Leaf spring preservation

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dag019

dag019

Well-Known Member
Posts
6,099
Location
Warwick
Having finally got around to fitting my new springs to the rear (still have the fronts to do) I want them to last as long as possible. What do people use/is the best method for preserving them.

I am un-inclined to use the spring wrap tape as on a land rover I feel it will just keep damp and dirt in place making things worse. Lots of people seem to recommend old engine oil, but lots of people recommend this for chassis preservation as well and there are better options out there for that. Is an oil/grease the best bet (regularly applied due to movement) or is waxoil/dinitrol a better bet?
 
Don't use grease. It attracts dirt between the leafs.
I use a "dry"silicone chain lube for push bikes. (Not GT85)
Use the summer version as winter stays wet. Comes in a spray can
Make sure they don't go rusty as this affects the movement.
No probs on series 1
 
Engine oil and a little petrol ... Nope this don't work up the mountains they just seem to attract more surface rust, did consider that body rubber paint stuff but actually i might give the push bike chain lube a go ...
 
rob1miles said:
I lube mine then wrap in Denso tape.
Click to expand...

This was the tape wrap I was referring to originally but could not remember the name. It seems to be very common in the classic "sports" car scene but I do not recall ever seeing it on a land rover. The general feeling from the research I have done is that it will keep moisture in once it has entered. As I use m series green laning it will end up wet and muddy and I do not then want this to remain on the spring.
 
If you don't want to wrap them, and I can see why you don't, you will have to content yourself with regular cleaning and maintenance. Jack up, axle stands under the chassis so that the axles hang down and power wash the springs so that they are clean between the leaves. You can knock an old screwdriver in between the leaves if necessary to open the gaps. Use whatever lube you decide on and be ready to do it again whenever it needs doing.
 
Extreedoc said:
If you don't want to wrap them, and I can see why you don't, you will have to content yourself with regular cleaning and maintenance. Jack up, axle stands under the chassis so that the axles hang down and power wash the springs so that they are clean between the leaves. You can knock an old screwdriver in between the leaves if necessary to open the gaps. Use whatever lube you decide on and be ready to do it again whenever it needs doing.
Click to expand...

I am fully expecting to have to regularly re-apply what ever I use, I am just looking for what is best to use. However as with most things of this nature everyone seems to have their own preference which I normally take to mean it doesn't really matter and there is little difference!
 
dag019 said:
I am fully expecting to have to regularly re-apply what ever I use, I am just looking for what is best to use. However as with most things of this nature everyone seems to have their own preference which I normally take to mean it doesn't really matter and there is little difference!
Click to expand...
Your last sentence: that's right, whatever you've got handy will do, nothing wrong with old oil. I've used the old screwdriver thing and an oil can to squirt oil in. Works a treat. Wire brush the outside of the spring pack.
 
How quickly are you expecting new leaf springs wear out.............

If your over 30 years old I doubt youll be replacing them again. :confused:
 
Keep it simple,once a year jack up body to open out the leaves and pressure wash. When dry spray with fresh oil. Do it more often if doing muddy off roading. Do this and they will last as long as Bobsticle expect.
 
Bobsticle said:
How quickly are you expecting new leaf springs wear out.............

If your over 30 years old I doubt youll be replacing them again. :confused:
Click to expand...
I am not 30 yet so there is a chance. It is an '82 so the originals have only lasted 35 years before breaking, and really needed replacing when I bought it originally, I just couldn't afford it as I had already had the 110 and was a student.
I am not expecting them to rust immediately but prevention is better than cure and want it to remain in good condition. This is the reason I painted the axle at the same time and will do the same when I fit the fronts. If a regular clean and oil is all it needs that is easy enough.
 
The wrapping is messy as Denso tape is very sticky, Get teh 3 or 4 in wide and wrap it with an overlap then tie the end off at a shackle. When you get the Denso tape out the packet and try to separate it from itself, your hands, the packet and anything else it all makes sense. Its a fabric tape so its strong. its also very handy for drain leaks.
 
Bobsticle said:
How quickly are you expecting new leaf springs wear out.............

If your over 30 years old I doubt youll be replacing them again. :confused:
Click to expand...

I think the idea of lubricating them is to reduce friction between the leaves , making them more supple and making the ride better . The springs are more likely to sag than Rust/wear away .

This must be a Land Rover thing as you don't read about doing this sort of thing with any other 4x4.
 
Remora107 said:
I think the idea of lubricating them is to reduce friction between the leaves , making them more supple and making the ride better . The springs are more likely to sag than Rust/wear away .

This must be a Land Rover thing as you don't read about doing this sort of thing with any other 4x4.
Click to expand...

It does make the ride a lot better. Older leaf sprung landrovers it was recommended to grease the leaves with graphite grease as needed.
On series 3s, there were little recesses in the end of the springs, with graphite pads in the recesses, to do the job automatically.
Obviously, over time, the pads wear out, so going back to the old method of working graphited grease in from the sides can be helpful.
 
I understand the reasons to lubricate them but I doubt longevity is a huge factor. I doubt more than a handful of series have ever seen any oil on them.
 
Bobsticle said:
I understand the reasons to lubricate them but I doubt longevity is a huge factor. I doubt more than a handful of series have ever seen any oil on them.
Click to expand...

Never oiled them, although I believe some do. I can't imagine oil lasts long.

The graphite grease makes the ride much nicer, no idea about longevity.

The springs on series always lasted longer than my back in any case. :eek::D
 
It was the thing to have an annual oil spray for the whole underside where I used to live. My local garage would use the old engine oil from services. I can still remember the big sign they had outside. How times change.
 
Bobsticle said:
It was the thing to have an annual oil spray for the whole underside where I used to live. My local garage would use the old engine oil from services. I can still remember the big sign they had outside. How times change.
Click to expand...

Good for your bank balance, and maybe a good idea in high road salt areas.

But I can't imagine the environmental lobby would approve now, used engine oil is regarded as the devil these days.
 
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