Leaf spring maintenance

Post by **minor_hickup** » Sat Apr 01, 2006 7:39 pm

The manual also states that the leaves should not be oiled or greased.

Post by **wanderinstar** » Sat Apr 01, 2006 7:49 pm

WHO mentioned OIL or GREASE??

Dont think I did !!!

Post by **bigginger** » Sat Apr 01, 2006 8:14 pm

But the reason for that is AFAIK that these would reduce 'stiction', the very thing that the DPC would do. So the manual says it's bad, Mr Burton says it's good, hence my very large pinch of salt taken with some of the things he says.

Post by **NZJLY** » Sat Apr 01, 2006 10:56 pm

So are we saying waxoil or oil are bad or good? I have the springs off to redo on my Morrie pickup, and am starting to get a tad confused

Also while on the subject, any ideas for fixing the bolt that holds the springs on? It sheared off when removing the nuts.

Post by **minor_hickup** » Sat Apr 01, 2006 11:02 pm

As for the waxoil, the bmc manual tell you not to lubricate the springs. Although i doubt it would make a huge difference, although they are quite soft already. I suppose its up to you.

Post by **bigginger** » Sat Apr 01, 2006 11:08 pm

I'm saying they're bad, 'cos the manual says not to use them. Owen Burton (who fancies himself as a bit of an expert) says that the DPC is good. I just leave them alone until they get too saggy, then replace them. Which bolt are you asking about? The one (s) on the hangers at the rear, or the threaded 'stud' at the front? If it's that, I reckon it'd mean chopping off the remains, drilling it out and welding in a bolt to replace it, but I've not done it

Post by **NZJLY** » Sun Apr 02, 2006 1:23 am

Thats the one, I might have to get a professional type person to do it, I don't know if I trust our welding that much

So, will I get away with just separating the springs, wirebrushing them down, and painting them separatly with chassis black?

Thanks
John

Post by **wanderinstar** » Sun Apr 02, 2006 9:24 am

Well I would say that its up to your own judgement. Years ago they used to grease springs and then put leather gaiters on them, they were the same leaf springs we use. They also used friction dampers, I,m sure lever dampers are better. As I said eaelier its down to what degree of comfort you want.
As for it not saying to oil in manual. Dont think it says to put grease on bolt threads when rebuilding something, but most of us do.
Whats "stiction"??
Ian

Post by **bigginger** » Sun Apr 02, 2006 12:35 pm

A term I read on here - I took it to be a clever combination of 'stick' and 'friction' - d'you see what they did there?
I'm not one of the bolt thread greasers either

Post by **M25VAN** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 10:12 am

If you apply some sort of lubricant to the springs like oil or waxoyl isn't there a danger that as grit and dirt gets attached it will work between the leaves and turn into a nice grinding paste slowly wearing away your springs?
If you want to keep them dry then Frosts sell Denso tape for leaf springs.

http://www.frost.co.uk/item_Detail.asp?productID=8897

I guess you could even lighty oil between the spings as well with this as it would keep out the dirt.

I've always left mine bare but having said that a new pair I fitted failed an MOT after about 5 years because they had worn down so much. The previous pair had been on the van at least 15 years!
Is it me or do todays new spares have less 'life'?
Steve

Post by **M25VAN** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 10:26 am

NZJLY wrote:Thats the one, I might have to get a professional type person to do it, I don't know if I trust our welding that much

I had the same problem NZJLY and thought the world had just ended as it was MOT time the next day. I got a threaded stud welded on by a very nice Minor trader as there was still enough of the original to weld to. When it's convenient I'll get a more permanent repair done using one of these from ESM.

http://shop.morrisminorspares.co.uk/pop ... p?pID=2031

It's part number is RPV185 and costs £10-£15

Came across it by chance the other day.......

Steve

Post by **rayofleamington** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 10:53 am

I've always left mine bare but having said that a new pair I fitted failed an MOT after about 5 years because they had worn down so much.

I've had some that were worn through 50% of the leaf, but still passed a UK MOT... I guess it depends on how strict the MOT man wants to be

Post by **M25VAN** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 2:24 pm

I agree Ray. When I took the springs off they didn't look too bad but later that week I heard an almighty crash in the garden. It was the securing nut breaking off and the bottom leaf flying into a bunch of demijohns.

That'll teach me to doubt the MOT mans judgement