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After Vacation Woes

Clark

Well-Known Member
Messages
166
Location
New York
hum1.jpgHi everyone I just had to share an experience I recently had with my H3.
I went to the southern end of Virginia "the blue ridge mountain area" I drove 10 hrs there
From New York had a great time for a week. I drove another 10 hrs back My H3 ran Excellent.
I got back to New York all is well. The next day I went to visit some friends not even 5 miles into
my trip this creep on the 3rd lane of the highway cuts me off because I guess he was about to miss
his exit so to avoid hitting this moron I hit my brakes. Suddenly it felt as if The vehicle behind me
rear ended me. BUT! what happened was my rear leaf springs snapped off the the chassis. my differential
fell back causing my driveshaft to come out of my transfer case. All my case oil dripped out. Had to call
the only tow truck service authorized to tow me off the highway $150 just to get me off the highway. Then
had to call yet another towing service to tow my H3 across town to my mechanic. $250 later. Thank
Goodness my transfer case was not damaged. $1,100 dollar repair New leaf springs, transfer case flushed
for metal shavings not was found. I broke down at 7:30 pm and I got home at 2:00 am I just had to share
this experience with you guys. All in all My H3 is running great again. hum2.jpghum3.jpghum4.jpg
 

Jeepwalker

Well-Known Member
Messages
980
Location
WI
That's happened to three of our H3s so far glad you are okay.

Huh... so you've seen other leaf springs break like that? I'm going to go inspect the spring loops on mine..


Glad you're ok and got home safe.
 

atvspeed4

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,214
Location
massachusetts
Huh... so you've seen other leaf springs break like that? I'm going to go inspect the spring loops on mine..


Glad you're ok and got home safe.

Yes, if you check other forums (some arent around anymore) its more common than you would think. We have had them break in exact same spot where the main leaf wraps around the bushing. On two 2006 H3s and one 2007. Real pain to replace as the bolts typically rust solid in the bushing near the gas tank and shackle. The former Hummer dealer near us said they have seen it several times before.

Do not buy the aftermarket springs from rockauto we needed them quickly for a trip and they do not have the same weight carrying capacity and sit 3" too low.
 

Korby7

Well-Known Member
Messages
434
Location
Utah
Glad you and your rig are OK. Does anyone know, is there a way to catch this before it happens? Would you see stress cracks or anything like that when inspecting or do they just suddenly go and you should just preventatively replace them after so many miles? Are there any suggested better than factory replacements?
 

Clark

Well-Known Member
Messages
166
Location
New York
Glad you and your rig are OK. Does anyone know, is there a way to catch this before it happens? Would you see stress cracks or anything like that when inspecting or do they just suddenly go and you should just preventatively replace them after so many miles? Are there any suggested better than factory replacements?
I recommend going to an honest spring shop in your town. Or unless of course you have the proper tools
To take on the task of removing your leaf springs. I went with brand new factory springs, equipped with New pressed
In bushings. Good luck
 
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