Do Trailer Leaf Springs Have to Face a Certain Direction

Question

Question:

I have a trailer with brakes. Does it matter if the spring leaf clip is forward or aft of the Axel? I suspect the clip is there only for spring assembly, stacking of the leafs, but wonder if it might also have something to contribute when braking and torsion is added to the spring.

asked by: Alan T

0

Expert Reply:

The clip that goes around 3 of the leaves of the 5-Leaf Spring part # e34SR that you referenced can go either in front of the axle or behind it. Either way would be perfectly fine.

I attached an FAQ on trailer suspension for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Stan O.

11/10/2021

Can you purchase the clips for leaf springs and install on both ends? Does the installed direction of the spring clip really matter? What is the purpose of the spring clip?

Les D.

11/12/2021

Leaf spring clips are not sold. If the are damaged, the entire leaf spring is replaced. Additional clips are not to be installed. Most sources say there is not a front or back, However, one of our suspension suppliers says that the clip side goes to the front, and every trailer I have ever seen has the clip to the front. My wild guess is that this is the beneficial orientation where the leaves are being held as a wheel is entering a pot hole or hitting an obstruction.

Ace

4/1/2025

@LesD they are to hold your spring pack together when the trailer brakes are applied. Otherwise the axle wrap would want to separate them and cause extra wear and tear on numerous suspension components. Additionally the springs tend to get out of line with each other as they cycle

Kate F.

4/2/2025

@Ace Hey Ace, thanks for clarifying =)

Answer 1

Since trailer leaf springs tend to stretch over time the key to picking out the correct replacement is to go with one slightly shorter than what your current one measures. So a 26 inch long spring would most likely be what you need. For a 2,000 lb…

view full answer...

Answer 2

On the Redline Rear Hanger, part #30-20, which is the rear hanger included with kit #APS1, it is welded to the trailer with the side marked top, facing the outside of the trailer with the word top showing. So the U-shape part is what gets welded to…

view full answer...

Answer 3

Hey Cody! Since your equalizer measurement lines up you can use the Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit for Tandem-Axle Trailers #K71-449-00. Ideally you want the same shackle strap length but they don't make one for the less common 2-5/8"…

view full answer...

Answer 4

You can replace slipper spring suspension on a trailer with double eye springs but you will need to remove the old hangers and have new ones installed as well as get the correct suspension mounting hardware. For a 26 inch spring we have the #e27SR…

view full answer...

Answer 5

There are no U-bolts to attach the slipper part, I recommend replacing your slipper springs with double eye springs. In order to do this you need to know the weight rating of your axle as well as the length from center eye to center eye so you can…

view full answer...

Answer 6

On the Redline Rear Hanger, part #30-20, the hanger has top stamped into one of the sides of the hanger. The hanger is welded to the trailer with the side marked top, facing the outside of the trailer with the word top showing. I am including a…

view full answer...

Answer 7

The hanger part #30-20 is an unusual hanger in that it is recommended you attach the side of it to the trailer frame unlike most that use the other side and face "down". It is also unusual in that it has a bushing that comes with it and…

view full answer...

Answer 8

Both trailer tire sizes you reference, ST205/65-15 and ST205/75-15 share the same width (8-inches) but have different overall diameters. So you will want to insure that your trailer wheel wells/fenders have enough clearance for the larger tire. At…

view full answer...

Answer 9

I believe the hubs are for 2,000 or 2,200 pound agricultural axles which is why the springs look so different. These hubs are designed for very low speed applications (5 to 10 miles per hour according to HADCO) so if you plan on going faster than…

view full answer...

Answer 10

When using the 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 4,000-lb Trailer Axles part #e27SR with the Single-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double-Eye Springs part #APS4 you will need to space the leaf spring hangers 25-3/4" apart.

view full answer...

Answer 11

Excellent question. I had to think about this one for a bit and consult another person familiar with trailer assembly. Normally the band is placed forward of the axle on the trailer but it really does not matter which way the band is oriented.…

view full answer...

Answer 12

The clip that you are talking about that is on your leaf spring, like part #e54SR, is called the rebound clip. It keeps the main leaf spring from breaking on a rebound. Typically the band is located on the front-most side of the trailer but it…

view full answer...

Do Trailer Leaf Springs Have to Face a Certain Direction

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching