question about leaf spring bushings

[wolgie]

I just bought this trailer and noticed the back portion of the slipper leaf spring has alot of play and squeaks and does not appear to have a bushing. While the front doesn't appear to either but also doesn't look like it has room for one. Do these type springs have a bushing in the front? and how do I figure out what size bushing should be in the back?

photo 3 (Medium).JPG (79.97 KiB) Viewed 386 times

Thanks
Wolgie

[Shadow Catcher]

Some one will correct me if I am wrong but the slipper spring is not attached in the rear so that it can move the front can have a bushing but may not, depends on the design. If there is no room for one it does not need it. You can quiet the squeak using a lubricant preferably dry i.e. graphite or silicone.

[48Rob]

Hi,

For the front attachment point (spring hanger) you can install a nylon bushing, or a better bronze bushing.
The latter uses a wet bolt, which allows you to use a grease gun to inject chassis grease for lubrication.
The rear attachment point however, is designed to "slip" as the name suggests.
They squeak, rattle, and groan, obnoxiously...
It is the design.
You can stop every few miles and shoot some lubricant on the surfaces, but it rally doesn’t help much.

The best way to cure it permanently is to purchase a set of standard "double eye" leaf springs.
Double eye springs are attached with bushings at both ends, and for something as small as yours will cost about $20 a spring, or less.
Unless the new springs are exactly the right length though (your pictures show an old style slipper spring which uses a standard spring hanger bracket) you will have to remove the old rear bracket for the slipper spring and attach new spring hanger brackets for the new springs, a fast easy job for a welder.
You may even be able to bolt them on.

Rob

[wolgie]

Thanks alot,, I knew you guys would have an answer. I think I'll invest in new springs. Maybe I should just sell it and get the harbor freight trailer.