What Is The Purpose Of Steel band On Leaf Springs

Updated 10/25/2024 | Published 11/12/2015

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Question:

Hello, Im building trailer and I noticed that the leaf springs have a yellow line at one eyelet and a band around the leafs at the other end. I assume the yellow goes to the front of the trailer and the yellow marke goes to the front. Is this correct? Thanks

asked by: Bob

Helpful Expert Reply:

The leaf springs are normally installed with the band forward of the axle, but it is not something that has to be done that way. The steel band is called the rebound clip. Their main purpose is to help keep the main leaf from breaking on a rebound.

When the weight of a vehicle or trailer is on the spring, all of the leaves work together to support the spring above them. If the wheel drops for any reason the total weight of the axle falls on the main leaf if there are no rebound clips. The clip also keeps the leaves neatly stacked.

The leaf springs you referenced, part # e54SR, are a double-eye 4-leaf spring designed for 3,500-lb trailer axles. These springs measure 25-1/8 inches eye-to-eye, and are 1-3/4 inches wide.

I have attached links to some of the other components you may need to complete the system on your trailer.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

Barry S.

10/24/2024

Hello Jeffrey. Great explanation of the rebound clips for leaf spring packs. Do you have these in stock so I can purchase? Thanks for your help.

Jon G.

10/24/2024

@BarryS Thanks for reaching out! Rebound clips aren't replaceable because if they bust off it means you need to replace your leaf springs. There might be someone out there selling them, but that isn't a great practice to go with. As long as the leaf springs are in good shape the rebound clips will stay in place.

Barry S.

10/24/2024

@JonG Leaf springs are 2yrs old and have only 6-8 short (6 hrs round trip) travels on them. Grand Design 337RLS 5th wheel, loaded very lightly. All leaf packs look good per axle. This one clip looks to have had some sort of problem though. It was still on but the tab that holds the clip had come halfway undone. What should I look at to determine if there are problems with that particular leaf spring pack? Like I said, springs, shackles, u-bolts, bushings, welded brackets, etc all look normal.

Jon G.

10/25/2024

@BarryS In that case, it sounds like it might be a manufacturing thing like you said. You'll want to look for worn down parts of the steel or if they are sitting in a weird orientation. It might be best to take your rig to a trailer shop to see if they think a new leaf spring is warranted or if they have a way to get the clip back into place.