Replace Broken Rear Leaf Spring - Toyota Tacoma

[@comingundone27]

One thing you learn as a mechanic. Everything is a hammer!

[@grizzlydan8]

Interruptions by customers and a little light in the background don't make any difference to me. Just keep these informative and entertaining vids comming please.

[@mpolonis]

Great video! I had the same issue with my '99 Tacoma as well. replace the right side leaf spring twice in 8 years, and it broke in the same spot both times!

[@rrmech11]

I was wondering why I could not leave a comment the last time Eric O. But as always another awesome vid. You have a beautiful shop. I would like to see your dad's shop and what he thinks about your tremendous following. I see all the big guys comments. If you can impress Matt from Shrodingers you probably know your self your doing well. I'm sure there's others watching but not leaving comments. Anyways you're a great help to all. Love all the fancy tools. O. I can imagine the money invested. Until later

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Richard Gill Hey Richard lad you can leave comments now. Yeah me and Matt have become good friends actually. I have thought of doing a tour at my dads shop actually.

[@rrmech11]

Was I the only one with that thought about shooting a video at your dads?

[@SouthMainAuto]

A few have asked for it actually...

[@SomeGuy_GRM]

Nice. I'm replacing my leafs soon, and this video covered all the bases, and clearly demonstrated each step. Last time I swapped a leaf I was just a little kid helping my dad, so I wasn't sure if it was something I could do on my own. Looks like and easy enough job for an afternoon (if my bolts aren't seized).

[@pinfarmer]

just discovered your channel. Thank you so much for making these. I have a new level of respect for real world(rust belt) mechanics and appreciation for how much work even "simple " things really are. About to tear apart my first vehicle and now i see that a huge break bar and rust penetrant ae not going to cut it. i'll invest in an impact now i think...

[@SouthMainAuto]

+pinfarmer ... and a torch lol

[@chriswatters2995]

I love your channel. The pride you take in doing it right does not go un noticed. I feel like your my neighbor. and we hang out daily L.O.L.

[@liveandlearn5320]

Glad to see New Yorkers taking such excellent care of their vehicles for a couple hundred bucks they should be under coating those cars with a nice oil undercoat New Hampshire undercoat is awesome I have mine sprayed every year 2008 and it doesn’t look like a rust bucket like that Tacoma did underneath

[@emitt1]

I suppose, when I'm in need of auto/truck repair, I'll just drive from Florida to New York...you're that good. Another great video, thank you.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Stephen Malone Come on up... oh and bring some guns to play with after work!

[@djjjamz]

I know it make me want to drive from Georgia to NY get my car worked on too. Great job Eric, keep it up

[@SouthMainAuto]

Lol we will be here but just FYI I don't rebuild Auto trans in house, we send them out.

[@mindman1234]

isnt it cheaper and more beneficial for a customer just to buy a new/manufactured one? just a new gov pressure sensor/solenoid cost me like 900-1000 dollars here in canada

[@NamesAA]

All depends on the trans

[@robertboykin1828]

I did 2 on my 1977 m/h. 104 lbs ea. Used pvc caps; shaped inside to fit nuts. Jamed on and filled with LIQUID WRENCH 1 week before removal. It worked!

[@mikechiodetti6737]

Great Video! Springs are an interesting replacement. Adding air bags or an extra leaf to the springs........."Now that's COOL!"

[@tommash7381]

Service recall on these. Never replaced one spring before. You explained it in the end though. Scary lowering the lift on a solid post jack. Saw a coworker loose a car doing that. Nice guy, great videos and honest shop. Be safe!

[@simcoespring]

YES! you should always load those springs before you tighten the end bolts. most people do that wrong.

[@bernardherrera359]

I love this guy....however some loosen nut fluid will help pre-loosen bolts. Also spray your rims before mounting them...its ease on the road when you have to change tires. Great video

[@mikeanthony7940]

Thanks Eric. I did this job a few years back with just hydraulic jacks, jack stands and no power tools. I was very sore after I finally got the bolts, u bolts off and the new leafs into place. I have an 06 Tacoma 4x4. My brake lines also got punctured by the broken leaf near the gas tank. Nice vids. That Tacoma could also use a Fluid Film treatment. My frame looks great and I used it every year since 09. It didn’t save the leafs though. I also replaced both sides leaf springs while I was at it. Toyota will reimburse me for the cost of the new springs as their is a recall with 2005 to 2010 models.

