Trailer axle spring rust

[hankll]

This may have been a covered post before, but i didn't see it if it was on forum before. Need info on how the best way to remove rust from the spring leaves. I am assuming that I need to remove the spring unit from the axle and separate the leaves and either sandblast or use a stiff steel brush on a grinder to remove the rust but what treatment should I use before painting and re-assembly? Is there a best paint to use, Rustoleum or epoxy?

 

[JB]

Re: Trailer axle spring rust

The best way is to remove the springs and replace them with new springs. Then keep them greased. More money but a lot less hassle.

If you ever had a rusted spring break in the middle of a Saturday night on the Interstate 20 miles from the nearest exit you will agree. One of those expensive and inconvenient, but effective, learning events.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Trailer axle spring rust

How far "gone" are these springs ??? A little light surface rust is treatable but beyond that I agree with J.B.

 

[hankll]

Re: Trailer axle spring rust

pretty heavy rust, and yea I was thinking that maybe it would be better to replace, maybe with a set of single slider type rated for the weight of my boat about 2000lb.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Trailer axle spring rust

If it is heavy rust then the best thing to do is replace them. As JB says it could save you money in the long run.

 

[hankll]

Re: Trailer axle spring rust

Thanks all - I may have overstated the rust, it looked worse than it really was. I went to Harbor Freight and bought a spot sand blaster and some 70 grit abrasive and tested on spring (assembled) looks like good metal after spraying the abrasive on it and with bare metal primer, and some rustoleum paint, I believe it'll be ok as it is, Guess I hollered before I should have. I still probably need to take them apart and go over them and add paint in between leaves. When re-assembly of the leaves, whats best - some grease spread on them with a finger to give some lube action between? Kinda wonder about that as far as pollution to my local lakes. Anything like a teflon sheet to put in between them or such like that?

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Trailer axle spring rust

Good Luck and I have always lightly greased them up with a waterproof grease. Some say that it will attract dirt and grit that way and others say that the paint does not last. Its a bit of a crap shoot I suppose !

 

[levittownnick]

Re: Trailer axle spring rust

I am under the impression that part of the strength of leaf springs is from the friction between the leafs and that if they are greased they may break under a surge load (bump). Painting will only help where there is no contact as at the contact points the paint will be rubbed off.

Since I am Not an expert, don't take the above as fact.

 

[hankll]

Re: Trailer axle spring rust

Thanks, P.O.2nd Class, Well, after I sandblasted the springs they looked like new steel. So Being a bit lazy and trying to get the trailer completed with new paint and new bunks, I decided to just put a good bare metal primer coat on them and then I painted the whole trailer today including springs with a good coat of Rustoleum paint. Just came in from taking masking tape off lights.
Looks pretty good and I got it painted just in time. We're supposed to have a good soaking rain tomorrow. If its good this weekend I'll have the bunks replaced and new carpet put on them. Then to put the boat back on it, and adjust the bunks, and I'll just about be ready to put it to bed for winter.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Trailer axle spring rust

I am under the impression that part of the strength of leaf springs is from the friction between the leafs and that if they are greased they may break under a surge load (bump). Painting will only help where there is no contact as at the contact points the paint will be rubbed off.

Since I am Not an expert, don't take the above as fact.

More the contact area between the "leaves" transmitting the load between them. Grease, paint or whatever will not change this.