Leaf spring clamps

[stag36587]

I seem to be missing one of the small clamps that holds leaves together - are they easy to fabricate? I couldn't see them for sale separately at suppliers.

Thanks

[bmcecosse]

They are only on the front half of the spring leaves..... Not a lot to them - and frankly I'm not sure what (if anything) they do...... I wouldn't lose any sleep over it......

[stag36587]

Ok I won't though I am in danger of losing a wee bit sleep over my other rear suspension problem - When I got my car both rear damper chassis link rods had snapped where they join the damper arm eyelets, due to rust. To remove the remains I will no doubt need to try penetrating oil brute force, ignorance and heat - though not necessarily in that order !

[bmcecosse]

Crikey - never heard of that problem..... they should bang out ok. But are the dampers seized solid ? Are bump stops in place on the axle? Maybe the suspension has overtravelled and snapped them?

[mike.perry]

The drop links are easy enough to replace, you need a ball joint splitter to separate the link from the damper arm and hope that the nut at the top of the link is not siezed.

[Andy]

My sister's Minor was refused an MOT certificate once because the leaf spring clamps were missing.

We took it to a better garage. It passed.

I should think that the clamps are there to stop grit and road dirt getting in between the leaves causing premature wear. They may also stop the leaves from splaying sideways perhaps.

Andy

[bmcecosse]

The leaves are well clamped at the U bolts - and the little clamps are only on one half of the spring.......... I suspect they are just there to hold the spring together UNTIL it is fitted to the car..........