Wheels Rubbing Tech

Tech Question - Camaro Wheels Rubbing

Hi Mike,

I have a '68 Camaro with multi-leaf springs. I just purchased it a couple of months ago, and have some problems with the rear wheels rubbing against the rear wheel wells/fenders.

Its especially bad when I have anyone in the backseat (even if they do not weigh much) and/or when I take a turn. I replaced the shocks, but this didn't seem to help.

I have heard that those springs should last forever, but they are 40 years old. Am I right in thinking that the springs might be going out? And if they are, wouldn't that cause the body to rub against the wheels when I have people and/or take a turn (as the body would compress the springs and if they are weak the springs would not provide enough resistance)?

Thanks! Jake

Jake,

Someone gave you bad information. Springs have a finite life, that is one day they will break.

However, in most cases the springs will began to lose their ability to support weight and sag. Once this happens not much can be done with the old springs and they must be replaced.

Replacing shocks on a low vehicle is not the answer for shocks do not support weight. Shocks control the release of the springs energy. Without shocks a vehicle would go bouncy, bouncy, bouncy.

As the springs age, and 40 years on a set of Camaro springs is outstanding, their ability to support weight leads them to sag which causes the vehicle to sit lower than stock which can allow the tires to rub.

Learn just about everything there is to learn in our Tech Section.

So it looks as though a new set of EATON Detroit Spring springs is in your future.

-Mike