[@defendermender4959]

"Only change one- I'm shipping her down the road" Bet he's still driving it, I know exactly what you mean Eric! Some of your observations of the "trade" crack me up and are so true.

[@petergondolier4088]

Hey Eric. Hang on the old leaf spring sections, those pieces of steel come in very handy for all kinds of things. You can make a custom puller whenever you need one! Not to mention all the other uses for them!

[@PRL1290]

I just had my 06's leaf springs replaced under a recall campaign by Toyota. The springs could possibly puncture the fuel tank and cause a fire. great vid!

[@spinapex2469]

Seriously impressive work. Actually that 1/16" corrects the classic stock Taco Lean which is still on the (mine anyway) 2019 TRD Sport by the way. Outstanding video too. No problem at all on that back lighting. 👍

[@theshadetreegarage]

Eric, the angle of the video makes it look like the brake line to the axle is pulled pretty tight when you had the shock disconnected. I guess no harm done. I like how efficient you are, not removing things if you don't have to.

[@RichStory]

Great job... Thanks. Going to do both sides on my son's 2011 Tacoma and your video was a help!

[@crableg431]

Check the recall if you haven't already

[@davecaselli1957]

Another good video. Best auto site on KZbin. This will be off the topic, but maybe can help someone. Those G'year Wrangler SR-A tires came on our '02 Jeep liberty that we've had since the end of '02. Terrible tires. I'll say this -- they had a long life, but they were downright scary in any kind of rainy moisture. Have since had a couple sets of Firestone Destination A/T and now have Kelly Safari ATR. Both OK and much safer. Because of availability and price I also have those Kellys on my '97 Explorer and my daughter's '10 Jeep Wrangler. Originally got them to match two that were on the Explorer when I got it 2 years ago. I also have several Toptul items; they are high quality.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Dave Caselli I sell lots of the F/stone AT's myself and where have you been getting your Toptul from?

[@davecaselli1957]

+South Main Auto Repair My Toptul came from Wrenhandtools, that I found through the GarageJournal website. It's been several years since I ordered anything, but it looks like there he still has a website. At the time I was ordering he was new and his website was new and ordering was through eMail and the phone. Looks like he may have been new in 2008.

[@davecaselli1957]

+Dave Caselli If Sataman Schmidt here is the same Schmidt known as a Toptul dealer on the GarageJournal website, he is probably the way to go. Just browsing some newer.e posts there, and he has satisfied customers there as well as here.

[@SouthMainAuto]

That is where I get mine from... same guy as GJ yes

[@josephchlewicki8005]

Just a Big THANKYOU for Filming This, Sir 🙋🏼‍♂️

[@robertbarcus1963]

Eric in case you didn't know this , but when using a unknow torque value and using a standard ratchet you are supposed to say click on the last turn:) As an aircraft inspector you would have failed your 6 month eval just because you did not say click:)

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Robert Barcus single click or like a pull, pause click , click? I just wanna get it right is all..

[@robertbarcus1963]

LMAO single click will do:)

[@bobhawkins875]

As Rainman Ray does it "CLICK"

[@ldavis5734]

Great video..I need to replace a broken pin on my GMC serria and it looks like I need to pull the whole spring to do it. thanks.

[@normansmith7806]

When all else fails break out the blue wrench :) A friend has one of those Mac/ Aircat impacts and really likes it. Good video as always !

