Thread: Sqeaky leaf springs

grease is the only way that I know

Originally Posted by pohm66

Hi guys....
I'm after your ideas on how to get rid of sqeak in my springs???... on my campertraier!!

Its a 5 leaf variety with no shocks. Cheers.......

Grease will encourage leaf wear when dirt and dust is attracted to it, maybe some dry graphite powder will help, Regards Frank.

Thanks Guys... looks like I'll get in there with some graphite first at least its easier to add wet stuff after rather that the other way around

This has been a problem with leaf springs ever since they were invented!

There is no absolute solution, but the nearest thing to one is to remove and disassemble the spring and clean, derust and paint the individual leaves. Then coat with powdered graphite, preferably before the paint is quite dry, then reassemble. (Thin interleaves of nylon or zinc will help, but are not very long lasting) Expect to repeat the performance at regular intervals.

As a short cut, spread the leaves (there used to be tools made for the purpose) and squirt in powdered graphite. Particularly if you live in an area that is wet or muddy, you may prefer to ignore Frank's warning and use graphite grease, antiseize compound or MoS2 grease.

Your trailer probably has one end of the springs sliding, and that is probably where the noise is mostly coming from, so treating these contact points only may remove most of the noise.

Final tip - wind up the windows and turn up the radio.

John