Further to what Jack and Derek have said, I have had several
sets of springs re-set over the years on Austin-Healeys.
They pull apart easily and can be cleaned up with little effort.
I believe that the most important thing to do when reassembling
them is to ensure that they are put back together they way they
were when new, with the SAME MATERIALS.
By all means put a little oil between the leaves to stop the
binding action of any further rust. But, better still, put back
the thin ZINC strips that were originally sandwiched between
the leaves. This soft metal is a natural "metal-to-metal"
lubricant and rust inhibitor. Any good spring rebuilder of
commercial blacksmith shop should have sheets of the stuff which
can easily be cut to shape with a pair of tin-snips.
I would NOT use teflon as a leaf separator. TOO slippery.
You DON'T want springs that are too "springy" .....
Ever bottomed out after a high-speed aerial excursion!? ;>)
Mark Donaldson
Auckland NZ
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Derek Palmer wrote:
>
> Listers,
>
> Just to add a bit. I had a long discussion with
> a Austin Healey guy about my leaf springs and got
> a similar answer. The only thing I would add is
> I was told that there is a teflon like material
> you can cut in strips and lay between each leaf of
> you spring. This guy had it done and said the car
> handle far better that before. Haven't had my springs
> done yet, so I can't speak from personal experience.
> You might ask you spring technician about this. He
> may have heard of it.
>
> Derek Palmer
> San Jose, CA
> 87 AH MKIII
>
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