[@SouthMainAuto]

+N Smith Blue wrench always wins :)

[@davidmerlino4817]

Thank you for checking the distance between the new spring and Old spring I was waiting for that if I was keeping the truck and it was my truck I replace them both with new springs not used they both really got changed with NewSpring so it was perfectly level thank you I appreciate you did that I was waiting for that you're a good guy by the way I like your shirts I like logos on the back of my shirts that's what you have awesome

[@aloofbit338]

Thank you so much to go through without skip any steps. This helped me very ❤

[@prisonmike7817]

i just bought a 2000 chevy silver-ray-doh and a buddy of mine was telling me i needed new leaf springs - hence why i'm here. what are the symptoms of a broken leaf spring? he said my left side was bad but i look and no "spring blades" are broken off but the right one has "fanned out" almost....i wish i could upload pix on here :( any advice? i'm about to replace my rear shocks/struts because i know they're shot so should i replace those first BEFORE the leaf springs or...? thanks for your help!! i'll keep coming back to watch your videos. i don't care if customers are bothering you lol keep the videos coming.

[@JohnKaufmann]

thank you for posting this. I have a new post lift in my shop and was looking for the best way to do leaf springs. use the stabilizers. cut bolts then use hoist to lift again. your videos are excellent

[@SouthMainAuto]

Thanks John

[@dezblyan5125]

nice work as usual

[@jonbingham3595]

HEY ERIC, LOVE YOUR VIDEOS! WHEN YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT BLOWING THE HEAD OFF THE TOP SPRING BOLTS, THE 1ST THING THAT CAME TO MY MIND WAS......(A NUTCRACKER! I KNOW YOU HAVE TO HAVE 1 OF THOSE. 😁 I 1ST USED 1 WHEN I WAS ABOUT 16. IT DOES THE JOB WELL. 58 NOW JUST TO SHOW HOW LONG AGO THAT WAS. LOVE YA BROTHER. 🙂💖

[@SushiPac]

Loving the videos Eric!!!! Thank you for taking the time. Great work as always. Wish I lived in NY so I could bring my cars to you. But I wouldn't like the rust. Only advantage to living in California. Best wishes!!!! Always looking forward to your next video upload always a different kind of car and always something different your replacing/repairing. I can only dream I order to do repairs you do. How's the intern doing??? I think we should meet him/her :)

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Paul Morales Intern is doing great actually his name is Josh and my other inter Hannah is back in school now

[@alb12345672]

Explorers often rot out the rear shackle. Salvaging the bushing with the siezed sleeve is a major challenge!

[@SouthMainAuto]

+alb12345672 I have homemade adapters for my B Joint press , works like a charm!

[@CHIBA280CRV]

Thank you again Eric , for taking the time to include us in some of your work time repairs.

[@mopardave4935]

I think ive done around 100 leaf springs on tacomas 06 to 10 in the past month at the toyota dealer lol. I love it when both springs strike the ABS wire and brake tubing just a tad, here come the turkey gravy.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Mopar Dave Haha so u must be getting good by now lol!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Wow Eric, your efficiency with the torch and the impact gun are amazing. I mean only Scotty K. can change a leaf spring in 3 minutes, but 20 minutes is also pretty dang impressive! Out of curiosity, how many impact guns do you own??

[@anti0918]

+motoYam82 I'm pretty sure Scotty doesn't own an impact gun. He does exhaust work with those mini box wrenches and a little UHH. ;-) I'm also curious how that new Mac impact is working out.

[@SteveRobReviews]

+motoYam82 Hey Ivan have you been sending me subliminal messages LOL

[@SouthMainAuto]

+motoYam82 Oh gosh I'd have to think... prolly 10 or 15 ... I bet Scotty could do it in 3 flat no prob!

[@GRowe1978]

+South Main Auto Repair ...3 seconds, right? I noticed you tried the dark sunglasses though... LOL!

[@nismomikey]

Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics *2 years later* REVVV UP YOUR ENGINES!!

[@christinehucklebridge1534]

great vid, but I apply anti - seize to every threaded fastener on that job. including the shock. just my .02 ( South Jersey is in the rust belt too)

[@bigbean9620]

South Jersey Gang 🤙🏻

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

Job well done. Have you tried the next size up on the air line? I found my high torque gun works far better on a 1/2 inch infernal diameter hose.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Andrew Thompson Shop is plumbed with 1/2 black pipe but no I haven't all hoses are 3/8 at 165psi

[@j.a.b.9976]

7 years later.........Still a great video, thanks

[@Ausblack]

Is the white corvette back for injectors?

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Ausblack Sure is!

