Is It Possible To Repair A Cracked Leaf Spring On Your Trailer?
Have you noticed some issues when towing your trailer recently? It may seem unstable and have a mind of its own, reacting differently every time you encounter an undulation or a bend in the road. In this case, you may have a significant issue with your suspension system, specifically the leaf springs. But what can you do if you find that one of your leaf springs is damaged, and is it possible to repair it?
Leaf Springs and Deterioration
Most car or boat trailers are fitted with a set of leaf springs. These are typically very reliable and are a perfectly adequate way of supporting the trailer and its heavy load. Yet these springs are in a hostile environment and susceptible to damage from road debris or persistent moisture. With time, they may be vulnerable to failure, which can often appear in the form of a crack.
Careful Inspection
Closely inspect each set of leaf springs. Don't worry too much about surface rust, as this is to be expected. Instead, look for cracks, especially near the end of each spring where it is bolted to the subframe.
If you find that one of these leaves is actually broken rather than cracked, you will have no choice but to replace it. Still, some small cracks may be repairable, but this job is best left to the professionals.
Spring Welding
The spring that is cracked can be welded, but this is a tricky job. After all, the springs are made from high-tensile material and designed for a particular purpose. A problem may arise if the heat from the welding process affects the steel right next to the weld area. It may become weaker or more brittle, and then it will lose its fundamental support properties.
Controlled Approach
An expert may be able to do this under controlled circumstances where they are very careful during the process and make sure that they do not allow the spring to cool down at the wrong pace. This could also affect the structure of the spring itself and cut down on its longevity. In this case, the repair may not last very long, and you may have to replace the components at some stage in the near future.
Ask the Experts
If you've identified a cracked leaf spring, get in touch with an expert for their advice. If they feel they can repair it, they will advise you accordingly, but do not attempt to do it yourself.
Contact a professional for more information about trailer repair.