10 Tips for Leaf Spring Maintenance on Your Trailer

Leaf spring maintenance on your trailer is essential for ensuring longevity and optimal performance. Leaf springs play a crucial role in supporting the weight of the trailer and providing stability while towing.

Like a car, your trailer needs some tender love and care in order to last and perform well — especially if you rely on it for your business.

Here are 10 tips for proper leaf spring maintenance:

1. Regular Inspection: Perform visual inspections of the leaf springs regularly. Look for signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. Pay attention to any cracks, rust, or deformation in the springs, shackles, and mounting hardware.
2. Cleanliness: Keep the leaf springs clean and free of debris, mud, and road salt. Dirt and debris can accelerate corrosion and contribute to premature wear. Regularly wash the underside of the trailer, including the leaf springs, with soap and water.
3. Lubrication: Lubricate the leaf springs and associated components to reduce friction and prevent corrosion. Apply a high-quality grease or lubricant to the spring surfaces, shackles, and bushings. Lubrication helps maintain flexibility and prevents squeaking.
4. Tighten Loose Fasteners: Check for loose nuts, bolts, and U-bolts securing the leaf springs to the axle and trailer frame. Tighten any loose fasteners to the manufacturer’s specifications. Loose hardware can cause the leaf springs to shift or become misaligned, leading to uneven wear and reduced performance.
5. Replace Damaged Parts: If you notice any signs of damage, such as cracks, bends, or severe corrosion, replace the affected leaf springs or components immediately. Damaged leaf springs compromise the trailer’s stability and safety.
6. Adjust Alignment: Ensure that the leaf springs are properly aligned and positioned symmetrically on both sides of the trailer. Misaligned leaf springs can cause uneven weight distribution and handling issues.
7. Check Load Capacity: Verify that the leaf springs are suitable for the trailer’s weight and load capacity. Overloading the trailer can cause excessive stress on the leaf springs, leading to premature failure. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for load limits.
8. Inspect Suspension Components: In addition to the leaf springs, inspect other suspension components such as shock absorbers, bushings, and hangers. Replace any worn or damaged parts to maintain the integrity of the suspension system.
9. Monitor Tire Wear: Keep an eye on tire wear patterns, as uneven wear can indicate issues with the leaf springs or suspension. Address any underlying problems promptly to prevent further damage.
10. Professional Inspection: Periodically have the trailer inspected by a qualified mechanic or trailer technician. They can perform more thorough inspections and identify any potential issues before they escalate.

By following these maintenance steps, you can ensure that the leaf springs on your trailer remain in optimal condition, providing reliable performance and extending their lifespan. Regular inspection and preventive maintenance are key to avoiding costly repairs and ensuring safe towing experiences.

Of course, the service team at Advantage Trailer is always available to inspect your trailer or perform any maintenance or repairs. The last thing you want is to wait too long and have a broken leaf spring leave your trailer stranded on the side of the road.

Give us a call at 630-580-5840 to schedule your appointment today.