[@steveprice3375]

+South Main Auto Repair Are we gong to get to watch that video? :)

[@Ausblack]

Yay! One of my first jobs when i started my apprenticeship was putting suspension into a c4 corvette

[@SouthMainAuto]

Steve Price Oh yeah it is coming soon

[@famusman5989]

Good call Eric 0 for taking out that shock bolt for more room. I can totally see why and how someone would be fighting with that.

[@SimpleLife1971]

I expected to see Fluid Film everywhere! LOL Great job Eric!

[@badranger2004]

There's actually a recall out for this issue on 2005-2010 Tacoma prerunner and 4x4

[@jimpert6752]

Had the same thought

[@darylzero3139]

Another great video Eric! Question why not blast those couple parts clean before putting them back on? I'm not a mechanic so just wondering. You didn't do it so i assume it doesn't matter at all whether you do it or not. Thanks

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Daryl Zero I wish I could clean and polish all the parts before I put them back on but hey it just takes way to long and I'd never get any thing done. I only do it if it is really important stuff that has to be clean.

[@darylzero3139]

South Main Auto Repair Got it :) That is what i figured. You da man!

[@kennethjudd7993]

There's a leaf spring recall on 05 to 11 Tacomas. You get there sad excuse of a HD leaf packs with it. My truck sagged horrible with the HD leafs. Made my truck just about useless for firewood. But I fixed that with an add-a-leaf.

[@hochhaul]

Kenneth Judd Yep that's what others said too. www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rear-leaf-spring-recall.421803/

[@danielvan7424]

labor is so intense, You definitely earned your money, thank you

[@B.E.Long.63]

That little dewalt light behind ya, where did you get it? can't find it anywhere... the one at the end of the video...

[@SouthMainAuto]

astore.amazon.com/httpswwwy0837-20?_encoding=UTF8&node=4

[@B.E.Long.63]

Thank You...

[@johnbuerger6579]

Dang. Easy squeazy . You made that look easy. Nice video

[@wysetech2000]

Nice job, Eric. I like to see you trying new things with your video's like the music at the end. I've heard you can use kapusta soup for penetrating oil. Is that true?

[@SouthMainAuto]

+wysetech2000 Lol hey now... who would wanna waste all that good cabbage haha

[@benmorris5046]

Eric does it bother your arthritis to hold on to that saddle while you are hammering it? I know my dad had it, and he could barely do stuff like that.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Ben Morris Waking up in the morning bothers my arthritis lol. I had a pretty bad spell with it today. Couldn't hang on to a dang thing all day!

[@MrMarkntime]

You know how to Get er' done !....love your video's !

[@PeteyG708]

18:43 It is now known that Eric O is a bionic being with the power to zip down lugnuts at the speed of light! You never fail to impress sir! Haha. Thanks for the video!

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Pete Gaytan III and to think that was only half my fast speed!

[@jadonpeters805]

About to buy a 1989 ford f-150 reg cab short box 4x4, and one of the many issues with the truck is the leaf springs are very messed up, replaced at different times and different brands leaves the truck sitting at an off set ride height and a terrible ride. just hoping you could suggest a brand and any tips would be awesome, thanks again. love the videos btw

[@kennethtibbitts6641]

Dr. TO THE RESCUE AND SAVES THE DAY!

[@me5ponk454]

Do you find the trigger on the impact a little stiff? I have 1/2" and 3/8" aircats and the trigger on the 3/8 gun is pretty much all or nothing. Its very annoying on impacts that are so powerful.

[@satamanschmidt3428]

+Me5Ponk I have Nitrocats (same as Aircats) and this is just the way they are made. You're right it's balls to the wall or nothing. I will admit that balls to the wall is very impressive. These tools are monsters.

[@me5ponk454]

The 1/2" is a 1150 and the 3/8" is a nitro 1355. I worked with a dude who used a snap on MG725 and when it couldn't get it done the 1150 usually would! But yeah touchy triggers for sure.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Me5Ponk It is getting better but yes very touchy

[@deepsquat600]

" Gotta Smoosh um in a Smidge" ..you people from the east coast are so cute with your little colloquialisms :) :) :)

[@SouthMainAuto]

+deepsquat600 Awww I'm cute! Haha

[@danekeeper1]

Rust belt....Red rain is coming down.......I'm in California...in the mountains...where it snows....a lot. my question is , In New York State ...do they use salt on the roads or do they just lay down a layer of rust on the road to save time and get rid of an unnecessary step in the disintegration of cars?

