Spring
 

I recently purchased a new rear spring for my 31CCPU. I disassembled it remove the rust and paint it with Slip Plate. I used clamps to hold the leaves while removing the center bolt. After removing the clamps I noticed the leaves do not nest within one another very well. Is this normal?

My concern is that the tension developed just bolting the leaves together would change the spring rate somewhat.

Trailer springs and aircraft tail wheel springs I have had apart all nested nicely when disassembled and with no tension on them.

Re: Spring
 

Yes that is normal...if the center bolt breaks with the spring out of the car it will give some kick..

Re: Spring
 

yes, now imagined it installed in a car where its spread even wider - thats why they are so dangerous as there is ALOT of force bound up in there.

Re: Spring
 

Yest it is normal use a long threaded rod to get the clamps on, then put a new center bolt in place.

Re: Spring
 

Large "c" clamps and wrapped with logging chain.

Re: Spring
 

I use a 20 ton press to compress the leaves together and to separating them whenever I do anything with rear springs. There is a lot of energy stored when they are bolted together. If the centre bolt fails, the flying metal can become lethal.