Why my leaf springs are sliding?

[Wave34]

Dual axle trailer,
only at one wheel, the bottom leaf springs moves sideways.
I suppose it is due to the side force applied to the axle when turning tight corners, but I don't like that.
How to secure this?

 

[GA_Boater]

Where are the keepers?



Cut down the size of your sig picture. It's too big.

 

[Wave34]

No keepers, I bought the trailer new (has been fabricated for my boat).
Can this be added after or it is riveted to the leaf?

Ok, I will look at my signature picture...LOL... not my Chaparral Signature, but the signature of my post.
Ok, not funny, I had to say it... ok, going to bed. zzzz

 

[dingbat]

I don’t have keepers on mine either.
The whole spring is sprung. Hold down clamps have shifted as well.

Guessing one of two scenarios:
1. One or both of the lower springs have broken.

2. The clamp was not torqued to specification and shifted

Replaced my springs as PM two years ago. Had a broken leaf in two out of four spring packs. Looked perfectly fine until I removed the clamps and the offending leafs fell on the ground. No idea how long they had been broken.

I suggest taking the load off the spring and inspect

 

[robert graham]

Maybe you can fabricate and install some heavy duty keepers?.....how hard could it be?....

 

[dingbat]

Maybe you can fabricate and install some heavy duty keepers?.....how hard could it be?....

The "keeper" you mention are called "rebound clips".

Their function is the "share the load" from one spring to the other. Holding the spring in place is the function of the "central clamp" i.e. u-bolts.

Leaf Spring Design and Engineering Strength of Materials

Leaf Spring Design and Engineering Strength of Materials

www.engineersedge.com

 

[Wave34]

Thanks everyone.
I now know what those metal straps do in a leaf pack.

I found some online. But they look a bit flimsy like for a small utility trailer.
I will keep searching.

 

[robert graham]

Maybe some 2 inch by 4 inch steel bars, bent in a vice with some heat to form the "C" shape required....

 

[Prarie Guy]

Maybe you can fabricate and install some heavy duty keepers?.....how hard could it be?....

Maybe you should remove the spring and see if the center bolt is intact before doing anything else?

 

[Wave34]

Maybe you should remove the spring and see if the center bolt is intact before doing anything else?

I put my finger under the support and I felt the head of the bolt, so it should be fine. Also, they rotate but stay centered.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Your spring package is not correctly located in the axel perch and the U bolts are not straight either implying the axel length is incorrect for the springs package.
Plus putting the brake wiring in the axel is really a stupid idea. Allows water to enter and rust from the inside out

 

[Bt Doctur]

click to enlarge

 

[Bt Doctur]

click to enlarge

 

[Wave34]

click to enlarge

Yes, I saw that. It is like if the axle moved sideways or the U bolts are not tight enough.
This is a trailer I had built for my boat in 2018. I had to call the guy 3 times to fix things, and the rest I fixed myself. So, another thing to fix myself.