So, what do trailer leaf springs actually do?
Righto, you’ve got a trailer bouncing behind the Outlander or the Hilux and it’s making a racket every time you roll over a pothole on Kahikatea Drive, or up the edge of Te Awamutu. Ever notice how some trailers seem to bounce like a trampoline, while others float smooth even over the worst speed bumps in Flagstaff? That’s all to do with the leaf springs. These are basically stacks of curved metal that act like the backbone of your trailer’s suspension. Their job? Absorb the bumps, keep your ride smoother, and help make sure the trailer isn’t smacking its axle into the chassis every time you hit a rut or load it up at Mitre 10.
They’re simple but dead reliable. That’s why you’ll see them on everything from Toyota Hiace trailers carting work gear to SUVs towing a garden trailer out to Morrinsville or Ngaruawahia. And if you’re doing lots of stop-start stuff on the Grey Street roundabout or bouncing over Hamilton’s lovely winter potholes, those leaf springs are copping most of the hammering.
Learn more about leaf springs >
Keeping your leaf springs in good nick
Good news, you don’t need to baby these too much. Bit like the old Mazda Bongo vans – tough as. But every now and then, it pays to check the mounting points and give ‘em a bit of lube. Out in Gordonton, plenty of rural trailers rust out fast, especially in the wet winters or if they cop a lot of farm mud. Watch the spots where the springs bolt up, look for wear and tear. Doesn’t hurt to give the setup a look each time you do a WOF, either, just so you’re not caught out dragging a broken trailer up Highway 23.
How to spot dodgy trailer springs
Seen a bloke from Cambridge recently with an old Hyundai Santa Fe and a dodgy box trailer – just bouncing all over the show. If your trailer starts feeling like a bouncy castle, or is riding lower than it should (notice it when it’s loaded for dump trips), odds are those springs are wearing out or sagging. Rust and cracks are warning signs – you don’t want to risk one snapping halfway through a trip to Raglan.
Sometimes, you’ll hear rattles or banging from the back. That can be the bushes (the rubber bits that let the springs pivot) wearing out, causing metal-on-metal clunks. Easy fix for us in the shop, but it rattles your nerves if you leave it too long.
Another issue is having the wrong springs for the job. We’ve seen folks towing heavier loads with a Suzuki Grand Vitara or a Nissan X-Trail, and if the springs are too soft, tyres can rub on the guards whenever you hit a bump. Too hard and every pebble in Dinsdale feels like a mountain. It’s about getting the right size and strength for what you’re towing. If you’re upping your loads, you probably need stiffer trailer leaf springs fitted.
And remember, those springs need to be spot-on for your WOF Hamilton check. If there’s rust, sag, cracks or the bushes are flogged out, she won’t pass. No mucking about – they need to be sorted.
Trailer leaf spring swaps in Hamilton – how we help
Leaf spring replacement isn’t one-size-fits-all. A lot depends on your trailer length, weight, and what you’re actually hauling – is it an old camper getting dragged up to Huntly, or a kitted-out tradie trailer heading to Matangi? Our team at Grimmer Motors can sort you out. We figure out the right spring type, source and fit ‘em, and check the rest of your suspension so you’re set for whatever Hamilton throws at you. Keeps you legal, comfortable, and out of trouble.
If you’re needing other trailer bits sorted – new trailer lights, wheel bearings or repairs – just mention it when you pop in. We can sort those at the same time.
One thing – we’re not just a parts counter, we’re a full-on car service Hamilton workshop. Bring your trailer or car in, let one of our techs take a look, and we’ll get the right solution for you, start to finish. No guessing, no bodges, just done right first go.