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Maintaining Leaf springs.
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MrWhite



Joined: 09 May 2017
Posts: 105

PostPosted: Sat Jun 10, 2017 11:56 pm    Post subject: Maintaining Leaf springs. Reply with quote

What is the latest thinking about how to keep leaf springs in good order. I have cleaned all the crud off but I guess painting isn't a good idea, given that each individual leaf needs to move against the ones beside it. I was reading a post on here about linseed oil, preserving metal, could this be used as a combined lubricant come rust inhibitor or is there better more specialist products?
Sorry should have said, car concerned is a 1963 Super Minx.
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jp928



Joined: 07 Jun 2016
Posts: 249
Location: Australia

PostPosted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 8:13 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Some upper class cars with leaf springs, or even laminated torsion bars (Rover P5) used to oil the leaves and enclose them in leather gaiters. Somebody in UK might still make gaiters for spings, certainly did 20 years ago. Oiling leaves where they work against each other is a good idea, is it will wear them, but without protection the oil can collect dust and do more damage than not being oiled.
jp 26 Rover 9
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alastairq



Joined: 14 Oct 2016
Posts: 1950
Location: East Yorkshire

PostPosted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 9:38 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Denso tape [or similar?] can be used to wrap the leaf springs to retain lubricant, and keep dust out.

http://www.frost.co.uk/denso-tape-anti-corrosion-waterproofing-sealing-tape.html?

The link is just an example....although I am a satisfied customer of theirs.

I did think of wrapping the Dellow's front spring, but, on reflection, it would make the front look a tad untidy..Smile
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peter scott



Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 7113
Location: Edinburgh

PostPosted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 1:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

A bit messy but I find this works well:



No doubt spring gaiters are a good idea too.

Peter
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1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon
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Penman



Joined: 23 Nov 2007
Posts: 4751
Location: Swindon, Wilts.

PostPosted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 1:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi
alastairq wrote:
Denso tape [or similar?] can be used to wrap the leaf springs to retain lubricant, and keep dust out.
I did think of wrapping the Dellow's front spring, but, on reflection, it would make the front look a tad untidy..Smile


A custom made leather gaiter such as Bristol 2ltrs use would look quite smart.
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MrWhite



Joined: 09 May 2017
Posts: 105

PostPosted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 8:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Cheers for the replies guys, I guess then Linseed oil isn't the best idea, maybe because it protects bare metal but doesn't provide enough lubrication for moving surfaces? What is the best lubricant then, just oil, gear oil, grease? Would Waxoyl work, again maybe more protecive than lubricating I guess?
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peter scott



Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 7113
Location: Edinburgh

PostPosted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 11:16 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Graphite grease.
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MrWhite



Joined: 09 May 2017
Posts: 105

PostPosted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 5:35 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

OK, I don't have that, have heard good things abiut it before so will look for it.
On a slightly different subject the car seems to be coated in something greasy/oily, took me several attempts to get it off the brake disks, sure there is some on the springs already and numerous bits underneath. Could be years ago right enough, it's oily but sticky and hard to get rid of, seems slightly daft to be taking it off, then putting something else on but I want to erradicate as much rust as I can then re-protect Rolling Eyes
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