Leaf Spring Corrosion???

[HS91_Mike]

I have a tandem axle trailer that I tow a 20' CC fishing boat on. I am replacing leaf springs again. They were replaced about 18 months ago and have corroded to the point that one of the springs blew out. My question is why are these things corroding so quickly? I use the boat is salt water, I wash the trailer after every use but the springs are just eaten up with rust. My F-150 has leaf springs on it that are over 10 years old and look as good as the day I bought the truck and I would guess that they prob got wet once or twice too. Are the ones on my trailer made to a lower grade or quality of metal?

I dont want to replace leaf springs every 18 months. Is there an alternative?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Leaf Spring Corrosion???

Are the ones on my trailer made to a lower grade or quality of metal?

I dont want to replace leaf springs every 18 months. Is there an alternative?

are you buying from the trailer OEM, or are you obtaining thru the least expensive place that you can find?

 

[robert graham]

Re: Leaf Spring Corrosion???

Spray the springs, shackles, bolts, etc. with White Lithium Grease...it'll set up semi-hard and offer good protection from the salt water. I also use it on my tilt/trim unit, rams, pump, motor...darn good protectant. Re-spray as needed.

 

[HS91_Mike]

Re: Leaf Spring Corrosion???

I bought the last springs 18 months ago thru a local shop but I have purchased current repalcements from the manufacturer. However, I expressed a concern about this to the manufacturer's rep and he said that might be normal. His bright idea was to tow the boat around after rinsing it off to let it "air dry". Brilliant. Do they make a comprable spring that has an anodized coating on it that will offer some protection.

 

[minuteman62-64]

Re: Leaf Spring Corrosion???

Here's a technique that I remember reading in the old "Small Boat Journal." Get some Henry's roofing compound or similar stuff. Once a year, use a pry bar to pry the leaves apart and smear the compound in between. As I recall it was an old lobsterman's trick.

I've never tried it, so I can't attest to its effectiveness.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Leaf Spring Corrosion???

If you are replacing them often then I would move to a higher rated (weight bearing) spring. They might not be heavy enough to take corrosion and abuse

 

[BoatDrinksQ5]

Re: Leaf Spring Corrosion???

Just get all OCD on it every couple weeks and use WD40 then once dry... spray grease of some sort (LPS 3, lithium spray, or LPS 2)

I am always spraying some gunk on my springs and bolts - just seen to many bad trailers and spring threads...

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Leaf Spring Corrosion???

I have a tandem axle trailer that I tow a 20' CC fishing boat on. I am replacing leaf springs again. They were replaced about 18 months ago and have corroded to the point that one of the springs blew out. My question is why are these things corroding so quickly? I use the boat is salt water, I wash the trailer after every use but the springs are just eaten up with rust. My F-150 has leaf springs on it that are over 10 years old and look as good as the day I bought the truck and I would guess that they prob got wet once or twice too. Are the ones on my trailer made to a lower grade or quality of metal?

I dont want to replace leaf springs every 18 months. Is there an alternative?

Yes there is an alternative. Replace with torsion axle and replaceable spindles.I spray mine with PB Blaster lube but i don't boat in salt. You keep backing that truck in salt you will have more issues then rusty springs.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Leaf Spring Corrosion???

Something isn't right for them to fail 18 months after installation. I have the orginal springs on my 1997 Loadrite. While they're rusty and I'll probably replace them next year, they are not to the point of failure...yet.
Spring steel while strong is very brittle. How did it break? Fractured? Torn? Can you post a picture?

 

[dingbat]

Re: Leaf Spring Corrosion???

Yes there is an alternative. Replace with torsion axle and replaceable spindles.

You trade rusted leaf springs for this.

 

[ricohman]

Re: Leaf Spring Corrosion???

You salt water folks really have problems I don't want!

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Leaf Spring Corrosion???

You trade rusted leaf springs for this.

No i still have leafs. I have a tri axle and still don't buy the koolaid that torsion is better then spring when pulling all this kind of weight. Smooth flat roads is one thing but where i am it's far from that. OP asked if there was an alternative to his setup.If you noticed i said i spray my leafs with PB Blaster lub.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Leaf Spring Corrosion???

you could try this: http://www.corrosionx.com/corrosionx-heavy-duty.html

or spray on an asphalt based undercoating