Purpose of Rebound Clips on Double Eye Leaf Spring

Question:

How much spacing should there be between the end of a leaf, and a rebound clip on the next stack down? Concerned about the end of a leaf striking the edge of the clip

asked by: Brad

Expert Reply:

The rebound clip on a leaf spring such as double-eye spring # e54SR will be positioned with about 1/2-inch of the shortest leaf sticking out past the clip.

The clips do two things: they help maintain alignment of the various spring leaves but more important they also prevent the shorter leaves from banging against the top leaf.

For instance, if you were to drive over a deep pothole, for an instant the wheel and axle will drop but as soon as the tire climbs back out of the hole the spring leaves will re-compress. With the rebound clip to help hold the leaves together there is less risk of one leaf slapping into the main/top leaf above it which could damage the spring.

Usually the end of the spring with the clip faces forward on the trailer but this is not a hard and fast rule.

expert reply by: Adam R