Spring

[GPierce]

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.