syncro broken spring

[TopBud]

Earlier today, when I was replacing my fuel filter on the syncro I noticed a piece of broken spring on the rear drivers side. Upon further inspection, it seems as if it was the lowest section of the spring. It may be a while before I can get the money for a new set of springs, and I have to start doing research on what's the best spring for my type of driving conditions, but I wanted to post some pics and get some advice. I may just keep it local until I get the money. I'll hope for the best.

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86 bostig SYNCRO
66 convertible Karmann Ghia

[insyncro]

I have many good used Syncro springs available if needed.

dylan

[syncrodoka]

My truck rear spring did the same thing. I wouldn't have known if not for inspecting everything during a brake replacement. Unless you "need" big tires and a lift keep it stock.

[TopBud]

I have 16" sprinter wheels with BFG's. I don't want it to get much taller. I do want the OME springs though, when I get the money or sell the splitty. I guess I don't need bigger wheels, but it has been working for me thus far.

hre's a pic of the set up I run. I guess I'll have to do some research on ride styles. I drive forest service roads to look for camp spots and have fun, and drive in the snow. I also like driving on roads to get me places.
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86 bostig SYNCRO
66 convertible Karmann Ghia

[syncrodoka]

Old Manu Emu doesn't sell springs for the syncro, only shocks.

[foodeater]

I think he meant OEM springs. Maybe not though.
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89 Bluestar-2.5 Subaru Powered-RIP
'84 Westy Tiico-daily driver-sold
'82 Caddy diesel-sold
'87 Vanagon Syncro-RIP
'81 diesel rabbit-sold
'82 Vanagon auto-RIP

[TopBud]

my bad, I did mean OME shocks. I am thinking stock springs and OME springs with the 16" BFG's because I have them already.
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86 bostig SYNCRO
66 convertible Karmann Ghia

[Californio]

Question I would have is why did it break? That's a damn thick piece of steel.

Any ideas?

[mblotz]

i have a full set of stock syncro springs i would sell, im in denver area

[snowsyncro]

[Sodo]

Old thread from 2010. Couldn't find any recent broken spring threads.

I found a broken spring on the passenger side. It was broken at the bottom, at the trailing arm contact. I need to locate a replacement spring. Haven't decided whether to get all new springs. I like the OEM rate (I think). Also changing the front is not loads of fun.

The current need is to get Wheels-On-Ground as Summer 2017 is imminent.

Decided to weld it. I am aware that you can't weld springs. I just need the loop to keep the spring centered on the post. Maybe the spring tail is compressed fully (inactive) with weight-on-ground anyway. I decided that the repair part should be at the top, where there's less motion. And to heat/bend/anneal the spring tail in hopes it will survive.

Ground it all out so there's only a shell remaining (to fill with ER70 MIG wire).

Filled.

Heated the spring tail and pounded it down in hopes it reduces the stress on the weld.

Installed, where weld is visible so I can watch it. This is all for sport

Put weight on the spring and PING! The tail broke in a different place. The spring tail probably had several fractures in the grain structure, each waiting for its opportunity, perhaps exacerbated by heating/bending the tail.

Anyway hope you (some) enjoyed the pics.
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'90 Westy EJ25, 2Peloquins, 3knobs, pressure-oiled GT mainshaft, filtered, cooled gearbox
'87 Tintop w 47k 53k, '12 SmallCar EJ25, cooled filtered gearbox
....KTMs, GasGas, SPOT mtb

[Bman]

Excellent show and tell. thanks.
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~Bryan
1990 Burgandy Tintop (Wife's Daily Driver)
1989 Tiico Westfalia "Taj"




2WD Doka build thread: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=503578&highlight=
FaceHook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/VW-T3-DokaSinka/129026087217120?ref=hl

[Terry Kay]

Sorry to say, welding spring steel and expecting it to stay together isn't going to happen, even if you try annealing it.

You can heat them to lower the vehicle, but it doesn't take as much heat to accomplish this.

To weld it gets way too hot in a focused area.

To anneal properly, you would weld a quarter inch, peen, weld , peen, etc.
And it still will probably snap again.
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T.K.

[Sodo]

[benandmj]

I have some syncro springs, PM me.
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85 Westfalia Weekender
91 Syncro Westy