How to Replace Leaf Springs on a Double Axle Trailer

Avoid damage to your trailer's axles by upgrading your leaf springs.

The four leaf springs on a double axle trailer can take a beating, and over time may need to be replaced. Leaf springs, constructed from high-tensile steel, can be upgraded to protect a trailer's axles and improve its handling on rough roads.

Things You'll Need

• Blocks
• Jack
• Jack stands
• Socket wrench and socket set
• Torque wrench

Instructions

1. Lower the trailer's tongue jack stand to support the front end. Block the rear trailer wheel on the opposite side that you will be working. Jack the working side of the trailer, and support this side with a jack stand. Support both axles with jack stands or blocks to relieve weight from the leaf springs.

2. Remove the U-bolts and retainer brackets that hold the center of the leaf springs to the axles using a socket wrench.

3. Remove the spring bolts from the front and rear ends of the leaf spring pair, using a socket wrench.

4. Detach the center ends of the leaf spring pair by removing the bolts from the middle shackles with a socket wrench. These bolts hold the leaf springs to the equalizer bar, which is suspended from the trailer's center hanger. The leaf springs can now be removed from the trailer by hand.

5. Install the new leaf spring pair in the reverse order that you removed the old ones. Reattach the leaf spring ends to the center shackles that connect to the equalizer bar using the bolts and a socket wrench. Rotate each spring up and underneath its respective axle by hand. Fasten the opposite ends of the springs to the front and rear hangers using the spring bolts and a socket wrench.

6. Seat each axle in the center of its respective leaf spring, and secure the springs to the axles by attaching the U-bolts and retainer brackets. Tighten the bolts with a socket wrench.

7. Tighten all the bolts to the manufacturer's torque specifications using a torque wrench. Remove the jack stands and blocks, and lower the trailer.

8. Perform the same procedure to replace the leaf spring pair on the other side of the trailer.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply penetrating oil and a few taps of a hammer to loosen stuck bolts.

References

• Cerka Industries, Ltd.: Trailer Suspension Maintenance
• Etrailer.com: Double-Eye Trailer Suspension System Review
• Spring Makers Resource: What Leaf Springs Are and How They Work