squeaky back springs

[grainger]

hi

can you tell me if its alright to give the back springs a good squirt of wd40 as they are going to be changed within the month anyway ? but the noise from them and the scrappy edges at the back of my traveller is going right through me.

the only reason not to oil them usually is to preserve the rubber bushes isnt it ? they should last that long - or does wd40 dissolve it on contact :D

cheers
grainger

[Willie]

Lo, the leaf springs are designed to NOT be oiled. Oiling alters
the characteristics. WD40 is a very very thin lubricant and would
have no noticeable lubrication properties on leaf springs. WD40
will not harm rubber. The rubber spring bushes are the most
likely cause of squeaking......paint some brake fluid on to the rubbers
and see if it cures the problem. If you want to smarten up the springs
then wire brush the rust away and then wipe them with an oily rag
which was dipped in engine oil. (remember, there are rubber bushes
at the FRONT of the springs too).
Willie

[grainger]

oh do you mean theyd be more springy or whatever ? ... i thought it does say on wd40 - dont get it on rubber ? and also i spose i dont want the fixings to come loose ? no the squeaking is coming more from the springs but they are very rusty so im going to replace them but the rub down might do them a bit of good - i just dont want to rub too much away witha wire brush !! ill get the oily rag out
cheers
grainger