Thread: Oiling leafs

true didn't really think of that

Originally Posted by dullbird

can springs be painted or not?

Yes they can.....and more than likily need to be

Firstly, spring steel is VERY hard.

If there is noticeable rust between the leaves, pull them apart and clean with a wire brush or sanding disc on an angle grinder. Note - be careful as they can come apart with a bit of force when you remove the centre bolt.

When you reassemble, paint the entire spring pack if you wish.

After the paint has dried, grease them if you want. The best product I have found is "spray grease" though motorcycle chain oil is OK as well. Anything thinner like engine oil won't stay around. Those who deride greasing or say the grit will wear away the springs must be smiking some good stuff. After 20+ years of abuse with the army (including vietnam) and almost 10 years in private hands my (rear) leaves had minimal wear. The fronts were FUBAR from trips to the beach - NOT wear. The rears are still working fine, despite being modded for a LOT more flex and being greased regularly for 10 years.

Originally Posted by BigJon

What about if you oil them then wrap them in self amalgamating tape?
That would keep the lubricant in and the dirt and water out. Then you would wrap race tape over the self amalgamating tape to protect it.

Unfortunately, this will almost certainly keep the water IN not out. Even the best job will not stop the water getting in, but it doesn't seem to take much to keep it there!

John

Originally Posted by isuzurover

.... Note - be careful as they can come apart with a bit of force when you remove the centre bolt.

.......

Clamp the spring in a vice to keep the leaves together while you undo the centrebolt, gradually release the vice after removing the nut. Reverse procedure to reassemble.

John

I read in Land Rover Owner magazine to seperate the leafs, oil/grease mix in between then wrap the whole lot in gaffer tape- starting from the front and finishing at the rear. That way, its harder to have water forced in... so they said.

I think I might leave them together at this point...I will look closely tomorrow in the light but I think the leafs just have a fair bit of mud and surface rust on them

Originally Posted by dullbird

I think I might leave them together at this point...I will look closely tomorrow in the light but I think the leafs just have a fair bit of mud and surface rust on them

It is a good idea to take them apart and give them a clean if you have the time.

Especially if the leaves are spreading - i.e. the spring pack becomes wider just after the clamped area.