Lean to the right
 

I have a RHS drive 1929 Phaeton and it has a significant lean to the right (drivers side) of about 1 inch lower body on the right. I have tried greasing front and rear springs, adjusting U bolt tension and order of tightening as described in other posts. The problem is a bit improved by doing these steps but not sufficiently. I now notice some contact between the right front wheel rubbing on the right side spare wheel well of the right fender!!

So, my question is, "Why can't I jack up the front of the car by the chassis and then release the front Spring shackles and the U bolts, remove the front Spring cluster and simple reverse it and re-insert (that is, the left side of the springs becomes the right side and vice versa)".

The attached image shows the lean.

Thanks, Peter

Re: Lean to the right
 

Re: Lean to the right
 

I'd check for a broken leaf in one of the springs - front and rear before I did too much.
It might be designed that way to allow for the camber in the road!!;)

Re: Lean to the right
 

We just had one with a seized shock and boy was it pulling the one side down..

Re: Lean to the right
 

This car does not have front shocks. The knobs on the Spring perches are there but no shocks or linkages. Interestingly but not uncommon in Oz, the rear has Hassler shocks and these seem to operating just fine.

I have checked the springs visually (but without taking them off at this stage) and cannot see any broken leaves.

Peter

Re: Lean to the right
 

Bent frame. bent axle, shifted spring, broke leaves, rough roads
Several other areas to eliminate.

Re: Lean to the right
 

I replaced the front spring, removed and disassembled the rear spring, and alternated leaves when re-assembling, and it still leaned.

What worked well was to jack up the truck on the low side with a floor jack and a wood block against the frame at about the center cross member location, then loosening all the spring u-bolts front and rear, then jacking it again as high as you dare, and then tightened all the u-bolt nuts while the frame was still on the jack.

Was nearly level for quite a while but has started to sag again.

Re: Lean to the right
 

Look to see how relaxed the spring has become over time by looking how close the shackles are to the axle. Maybe it is time for a spring re-arching or replacement. The front one is easy to remove and replace. A jack or two & a 2x4 block between the axle and spring is all you need to get the shackles out and in. do this while all else is bolted up.

Re: Lean to the right
 

Also known as bachelor lean. Turn the springs around and wait awhile, it should self correct given no significant problems such as broken spring leaves. Do not turn only one spring as this could place extra strain on the frame by attempting to twist is.

Early Land Rovers had extra leaves on the right side springs to alleviate this problem that was in their case exacerbated by the fuel tank being on the right side.

I experienced it with an 1960 Ford (UK) Thames 15cwt van. I cured the problem by replacing the rear springs with custom heavy duty replacements that made for a very rough ride.

Re: Lean to the right
 

Re: Lean to the right
 

That is very amusing Y-blockhead! And Ian Simpson calling it "batchelor lean" , that is very good! We all know about the rumble seat being called the "mother-in-law seat". I wonder what other amusing expressions there are out there?

Perhaps we should make a dictionary of similar funnies?

Re: Lean to the right
 

Did it happen all of a sudden or did you purchase the car that way .?

Re: Lean to the right
 

Irregular hood to body gaps would indicate a bent frame. If your gaps are OK, my next move would be R&R the leaf spring for closer inspection.

Re: Lean to the right
 

Exactly.