Rear Springs

[Dominic]

Hi folks
Due to the axle case leaking onto the nearside spring, it is now quite well lubricated whereas the offside is still as dry as a bone. Should I dismantle this spring and de-oil it or would it be ok left as it is?

[bmcecosse]

Oil the other one to match! It's good for them!! Back in the day - leaf springs were lubricated and wrapped up in special gaiters (or strips of old inner tube.....)

[Dominic]

That'd certainly be the easiest way. Was just a bit concerned as the manual (the real one, not Haynes) says in the general description "It is essential that no lubricant be used on the spring leaves or shackles."

[bmcecosse]

Well - the shackles have rubber bushings in them - and I suppose the oil may not do them any good........but of course - it's better to fit polyurethane bushes anyway. The leaves will slip more easily over each other - so in theory you will lose some of the 'self damping' properties of the leaf spring - but of course there will be less wear and tear!

[Dominic]

Disassembled the axle - the perches were totally rotten, I'm amazed that the axle casing was only seeping at one side. I'm in the process of changing the diff at the same time, bought a good 3.9 to go with the 1275 Marina engine that's been in place for a few years. The old diff I assumed was a 4.2, found when I removed it that it's an ATA3074 - 4.55 ratio! No wonder it seemed somewhat frantic at motorway speeds...
So, I have a good 4.55 diff if anyone wants one!

[M25VAN]

That'd certainly be the easiest way. Was just a bit concerned as the manual (the real one, not Haynes) says in the general description "It is essential that no lubricant be used on the spring leaves or shackles."

This is interesting, the LCV workshop manual says to grease them.