When Should the Leaf Springs Be Changed on a 12 Year Old Utility Trailer
Updated 12/27/2013 | Published 12/23/2013
Question:
Is there an expected service life to trailer springs? I am doing a full maintenance on a 12 year old utility trailer. The plastic bushings were worn through in the leaf spring eyes. I am replacing the bolts since they show some wear. Can I replace the plastic bushings and continue to use the springs, or should they be replaced also as a matter of maintenance or fatigue life?
asked by: Glenn
Expert Reply:
There is no rule of thumb concerning life expectancy of trailer leaf springs such as the Redline double-eye spring # SP-169275 that you referenced.
There are many variables that can affect the life expectancy of leaf springs. These variables include keeping the suspension maintained and ensuring that the trailer is always loaded within its load capacities.
If your springs are free of corrosion, and are not showing any evidence of cracking or other damage and are still operating correctly (not bottoming out when loaded within its capacity) there will be no need to replace them. With this being said, if you are expecting to keep the trailer for awhile, since you have to disassemble the springs anyway, replacing them would not hurt.
You can replace just the plastic bushings on the leaf springs, however it may be easier to just replace the spring since you will have to remove the spring to replace the bushing.
If you let me know what bushing size you need I can check our offerings.
I have attached a FAQ article covering trailer suspension for you.
