Disassemble leaf springs?

This site contains affiliate links for which LandyZone may be compensated if you make a purchase.
W

Webley1991

Well-Known Member
Posts
2,579
Location
London
Is there a way of disassembling series leaf springs without having to bend the clamps outwards?

I can't see any other way that you would be able to separate the leaves.

Thanks for any info.
 
Yes and do it it will be one of the best things cost vs results you will ever do.

Strip them apart clean with a grinder flap disk back to clean metal re assemble with plenty of oil/ grease and the ride will be transformed!!! Better than Para's
 
I'm not a fan of para's maybe just I've been in
Poor quality vehicles have been in a few felt horrid a properly sprung good cond springs should be great.

On my trials veil I have stripped and rebuilt with least amount of leaves to the regulations and it's soft yet to be tried in anger but it's so soft it's untrue
 
or yu could just wrap them up with clingfilm, squirt old engine oil inside, leave 24 hours to dissipate and then drive on the bumpiest road you can....
 
I have posted this before, I sprayed mine in a mix of oil/paraffin. You need to do this with the springs on full articulation and the vehicle supported on the chassis. If possible leave overnight, drive around for a week. Repeat and maybe give the springs a good wire brushing and tap with a hammer. Drive around for another week, lift again and use spray grease in between the leaves, repeat after a week and then spray grease them two or three times a year. Mine came up over an inch on rear height and the ride is smooth and supple. Total cost around £5 for spray grease.
 
I have actually read in some places NOT to apply any kind of lubricant. It is said that the oil or grease traps dirt, which then acts like grinding paste between the leaves.
 
Webley1991 said:
I have actually read in some places NOT to apply any kind of lubricant. It is said that the oil or grease traps dirt, which then acts like grinding paste between the leaves.
Click to expand...

Because as we all know rust between the leafs really helps them flex and move.. :rolleyes: Bit of "grinding paste" might grind the rust of the leafs.
 
You been listeningnt Sean

Tut tut!!

Old farmers prefer them to rust solid as if you grease them after 25 years hard work they have to spend money to replace them as they've worn away!

Grease them use it for a year or so then if your really worries jet wash them after a year then apply wd40
 
I have never seen any springs worn through from greasing, Land Rover service recommended oiling them. Majority of spring problems are due to lack of use, many old Landies sit around for years. Clean em, oil and grease em, stick some serious weight in the thing and use it for a while then grease em again. You will not look back.
 
You say without bending the clamps...no I dont think so,

When I had std springs many many many years ago I did what you ask....dont think you can bend the clamps with out heating till red on the top bend...they should be made of spring steel and will break if bent cold,

Once I straightend the clamps I used a very big G clamp to hold the leaves together while I undid the centre bolt,

On re-assembly I just drilled the now straighted clamps so as to fit a long bolt from one side of the clamp to the other,

Much easier to fit a GOOD set of paras....dont be put off by the imported crap that's about.

Nick.
 
Thanks for the replies.

The springs were almost new when I fitted them in 2012.

The Landy is currently in pieces, but hopefully I will soon start the re-assembly process.

I was asking about disassembly as I did grease them last year, but then read on various sties that they should be dry. I was wondering if the grease should be removed.

Somewhere else I read that grease attracting dirt was only a problem in dusty environments. I wouldn't class the UK as particularly dusty.

I also read about lubricating the springs, then wrapping adhesive sports grip tape around them. This keeps the oil in and water / grit out.
 
Last edited:
Do not worry about having grease on the springs. Just think of how far they actually move when deflecting, and how many hundreds of thousands of miles it would take to wear something like that!!! Mine have been spray greased 2 or 3 times a year maybe more for the last 4 years as a daily driver. Lovely supple ride now.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Kingshill-Rover
Series 3 LWB in Buckinghamshire - Front Springs
Replies
11
Views
1K
Rangieman123
Rangieman123
Ric82
Series 3 2.25 Diesel 88" Front Leaf Springs
2
Replies
37
Views
2K
grewth
G
landowner
Bending leaf springs
Replies
8
Views
1K
freelance
freelance
S
Trouble bleeding clutch SIIa
2
Replies
26
Views
2K
Samoth
S
B
Defender 90 suspension height
Replies
8
Views
562
Benji55
B
Back
Top