leaf spring quick test

[Musselcracker]

Does anyone know of a quick home test you can do on to check your leaf springs?

I have just bought a bakkie and the leaf springs are looking a little tired... or what I think from my totally novice opinion. Is there any little trick I can do to check them?

Perhaps I shall post some photos on here to have some professional opinons!

[Maddoglips]

Chris

I don't know of any physical test you'll be able to do at home, but if they appear to have a "W" shape to them, they are worn and tired.

In other words if it appears that the centre portion by the axle is pushing higher then the sides of the springs, they are worn.

Pics will always help with predictions

Zane

[Musselcracker]

thanks Zane

come to think of it they may just be the case....

i will nip out now at tea time and take some pics with the cellphone quick

[Musselcracker]

here with the pics

[Maddoglips]

Hi M8

Looking at those pics, I'd have to say they are tired

But I drove for a while on mine like that as it can't do damage so there's no need to rush to replace if you don't have the means to replace at the mo.

If you are thinking of replacing with another brand of springs, I would recommend Mikem, as I fitted these with a 50mm lift, and what a difference, even Swambo was impressed as we could leave the kidney belts behind when going out, oh and there service is brilliant.

Cheers Zane

[Musselcracker]

could i not just get the springs re tensioned and perhaps add one more?

[Maddoglips]

You could retension, but as alot of guys will tell you, they don't tend to last.

With in a few months the springs have returned to the old position, aswell, the cost of retensioning is so close to buying new, it doesn't make sense.

I was quoted roughly 800 for retensioning and 950 for new blades from Springwell here in PE, don't know if they have a branch near you to find out.

For the bit extra, I went to Mikem like said before, and now have piece of mind.

Just remeber, you gotta go with what suites you and your needs, do abit of phoning around and see what you come up with.

Zane

[Selous]

Hi Zane

Sorry to poach on this thread but my leaf springs are looking almost the same.

Did you pay R950 for a total set??

By the way I sent my motor for a recon and am back online

[Maddoglips]

Paul Glad to hear M8

The cost quoted was per spring pack so you looking at 4k roughly for standard pirate built springs with a 12 month warranty.

This is with out labour,buying bushes and shackles either, don't have to do shackles every time, just depends on condition of yours.

Zane

[Rebel 4x4]

Not worth retension....

My uncle had his done 2 years ago, first trip to Baviaans and it "sagged" again, also from the Springwell crowd.

[OOOOMS]

retension = no
Extra blade = no

Been there got the t-shirt, only a temp fix :!:

[Danman]

Hi Chris,
Also when replacing the front springs look at the state of the saddle.
Mine(sorry hopalong's) saddles are frowning adding to the w effect.
m2cw

[Musselcracker]

Thanks guys

I need some phoning around here is about what I came up with for just leaf springs

Old man EMU: Hillcrest durban = approx R10 000
Mikem = Approx R 9000
Iron man = Quoted R11 300 (including shocks)

Pretty much just FYI... I think they will last a bit longer, and now I know what to keep an eye on!

How flat are those front springs suppose to be?

[Vlak vark]

Hi Chris.

If you are a diy man it you can do it your selfe.
Done mine in middle may. Drive 16 km a trip to
Home on a bad gravel road. Did the george's valley 4x4
As we'll and I'm happy no sagging yet.

See treat: viewtopic.php?f=92&t=12176" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Vlak vark]

Forgot to metion about the friction pads. Make sure they are still in good condition

[Musselcracker]

friction pads..??
where are those

[Vlak vark]

Once you strip your leaves apart you will see a black round patch which
Secure into the a small hole of the leave neaby the end. The compoud looks like a type of break shoe compound or type of graphide.

[indabundu]

I can only offer my rusty, sagged and scrap springs, I have decided to go with Mikem suspension, really like the idea of greasable shackles and pins. Hoping to fit next week and will let know how they ride.