Leaf Spring Replacement Necessary?

[woody619]

Hi,
I know they look rusty, but they seem to be working okay. (From towing to the house). I've just spent so much money already (joys of owning a boat), just trying to see where I can cut corners. Is it imperative that I repair these? I will if need be.

I've already replaced:
-Actuator
-Hubs
-Hub Drums
-Brakes
-Bearings
-Brake Lines
-Fenders

And I haven't even got the boat wet yet. Wanna save money for any mechanical repairs I'll probably have do. Owning a boat is so expensive. Haha

I've shopped around for a new one (San Diego - $6,000), but is more affordable for me to do the repairs myself ($2,500). Still plan on sandblasting it too.

http://i879.photobucket.com/albums/ab351/woody619/Sea Ray/2.jpg

 

[capt sam]

Re: Leaf Spring Replacement Necessary?

Springs are cheap to replace, I don't see any cracks but those axles look rough, you would've been better just replacing everything in the beginning.

 

[woody619]

Re: Leaf Spring Replacement Necessary?

Man, just makes me realize how I can't afford a boat... hahah. so excited to even just get it wet. i'll just have to be patient, but I'll miss fishing this summer probably. I should just accept it now Man, just so frustrating when Yellowtails are being caught offshore here, and I got a boat in my front yard that starts.

Everything is cheap by itself. It's just when you add it all up is when it hurts...

Waiting for all the paychecks it will take to get it all right. New springs and axles is another $1,000 bucks to my trailer budget. Not even counting what stuff will cost when i get it wet... blah, blah... hahah... thanks for listening to my whining

 

[Bob's Garage]

Re: Leaf Spring Replacement Necessary?

Too late now, but since you were replacing all that stuff, maybe you should have up graded to disc brakes.

If you have spent $2500 so far, I would have looked for a used trailer that required less repairs, and was already had disc brakes.

The reason I mention this is that you will probably be redoing the brakes in 2 years if you are going in salt water.

I just replaced everything you did, except the lines and fenders, for less than $1000, on a tandem axle trailer.

 

[pluto1]

Re: Leaf Spring Replacement Necessary?

I dont see anything wrong with your springs other than surface rust. They are still holding their shape well. When they start to flatten out is when replacement is needed. If the rust bothers you, just give them a good rubdown with the same grease you pack in your bearings. This will also calm a lot of squeaking as well as preventing more rust.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Leaf Spring Replacement Necessary?

Lots of rust there, but they look serviceable, maybe just keep an eye on that trailer, springs, etc. and be ready to replace/repair as needed in a year or so. My son just replaced his boat trailer leaf springs and it wasn't really that difficult or expensive. Northern Tools would carry your springs, shackle bolts and other stuff. Probably have to cut your bolts off. I would worry more about those trailer frame rails getting weak due to rust-through. Looks like that trailer was dipped in salt water a lot! Good Luck!

 

[woody619]

Re: Leaf Spring Replacement Necessary?

Thanks everyone. How do I cut off bolts the easiest?

 

[dingbat]

Re: Leaf Spring Replacement Necessary?

Thanks everyone. How do I cut off bolts the easiest?

I've growund them off with a grinder. I've cut them off with a torch, but my prefered way is to use a good bi-metal hack saw blade and cut them off. Its fast and you do minimal damage to the surrounding area