How to replace a broken caravan leaf spring
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- čas přidán 8. 09. 2024
- Our dual-axle 2010 Jayco Expanda Outback uses a rocker suspension system (not a rocker-roller), and the rear springs can be susceptible to breaking when they get a hard impact, as we found out the hard way 3/4 of the way up Cape York Peninsula in 2020! Since then we always carry a spare set of springs, which is worth doing if you're doing full-time travel.
Changing in a new set is actually an easy job to do provided you have a few basic tools, and only takes about an hour once you know what you're doing (though allow a few hours if it's your first time).
Tools you'll require for my setup, yours may vary:
* 2x jacks
* 24mm long socket (to undo all the leaf spring nuts)
* Ratchet
* 19mm and 24mm open-ended spanners (to hold a couple of bolt heads if needed)
* Some WD-40 or similar (to help nuts come off more readily)
* A cordless drill / impact driver to help save a bit of time
Well done Greg. Very informative as usual.
The only thing I would add would be...never leave home without a tub of 'nickel antiseize'. Add to any, every thread that you fit a nut to. Every thread.....
Glad you found it helpful Brian. Yes that's not a bad idea, good recommendation!
Very interesting and informative Greg. Thanks for posting. Gippsland.
No problems at all, glad you found it helpful! Cheers!
Thank you
My pleasure Tony!
Old spring looked relatively new, any reason for it failing?
Yes this spring was installed about 12 months earlier on Cape York so it was pretty new, though had covered probably 40000km since installation. Apparently the Al-Ko springs are pretty soft, and this design suspension (rocker) is unfortunately prone to snapping the rear springs! That's why I've had to replace them a few times and why I decided to record it!
Thanks for the how-to video. I just replaced one of mine, RHS rear, I had to back over a mountable kerb and when all the weight was on the rear Axel, the spring broke. On inspection, it was cracked through about halfway for some time. Took about 1.5 hours from start to finish.