Leaf spring suspension

[Ean Austral]

Gday All,


My pioneer camper has leaf springs with no shocks , and a few times I have noticed that 1 side sits lower than the other, on close inspection it seems that the spring hanger on 1 side sits further back the other. the hanger itself is the same but its just sitting on a different angle than the other side.


The top of the hanger is bolted to the chassis , and the end of the leaf spring is bolted thru the bottom of the hanger, so straight up and down being 6 oclock , 1 side is say 7 oclock the other is at say 8.30.


So why would that be so? , should I be looking for a broken bolt or something, or even worse.?


Thanks and Cheers Ean

[JDNSW]

It probably indicates that one side spring is straightened by the load more than the other. possibly just more tired, but I would look for a broken leaf in the lower spring. It could also be due to the spring having moved longitudinally, most likely from a worn front spring bush (or loose or damaged bolt), but possibly due to chassis damage, with the bracket the front spring is bolted to being bent or cracked.

John

[Redback]

If something isn't bent or broken, then I'd say you're up for new leafs.

Off road rebound leafs would be my choice, in whatever leaf pack you currently have.

Baz.

[Ean Austral]

If something isn't bent or broken, then I'd say you're up for new leafs.

Off road rebound leafs would be my choice, in whatever leaf pack you currently have.

Baz.


Thanks Baz, do they rate springs as a pair or singularly ? I currently have 1600kg rated according to the spec's so assume each side is 800kg ?


Only reason I ask is because I see some advertise as a pair and some single.


Cheers Ean

[Redback]

They are rated by the pair, mine are 9 leaf and rated to 1500kg, every thing else on the camper like the bearings and axle are rated at that and the previous leaf pack was 7 leaf, so I upgraded, been fine so far, no bounce or swaying, so all good.

I have PMed some of the info I gathered when I was getting new leafs for my camper.

Baz.

[SouthOz]

Weight even on both wheels?

Dave

[Ean Austral]

Weight even on both wheels?

Dave

Sure is Dave. It would be nearly impossible to put that much extra weight on 1 side of that model camper, unless of course you did it deliberately .

It sits nearly 30mm difference even empty.

Cheers Ean

[LandyAndy]

How stiff are the actions of the springs Ean???.It could be that the one showing less flex is a bit seized.
We use a graphite spray on the graders.It would be worth jacking the trailer to get the weight off the spring.Get a large screw driver or pry bar to create a bit of space between the leaves.Give it a good dose of the spray between as many leaves as you can on both springs.Take it for a run along a rough road and see if it improves.If not you may be wise looking at new springs.
I did this on my last Ser3 van,it rode much nicer after;););););)
Have you got greaseable shackle pins??? If not get some when the springs are replaced.
The graphite spray is a CAT product,brilliant stuff,its a dry lubricant so no issue with dust creating a grinding paste.Other people make it,so try your CAT dealer or lubricant specialist;););););)
Andrew