For almost a year now, I have been looking to improve the reliability of the silent bush shackle system. I first realised the danger in Munnar, when my notice was drawn to the shackle nut on the morning of MGE. It was just about fall off.
Later when I discussed with the Mahindra workshop about making this fall-proof, they used two nuts tighened against eachother to secure it. When I asked whether grease type shackle can be used, I was told that is not an option. So I learnt live with it.
However, when I switched over to CF leafs, the same silent bush shackle system created further complication. The shackle was holding the leaf too tight resisting the free movement of the CF leaf.
The first reply got when I posted this problem was from star_aqua.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Samurai Quote:
Originally Posted by star_aqua you need to go for a grease type shackle. it will solve your problem as they are threaded and have the flexibilty to adjust the width. |
This topic has come up once before when I lost the shackle nut. I asked the Mahindra workshop to change into grease type shackle with nipple. I was told it is not available of this end of the leaf.  |
Quote:
Originally Posted by star_aqua How come?? They would have not had this part with them. grease type shackle kit is available in all local automobile spare part shops. |
Anyway, there was no point going back to Mahindra workshop since I knew they had ruled out the possibility.
After thinking over various possibilities, I finally decided to consult a local master mechanic as suggested by Udupi BHPian Sachin Karkera. After that, this happens:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Samurai However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Today I visited a master mechanic in Udupi to resolve the problem in fitting the CF leaf properly. When I went there, the plan was to make a custom shackle bush to relieve the pinching by the shackle plates. However, star_aqua's suggestion of using a grease shackle kit was still lingering in my mind. The Mahindra workshop had ruled out the possibility saying grease tyre shackle kit is not available for bumper end of the leaf springs. Apparently it is not an OE design, so Mahindra workshop won't deviate from it.
Today I brought up the same issue with the master Mechanic. He said it should be possible, but he wanted to see the existing shackle bush before commenting. After all, he has never seen a CF leaf before this. So we jacked up the vehicle, and removed the leaf end and the shackle bush. It was the exact size as the grease type shackle kit. I just wanted to break into a dance right away...
So we quickly went to a local auto shop and bought 4 shackle assembly kit. I stayed around to see one of them being fitted. It fits gloriously, and now the CF leaf is able to move very freely, without any hitch. |
I am reposting all this history here because I wanted to share the clear improvement of grease type shackle over the silent bush type.
Next four shots are taken via mobile phone, the last two using P&S. So pardon the quality.
Check this baby out... it is lightyears ahead of the older design.
The bolt is hallow to hold the grease. The grease nipple will cover these holes.
You can see the hole on the left that will enable the grease to flow out and lubricate the shackle cylinder. The hole on the right will accept a pin that will ensure that the nut won't fall out.
The shackle plate is grooved, this will let you adjust the distance between two shackle plate to enable the leaf to move smoothly, even when the outside nuts are fully tightened.
Here is the installed shot of grease type shackle. Now the CF leaf can move smoothly. The shackle kit also came with metal washers for both sides.
The shackle on the front.
The price of grease type shackle kit which includes washers and nipples, is just Rs.276 only. So I replaced all four shackles, now the Jeep has 8 more grease nipples.
Now this is making me wonder. Why is Mahindra not making these available for Jeeps through their workshops? Why are they still using silent bush over grease type?