Leaf Spring Thump when turning?

[CAN-03runner]

I've had a thump or knock sound when turning slowly in the front end. Yesterday I was talking with some buddies and one guys says he has a similar noise on his. Said it's the leaf springs.

So we head out to look at it. With one person turning the streering wheel and the others looking under the front, we can see the leaf slip side to side as the wheels turn. That slip coincides with the noise. Maybe it could be something else making the noise, but the slide is visually coinciding with the noise. My buddy says this noise showed up on his after he did a hi-steer install.

Are the leaf spring supposed to slide side to side?
Anyone else have this issue?
Reasons to concerned?
Can I clamp them together tight, would that cause a problem for the function?

 

[KidVermicious]

Slide side to side? You mean the leaves are moving relative to eachother?

 

[CAN-03runner]

Yes. That's what i mean. Slide side to side. Kind of like the middle mounting on the axle is the pivot point. The main leaf stays in place.

 

[KidVermicious]

Yes. That's what i mean. Slide side to side. Kind of like the middle mounting on the axle is the pivot point. The main leaf stays in place.

My rear springs have a bracket that locates the springs next to eachother, with a plastic roller on top. Sounds like you need a couple of those. If you don't know what I'm talking about, I'll snap a pic the next time I'm near my truck.

 

[CAN-03runner]

I think I might have something like that. It's like a piece of steel that is bent around the leaves. It is not tight around the leaves, there is some play.

Not my truck, but a random internet picture I just found.

 

[KidVermicious]

Yeah, that. If there's too much play there, maybe that's your thump?

 

[CAN-03runner]

Might be. The noise is in sync with that movement.

I think the rear one of those clamps is looser.

I have some of those metal tie downs for strapping stuff onto fork lift skids. I'm thinking as a test i can try to strap them in tight, and turn the steering and listen for a change.

EDIT: I did a quick internet seach for leaf spring clamp. I didn't know what these were called. Many products turn up.

 

[GonOvr]

Do all of your leafs have spring pads at the end of each leaf? I had superlift springs long ago which had no spring pads. Over time each leaf wore a notch into the leaf above it just from everyday bumps. Turning would cause the leafs to flex past this notch causing a bump.

I put quality springs in and never had a problem since.

 

[fourwd1]

If you mean the leafs are fanning out (pivoting around the center bolt), it happens if you don't have those clamps (bands) around the pack. Or if the center bolt isn't tight enough.
Mine fan out a small bit over time, and a whack with a hammer lines them back up.
If it keeps happening a lot, time to check the center bolt.

If you mean the entire pack is moving around as you turn, that's a problem, the u-bolts may be loose.

 

[CAN-03runner]

Do all of your leafs have spring pads at the end of each leaf? I had superlift springs long ago which had no spring pads. Over time each leaf wore a notch into the leaf above it just from everyday bumps. Turning would cause the leafs to flex past this notch causing a bump.

I put quality springs in and never had a problem since.

They don't have pads. I don't remember the spring brand. But they are something like superlift, or rough country etc...

Quality springs... I want these ones. Alcan Spring - Manufactures Fine Custom Leaf Springs

 

[CAN-03runner]

If you mean the leafs are fanning out (pivoting around the center bolt), it happens if you don't have those clamps (bands) around the pack. Or if the center bolt isn't tight enough.
Mine fan out a small bit over time, and a whack with a hammer lines them back up.
If it keeps happening a lot, time to check the center bolt.

If you mean the entire pack is moving around as you turn, that's a problem, the u-bolts may be loose.

I will check the center bolt. The leaves do always move back into position.

Can that band be squeezed with a vice or something to make it tighter? I've seen similar bands for between 3.99 and 11.99 for sale online. Or even a ubolt with a flat plate onto.

Thanks everyone. Weekend is here I can check this stuff again.

 

[fourwd1]

You don't want the band completely tight around the pack, the leaves won't be able to expand properly when flexing.
If you look at the pic you posted, the band you circled is riveted to the top leaf, and it is open enough so there is plenty of room for the leaves to expand.