[@SouthMainAuto]

+danekeeper1 Haha makes me wonder sometime I tell ya. This stuff they put on the roads is insane!

[@ItsAlwaysRusty]

Wow , I've worked on many cars in my time but I can't recall a time I've seen so many broken springs on vehicles. My wifes VW has had two sets of springs for breakage. A friends Ford pick up and my old Chrysler van. I guess the steel makers have cut corners to the point that even springs break.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+ItsAlwaysRusty I do at least one a week here...

[@Rpeices]

Great Video, just wanted to weigh in, if your leaf springs break there is a recall for them in canada as well as other places. you can get them replaced for free, just happened on my 08 taco yesterday and both are getting replaced

[@tam1381]

Nice job, surprised you did not lube the shackle bolts and lower shocker bolt !.Tam.

[@ZePanthersGang]

That dust is insane Eric, you really should start bagging it up and selling it as some yummy South Main Auto Steak Salt haha

[@anti0918]

+ZePanthersGang It makes a great dry rub!

[@SouthMainAuto]

+ZePanthersGang Want me to ship you a fresh load of it!?

[@ULTIMATEGAMINGrs]

i love your vids man i watch them everyday learning new things wish you were closer then 3 hours lol your for sure my mechanic

[@Jacksonkellyfreak]

I believe that MAC impact was made by Aircat. It had the same setting switch and the same sound as the 1100 series. Supposed to be awesome. I've only used one once and it was a beast.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Jacksonkellyfreak Yeha your right it is an Air Cat

[@Jacksonkellyfreak]

South Main Auto Repair I'm looking forward to seeing how well you like it and how well it holds up. I've been debating between the 1100 Aircat and the Sunex HD or just going all out for the IR 2235. But the 2235 carries an additional 100 dollars over the 2135.

[@SouthMainAuto]

I only bought it because it was so cheap but I will let ya know how it holds up in the shop.

[@robertdavis6708]

Well done video. Hope to see more in the future.

[@mikejohnson9118]

Shouldn't the leaf springs/coil springs be replaced in pairs? New/New vs New/Old? Thx MJ

[@Theknotman1964]

cheers, great video, wish I had a lift old school it is for me but getting too old for this laying on the ground.....LoL , now subscribed

[@JamesJames-dx6tb]

Great view of Mrs O's Legs in a summer dress - made my day!!

[@julesrochemont15]

Hey Mr South Man, I have a 2000 prerunner and been thinking about trying to change the leafs on my own. Do you have to replace the metal sleeves and bushings also? Great vid.Tks

[@robanderson84]

Thanks for another great video, and liked the torch work!

[@andrewnix8043]

Thanks for the video. Do you have torque specs for the various bolts? If not, what torque setting do you have that impact at, or just max?

[@CCWSig]

What no Brake Cleaner?!?! Mrs. O's cameo in her sun dress almost makes up for it. Gotta enjoy those summer days when you can.

[@kengrossman5858]

was just wondering since your in the rust belt do or have you ever used some stuff called pbblaster? it is some amazing stuff.. enjoy your videos greatly . keepem coming

[@samb8996]

Very informative video Thanks for posting

[@davidmanishewitz]

the front spring hanger looks kinda ripe.... good job Eric

[@robb3111]

Great video, hey can you let me which kind of torque stick that was I have been looking for those that have the socket integrated, thanks

[@thomasstreetman8066]

Is it just me or did that look like easy money? Good job!

[@waynec6059]

At least it's a 'yota, scotty'd be proud. ;)

[@rockford2523]

Scotty K is a dolt. I would not let him work on my vehicle ever.

