Leaf Spring Repair

[CaptainKram]

My leaf springs are in pretty rough shape. I plan on media blasting the rust off, and replacing the u-bolts. I read somewhere that the leafs should be separated and a thin layer of grease applied between each when replaced. Is there a tool or technique for getting these things apart? I haven't tried yet, I just figured I'd ask before I tore up a couple of screw drivers or chisels trying.

CK

[doug hodder]

If your springs are in pretty rough shape, I wonder if it's worth the time and effort to rehab them or just go get a matched pair of new ones. They aren't that much. You never know. They may have been overloaded at one time and are beat. Typically, they are rivited together and might just make for real headache. Just an idea. Doug

[Miriam C.]

If your springs are in pretty rough shape, I wonder if it's worth the time and effort to rehab them or just go get a matched pair of new ones. They aren't that much. You never know. They may have been overloaded at one time and are beat. Typically, they are rivited together and might just make for real headache. Just an idea. Doug

what he said. It is much easier to do them before the TD is on top and while you already have it apart.

[starleen2]

Robert Hesselmann's blog spot has an article on axel rehab that also covers leaf springs

http://vintagetraileraxle.blogspot.com

[CaptainKram]

Robert Hesselmann's blog spot has an article on axel rehab that also covers leaf springs

http://vintagetraileraxle.blogspot.com

That's the one I was looking for thanks starleen.

Doug & Miriam C., That might just be the way to go. I'll see what I see once I get them off the axle.

Also, any recommendations on which way to go with brakes (elec., surge, etc)? I really don't know that I'm going to need them yet but I'm trying to look ahead and do this right the first time

[madjack]

CK, with the low cost of springs, if I had any questions at all about the old ones, I would get a new set...as too brakes, I am firmly in the electric brake category...some like surge but with the newer fully proportional, digital controllers, they are pretty much a "plug & play' item.....
madjack

[Rigsby]

IMHO i would never use electric brakes. All you need is a loss of power and youve got a loss of brakes. If i am building a trailer with brakes, i always use a overrun brakes from a sliding hitch. I think our european laws regarding brakes on trailers are a little more stringent than in the US. Over here , it has to have overrun brakes if the gross weight exeeds 750kg