Leaf Spring Rebound Clips missing

[Skoot]

Hey guys, The clips on my leaf springs have completely rusted and fallen off -See pic here--> http://www.motorera.com/dictionary/pics ... spring.jpg.  They wrap around 3 out of 4 of the trailer springs. I called a few trailer shops and they do not sell just the clips. (im sure I could make them...but)  One guy told me they are only for shipping and once there bolted on the trailer they dont move.

Does anyone know what these are actually intended for?  Do in need to replace them?

[Capt. Bob]

Looking at a logical approach to the clip function, I would say that the clip's purpose is to hold the multileaf spring together so that it uses all of the leafs in performing its function. Without the clips in place, the spring functions as a single leaf because only one leaf (the longest) is actually attached to the frame. During compression they would somewhat function as designed but when they 'rebound' only the attached spring is working at its design potential.

Could be why they're sometimes referred to as "rebound" clips.
Just my thoughts based on observation.


EDIT: This is a car spring supplier but they sell what appears as generic clips based on spring width. Google is your friend.
http://thesuspensionking.com/catalog/in ... 6klf92pkq5

[John Jones]

My $0.02 is that they are just for shipping.  I have never seen any that were strong enough to provide any other function.  They are just sheet metal and you can pry new ones off with a screwdriver.

The last set I bought I made a worthless attempt to make them last longer by separating the new springs, stripping them, then prep and paint with a very good paint.  I say worthless because the springs rubbing together rubs the paint off the first trip and they rust anyway.  Bottom line, the clips were too easy to get off and back on to serve any real purpose after installation.

[wingtime]

They just keep the leaves from spinning on the center bolt.  Once the springs are bolted to the axle the u-bolts hold them.  They could drift a little but I doubt they do much more than that.

[Skoot]

JJ, i agree, they are very flimsy and were about the thickness of sheet metal.   Mine actually had a rubber sleeve on the spring then the clip wrapped around that.

I really dont know what the exact purpose of them are.  When i google it, most people are modifying them for there JEEP's

[Capt. Bob]

The sleeve is designed to reduce noise as the leafs slide across each other.

[fitz73222]

Two stainless hose clamps if you are losing sleep over this...

[Skoot]

Two stainless hose clamps if you are losing sleep over this...

Great idea with the hose clamps and No Im not losing sleep,  more or less just curious.

[fitz73222]

Well you know how we are Skoot!

[GoneFission]

Stainless hose clamps are the way to go.  Been there - done that - it works...

[Curious]

Same thing happened on my 97 F-150 and one of the middle springs has started to kick out a little.  Funny, before I even read this I was planning to just tighten a hose clamp around it.

[fitz73222]

Great minds think alike...We are the champions!!