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Van leaf springs
Posted: Wed May 07, 2025 1:40 pm
by Andmurph
Hi,
I’ve been cleaning up the leaf springs on the pick-up and discovered one of the main leafs is quite worn by one of the clamp crush tubes. The crush tube itself was also very thin on one side. I’ve never seen this happen before. Can anyone with experience suggest a reason for such wear?
I’ll have to replace them both I think. I’ve tried contacting Jones Springs for a quote but no reply yet. I read about poor experience with ESM springs. Again, anyone with experience of replacement van springs who could share their experience please?
Many thanks
Andrew
Re: Van leaf springs
Posted: Wed May 07, 2025 3:33 pm
by les
I imagine just general flexing is the cause. Some new rear springs are supplied with a band holding the leaves together, I’d advise making sure you get springs with the original brackets. See photo.
- IMG_0921.jpeg (61.74 KiB) Viewed 4878 times
Re: Van leaf springs
Posted: Wed May 07, 2025 4:04 pm
by Andmurph
I see! Thanks. I had wondered about those bands.
Jones Springs Engineering came back at £145 +VAT each so more expensive but should last longer perhaps.
They said they would repair my set but they usually see that sort of wear on 1920s springs.
Many thanks
Andrew
Re: Van leaf springs
Posted: Wed May 07, 2025 5:46 pm
by philthehill
How the van and pickup springs are assembled is different to the car and traveller. There are no rubber pads either side of the van and pickup spring - it is all solid.
Looking at your photo it could be that the spring has not been assembled correctly or that the centre crown is degraded by rust which could lead to excessive movement of the leaves below the main leaf which in turn leads to the wear you have experienced.
Some more photos of the spring especially the centre part would be appreciated so as to understand the problem and offer further advice.
These are the plates as fitted to the van and pickup and which locate the axle to the spring.
The plates and pins originally came from Les.
- Spring plate.JPG (816.74 KiB) Viewed 4819 times
I used the plates from Les as a pattern to make a new set of plates. Below is a photo of the new plates.
- Spring plates 2.JPG (1.06 MiB) Viewed 4810 times
You can use the rubber spring pads instead of the steel original items but if you are going to haul loads it is better to stick with the original design.
Re: Van leaf springs
Posted: Wed May 07, 2025 6:04 pm
by svenedin
Not van springs but I am still very pleased with my leaf springs from Jones Springs. Admittedly it is only 2 years ago that I changed the springs but the previous springs lated 3 decades.....I remember them being replaced after I had managed to break one by driving the car like the teenage lunatic I was.
Stephen
Re: Van leaf springs
Posted: Wed May 07, 2025 6:34 pm
by Andmurph
philthehill wrote: ↑Wed May 07, 2025 5:46 pm
How the van and pickup springs are assembled is different to the car and traveller. There are no rubber pads either side of the van and pickup spring - it is all solid.
Looking at your photo it could be that the spring has not been assembled correctly or that the centre crown is degraded by rust which could lead to excessive movement of the leaves below the main leaf which in turn leads to the wear you have experienced.
Some more photos of the spring especially the centre part would be appreciated so as to understand the problem and offer further advice.
These are the plates as fitted to the van and pickup and which locate the axle to the spring.
The plates and pins originally came from Les.
Spring plate.JPG
I used the plates from Les as a pattern to make a new set of plates. Below is a photo of the new plates.
Spring plates 2.JPG
You can use the rubber spring pads instead of the steel original items but if you are going to haul loads it is better to stick with the original design.
I have reassembled them but think you could be right about the centre crown being degraded by rust. Some of the leaves looked liked they’d been parked in the sea and several of the centre holes are elongated. Perhaps they were loose at one stage, or maybe just rust. I’ll take one apart tomorrow and post photos.
Many thanks
Andrew
Re: Van leaf springs
Posted: Thu May 08, 2025 10:41 am
by Andmurph
Here are photos of the worst affected springs in pieces. The crush tubes on the clamps are shot and one is missing. One of the bolts is a M10 replacement at some stage.
Re: Van leaf springs
Posted: Thu May 08, 2025 10:42 am
by Andmurph
Images too big to post in one go
Re: Van leaf springs
Posted: Thu May 08, 2025 10:44 am
by Andmurph
Bottom plate and spring
Re: Van leaf springs
Posted: Thu May 08, 2025 4:07 pm
by philthehill
Thanks for posting the photos.
I would suggest that the top and bottom plates and pins are grit blasted - once that rust is removed I think the plates and pins will be ok for reuse.
The governing factor is that the solid plates are not available new and only S/H items can be obtained which may be no better than the ones you have.
The pins may be available but I have yet to find a source of supply.
Note the number of parts that make up the plates as shown in my photo above do not let any go missing.
With those centre pin worn holes it is not worth trying to renovate or reuse the leaves.
Therefore I would advise that the spring leaves need to be replaced with I would suggest two new complete springs.
Use poly bushes for the spring eyes. The pick up and van have larger bushes for the front eye of the rear spring so make sure even if rubber you get the right items.
Good luck.
Phil
Re: Van leaf springs
Posted: Thu May 08, 2025 4:15 pm
by Andmurph
Thanks Phil!
I have a complete van set of Superpro bushes on the shelf. I think we’ll be ordering from Jones Spring Engineering as they say they can build complete sets to the original specifications including top and bottom plates and U bolts. The two week lead time will give me a chance to get everything else finished. Shame we’ll miss Moggyfest at Beaulieu.
Re: Van leaf springs
Posted: Thu May 08, 2025 6:42 pm
by philthehill
That is good news especially about the top and bottom plates. I look forward to seeing what they supply as regards the plates.