Hi guys I have been trying to figure out how to get a good rustprotection and also a good lubrication (dry lubrication) of the leafsprings as I am in the process of refurbish the old rear once.

I found this on the tube



I have to options at the moment that I am considering

Option 1:
Dismantle, clean, assemble, paint exterior, dismantle, apply graphite grease between each leaf, assemble. DONE

Option 2:
Dismantle, clean, apply waxbased rust protection all over, assemble, DONE.

Any other suggestions are greatly appreciated?

Is there a correct way? I have found 1001 different ways on the www.

Thanks in advance

 

Hi.
Not sure that this would work on leaf springs, but her goes my 2 cents.

I have beadblasted and powdercoated coil springs when restoring an old MB.
Was in the lucky situation to have access to a factory licensed shop that restored/repaired large turbochargers. ( each one weighed 2000 kilos)
Springs were in good condition wire diameter 18,5 mm.
Blasting was done in a automated cabinet used for large turbochargers.
Blast media was nutshell.
Painting was made by elastic powdercoat paint at the same facility,used on the pumpcasing for the ship engine turbochargers.
I had the car for 10 years after that and springs looked as new.

Ola

 

I agree that powdercoat is great on coil springs, but on leafsprings they must be allowed to slide against each other and powdercoat against powdercoat may get them to stick instead of slide affecting the ride. Also to much paint between leafsprings will wear and loosen the clamping force by the centre bolt which may lead to cracked leafs eventually.

 

I agree. I don't think powder coating would be the best route, however I've never done it so I don't have first hand experience with powder coating leaf springs.

You should be good if you disassemble and then clean with a wire brush or wire wheel. If we are redoing an old spring for a customer we then usually paint each individual leaf, reassemble and then we hit the entire exterior of the spring one more time with paint.

-Junior

 

Thanks ATS Junior

But I am starting to understand that there are no "correct" way in treating a leafspring.

I found this tech question and answere at one of your competitors:

They recomend NOT to paint in between leafs........

Tech Question - Leaf Spring Rust

Mike,
I purchased some custom lowered springs from you this past summer.
They came unpainted and I put them on my car without painting them.
Over the weekend I was putting her away for the winter and noticed that the springs were rusting.
Should I be concerned about the rust and if so, what should I do about it?
Matt
PS. they are by far the best springs I have ever bought and I have been restoring cars for nearly 20 years.
Matt,
First off thanks for the kind words, we do try our best.
Now for the rust.
Other than being ugly, there is no harm with the rust you see on the springs.
However, if you need a winter project and you want to make them look better, take them off and spray paint them.
Many folks powder coat their springs and a whole bunch of people also just paint them.
But no matter which route you choose to take do not cover the inside of the leaves.
Why?
Because the paint/powder coat on the inside of the leaves will wear off causing the centerbolt to get a bit loose.
Looseness in the centerbolt area of a spring is the leading cause of spring failure.
The next question is, "If I don't paint/powder coat the inside of the leaves, won't rust show there?"
Rust forming in between the leaves of springs on a vehicle that is driven is a natural occurrence.
As the springs flex, the leaves rub against each other which produces a very small amount of wear.
The result of this wear is metal particles which in time, rust.
I go into more detail on this web page, Powdercoating and Chroming Springs.
-Mike

 

I cleaned and painted the leaf springs on my 47 caddy, used this between the main 4 or 5 leafs. Smaller ones didnt need it. Worked great to replace the original greased burlap like material that was there originally. No squeaks or issues going down the road.

Leaf Spring Liner with Lip, 2 Inch - Speedway Motors, America's Oldest Speed Shop

 

I have ordered a set of the ones midfifty sells. I might go that rout as well. have they worked fine?

 

I bought a pair of Posie springs for the rear. I had them powder coated. In between each leaf on the ends there is a Teflon insert that helps slide and smooth the ride. Before powder coating them, I took out the teflon because they are baked and was not sure if that would be a good thing. I made out of sheet metal, squares for the ends to take the place of the Teflon. This created a small gap between each spring. (And no the powder coat did not get in between the leafs) Had I not, the powder coat would have stuck to the leafs and when separated would have cracked torn or just look like crap. Took out the sheet metal squares put the Teflon back on, Looks great
Jonesy

 

Ditto on Drtop's post, the liner is the way to go for a nice quiet smooth set of springs. I got mine from speedway in the right width.