[@bryanhernandez3955]

Greetings, I am a follower of your page, I see that you have a lot of experience in the automotive area. I go to you. A question is about the vateria warning light on the dashboard of Toyota tacoma 2007, it would be so kind to guide the problem of this vehicle. AC

[@seandoofer5720]

Here in the uk you still see older land rovers, series 2 and 3, they have leaf springs front & rear, believe it or not the n/s and o/s are diffrent strengths, I think they design them so that when theres a hefty farmer sat in the drivers seat the vehicle runs level, the shop manual says something along those lines, more politely of course.

[@charliestewart8466]

Toyota is responsible for it

[@springfield4522]

Gives me hints on trying to replace the old rear suspension pads on the '69... Thanks!

[@toyotatechMDT]

Nicely done! Great video.

[@drivewaydiyer6504]

Great video, class job.....mind your eyes mate. Lots of rust flying about!!

[@richardvsassoon5144]

Why do you prefer used springs...? they're all I could find for a 97 tacoma and replaced both - kept the spare - just in case.

[@lynnmiller5183]

Very good job as usual 👍

[@tomwilson5201]

Eric O! I am getting p0420 on my 4.9L 1996 f150. I was researching and saw a comment that a coolant temp sensor could throw that code! Can you concur that to be true?

[@oby-1607]

Where would we be without hammers to fix these things. Just watched Eric replace some u-joints on an aluminum drive shaft and the hammer was put to good use there as well.

[@stuckinmygarage6220]

Thank you! BEst wishes for 2021!

[@airplanesbikesetc.8738]

You do know you started torch-wrenching toward the fuel tank? Otherwise good video - I have a broken leaf and need to do this both sides. The stealership nearby said they weren't "participating" in the recall for the springs. Thanks.

[@SteveRobReviews]

Awesome , I can imagine most viewers would cringe doing that job on the ground, that would be a bear. Ya all the notification are fried- seems the PM's haven't worked for at least the last 3 weeks either and only some of my comments get thru . Glad you mentioned it Eric I was starting to think I was getting subliminal messages from all my subscriptions :)

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Steve Rob Haha hey try my Email again I think I am back on line! I sent you a PM on YT but you must not have gotten it! According to my guy at YT they are going through some bg changes and com has been all whacked for a bit but will be better soon I am told...

[@chongqingzikunleafspring1376]

The video is so great and you do a good job.

[@chrisantas01]

3 words. You a pro 💪

[@TheSavageGarage]

Nice job again eric!

[@dcrickerson9775]

Very nice Eric-O ! Just curious about something. When I was a teenager back in the 60's growing up in NW Pennsylvania I worked at our local Ford garage for a short time. Back then a lot of people would pay to have their new vehicles under coated. Is that something they have gotten away from ? I would imagine it would be pretty messy working under one of those vehicles.

[@deepsquat600]

+DC Rickerson looks like not many people do it ..he had one truck in a few months ago that had a beautiful thick black layer of something on it I remember when I was a ki my dad always under coated his new ( used ) cars and truck ,,even though we live in the Seattle area and roads are NEVER salted here

[@Jacksonkellyfreak]

+DC Rickerson Funny enough I just watched the other vid on this truck yesterday and I believe it had undercoating on it in that one.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Jacksonkellyfreak yes your right and you can see just a few months later this is where it is at...

[@313roth]

geeez I wish I had some dough so I can get my car fixed by this dude...

[@versansky75]

Do you recommend new leaf springs on an older truck, like my 2000 s10 zr2, or would you suggest used or old ones? My passenger side leaf spring broke and I'm trying to figure out the best thing to do.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Not much rust under that Tacoma for a New York Vehicle always nice Eric O @SouthMainAutoRepairLLC

[@alefig2035]

Who manufactured the replacement leaf spring? I’m thinking about replacing my sprigs soon.

[@movingupautodiagnostics8645]

Never heard of these Toyotas having leaf springs problems here in PR.... what do you think about Dodge Dakotas Eric? Is it worth it?

[@cameltryde]

two days before I sprayed with lubricant.. ha 05 not as rusty as that ride lol...Thanks Dude have this little project just starting myself....been too long... Golf is much more the way.... 8) AND how many foot lbs on the ubolts

[@Hahehhwgajshah72726..]

A few questions.wouldn,t it be easier to just cut the u/bolts with a grinder?And shouldn't grease be applied to those new bushes?