Broken spring Boler 1700

[Rene]

Well the curbside of our boler has always sagged a bit but after buck boarding over one too many highway potholes it is really sagging seriously:-)

We are now in our 5th year of using our trailer and the brakes, wheel bearings and tires have all been replaced. Just what make and size springs do we use to fix it? Where might we source new ones in Canada? Should we line up a cutting torch to get the old ones off as they are 37 years old and rusty or find a shop to do the job?

[Borrego Dave]

Wow Rene, sure looks like your missing half of the leafs there. Being you have done all the maintenance on the axle I would take it to a axle shop and have them replace the leaf springs with some new ones. Not real expensive for leafs .

[Rene]

No axle specialists locally. Would have to travel too far to find one. It could break and come down on the tire. So I need to figure out what spring I need and order it then maybe find a mechanic to do the job. Glad they are not expensive, should I replace both sides or just the broken one?

[Ian G.]

I would replace both, one is fatigued so the other will probably fail soon.
They are not very expensive, even Princess Auto sell a limited selection, take measurements and see if any of these fit. Search results for 'leaf spring' | Princess Auto

If not contact Standens Springs, since they manufacturer them they can advise and supply exactly what you need. Standen's Limited :: Leaf Springs, Trailer Axles, Stabilizer Bars, Suspension Hardware, and Tillage Tools

[Rene]

Thanks for the links Ian:-) I will replace them both then.

[Iowa Dave]

Having repaired a broken spring on a tent trailer we had years ago, I can tell you that it's pretty straightforward with some basic tools and some wood blocking, jack etc. I would right now go out and liberally apply penetrating fluid to the shakle threads, bolts and hanger pins. It will save you time when you go to remove them. If you decide to use the blue wrench (torch) be careful with the flame and keep some soaking wet towels handy. Don't leave the job immediately after using the torch, make sure something isn't smoldering. Good luck, you can do it.
Dave

[Rene]

Thanks for the advice and encouragement Dave. Just got in contact with Standens and they know Bolers, Taking measurements now. The length is measured eye bolt centre to centre but along the arc of the leaf not straight along the frame. I am gonna need to reuse some of the ubolt hardware so I will definitely give it some penetrating oil and be cautious about using a torch.