Leaf spring repairs?

[dairwin]

Hi,

Not really a welding question (or maybe it is?), but I am restoring my 1960 Land Rover, and have discovered a cracked (not broken) leaf in one of my leaf springs.

What to do? Getting replacements is not easy (replacing the whole spring is possible), but as these are original leaf spring I would like to repair it if possible.

Any advise? Anyone done this before? I think the material is low carbon steel.

Thank,
David.

 

[littlestwoo]

Hi,

I know where your coming from wanting to keep original parts and all that. To be honest though I would seariously consider chaging the complete springs (have to be changed at least in axle sets). Landrover parts catalouges do list replacement leaves (I think just the largest 1st and 2nd), but I don't think they are available now. Your 1960's springs are probably not supporting your landrover as they should any more, prone to sagging over time and crackng as you have found. Have you considered Paraboilcs? New springs arn't that dear anyway and will look pritty much the same as the ones you are taking off.

Steve (littlestwoo)

 

[dairwin]

Hi Steve,

I agree with all you say. The leaf that has cracked is #2. Originally replaceable, but not now.

There are companies that can fabricate one leaf to my spec. This is an approach. Another, is to reassemble the spring and just use it 'as is'. The leafs are not saggy yet; still within the chassis clearance tolerance. It has a like duty worklife, and if the u-bolts are tight enough, it may just survive.

However, I also consider this a bit of a challenge. It is metal, and should be repairable damn it!

 

[littlestwoo]

That the spirit!

Although spines are much harder to fix, would at least need low ampage tig I would have thought!

Parabolics are coil sprung comfy and get you that bit more axle articulation too which is never a bad thing!

I would be interested to know if a leaf spring is repairable, I'm sure it is, but I would have thought that the kind of stresses that a spring is under would make it unsuitable for repair. There must be someone on this forum with an expert opinion on this though.

Steve (littlestwoo)

 

[snowcat]

I did of sorts weld one a few years ago, it was actualy a lorry single leaf used for a presure plate on a machine, Think if i can remmber I put a very large prep V in then tig root followed by pass after pass with an 8018 rod it worked however the spring was huge and had little flex. so not sure how you would go for the size of spring your talking about,

 

[dairwin]

Hi - the leaf is 2.5 inches wide, and 1/4" thick.

 

[lorenzo]

In My Opinion..... NEVER EVER EVER EVER REPAIR A LEAF SPRING.

Most spring steels (as used in cars) are hardened and then tempered to about 45 on the Rockwell C-Scale.

When replacing a complete set of springs it may be a good idea to change the springs on the othe side as well. Especially consdiering the age of the vehicle

 

[dairwin]

Hi Chris; thanks for the info. I certainly share the caution.

Effective repairs have been made by others. I just need to understand what is involved. Tempering and rehardening is going to be required.

If all else fails, then replacement is the only way.

 

[rtbcomp]

In My Opinion..... NEVER EVER EVER EVER REPAIR A LEAF SPRING.

Hear! Hear!

Springs are a consumable part and I don't think fitting new springs will the spoil the "vintageness" of an old vehicle. I've had springs re-set, new leaves fitted but they never lasted for long. I'd be inclined to go for an axle-set, and if a rear has broken the fronts won't be far behind.

A crack will soon spread.

As springs are a nut & bold fixture you could keep the old springs and pass them on with the vehicle when the time comes.

 

[dairwin]

As springs are a nut & bold fixture you could keep the old springs and pass them on with the vehicle when the time comes.

Roger; this seems to be the way ahead. New ones on order.

 

[Martinslost]

deffo go for new springs. welding a leaf spring as said will remove the tempering it has gone through and it'll either sag, or crack again. saftey is the biggest factor here, I come from a vague landrover background and have seen what a broken no2 leaf can do to a landy when its traveling....it wrote it off and the guy spent 2 days in hospital. You've done the right thing!

 

[Highway_Star]

As above, don't weld it.

However these people http://www.british-springs.co.uk/multi_leaf_springs.html used to be the defacto specialists in this area, they would easily make up one layer for you.

 

[dairwin]

As above, don't weld it.

However these people http://www.british-springs.co.uk/multi_leaf_springs.html used to be the defacto specialists in this area, they would easily make up one layer for you.

Thanks for that link. I have ordered a new set now, but will contact them to get a cost of a replacement.