fouling in travel and it passed its mot while sitting high i'm just geting excessive tyre wear indicating +ve camber.

I know this is something stupid and will accept any offers of advice!!

Poin of interest for Chris. We spoke recently about me driving my girlfriends Micra. Yes i am ashamed. However, That was the car I was driving yesterday when a bus decided to swing in my lane and plough into the back door throwing the Micra accross the road. Big dent in the door. Glad it wasnt my Fiat!!!

126dave · « **Reply #10 on:** September 20, 2006, 05:36:42 PM »

hi,i would try the bush bolts,top link and bottom spring eye,mine sat a lot lower after i remembered they need to be loaded before tightening.easy to do,and you seem on the ball so i wont give the gettysburg address about the hows etc!!!.....

doubt the shocks could do it,they need to be siezed up im sure to give those symptoms?.

i've mucked about quiet a bit with my suspension,im interested in the out come of this one!!.

also i have a good 126 spring here if you need it

just a thought,are 126 and 500 top links the same??? did you install the 126 onesalong with the rest of the suspension??........

michaelodonnell500 · « **Reply #11 on:** September 20, 2006, 07:35:41 PM »

I cant remember whether it was 500 or 126 top arms!! I think it was 500 arms I used. Since the 126 bulkhead is a little wider, then the 126 top arms should be a little shorter than those on the 500. The spring is the same on both, so the only other variable is the king pins. I am using 126 King pins along with the brakes.
if there is a mis match, then I suppose it would have to be the top arms. That would make the 500 ones too long which would give +ve camber.
When I put the spring back on ,the top arm and kingpin became tight and i had difficulty pulling them out enough to locate the bottom kingpin and leaf spring bolt.
Is there any chance you could measure the top arms on the 126 to allow me to compare? I may end up having to get a set to rull this one out as well!!

Cheers

Michael

126dave · « **Reply #12 on:** September 20, 2006, 08:06:23 PM »

i have my original fsm 126 top links,i will measure either tonight or tomorrow for you,it would be good to rule this out or in!!