Leaf Spring Failure
We had a rear axle passanger side leaf spring fail a few days ago on our TT enroute. Fortunately, we had pulled over for lunch and noticed a lean to the TT. There was no other damage. The mobile te...
Forum Discussion
EagleScout-USA wrote:
Yes, one leaf in the pack was slipping. A steel hose clamp is something easily accessible to me at the hardware store and about the extent of my mechanical abilities. I would not expect to be able to crank down on the bolts, as I know the guy mentioned using loctite on the connections. Not sure whether that is good or bad. We were stranded and he got us back on the road, so for the service, we are grateful!
First point; If a leaf is slipping, spinning around center, the bolts are loose. The hose clamp might stop that spin. But to work, the leaves must slide in relation to each other.
Locktite, IMHO, is not a good idea. The U-bolts do not get loose because of the nuts rotating, but because the bolts reshape as the spring starts to work. This is why reuse of U-bolts is not recommended. Retorque often solves the problem.
What you are against now is trying to save the loose bolts will let axle/spring work, stretching bolts. Soon or late, the axle will move far enough to cause issues. If lucky, just wear out tires fast, but just as likely you will wind up once again with a trailer that can't be towed.
