My T has always 'groaned' when I step on the running board. I know, I need to lose a lot of weight! But I figure some spring lubrication might be in order.
There have been several posts about spring spreaders. I don't have one. I'm wondering if this procedure might work:
Doing one side of each spring at a time, (1) remove the clamp, (2) slide a pry bar beneath the end of each leaf, and spring the leaves as far apart as I can, then (3) spray lube between the leaves as best I can.
I'm thinking about Lubriplate chain lube, because of previous posts.
Suggestions?
Ideas?
I use slip plate does not attract dirt.
When you do this, try jacking up the frame and let the axle hang from the spring. This will relieve tension on the leaves and make them easier to separate.
Norm
I give mine an occasional spritz of WD-40 or LPS-1. And Norm is right: Anytime you have the car on a jack is a good time to spray the spring.
Bob WD-40 is not a lubricant nor a penetrating oil. It is a Water Dispersent, hence the WD. I don't know what LPS-1 is, but WD-40 won't help . Dave
A spring spreader is not needed to remove or install the front or rear springs on a Model T.
You just need to support the frame with tall jack stands, remove the rear wheels, suppport the rear axle with a floor jack, and remove the perch - to - backing plate nuts on each side. Installation is just as simple, reverse the above steps.
I know that WD-40 is the lubricant of heretics and blasphemers, but I had it laying around, so, eh, I used it. To its credit, in this case, water dispersion would be a good thing because I don't want my springs to get rusty, and the stuff is slippery, which was what I was going for. WD-40's advertising claims penetrating ability, which may be a function of its watery viscosity. Am I the victim of optimistic advertising? Could be.
Those of us with some background in aviation know that LPS-1 is much better stuff. The mechanics who maintained my airplane for twenty years swear by it, so I attach a bit more credibility to this product. LPS-1's claims include: Provides a dry, thin lubricating film. Resists oil, dust and dirt build-up. Fast acting penetration. Displaces moisture. Loosens rusted or frozen parts. Provides a short term, light corrosion resistant barrier. Nonconductive. Ideal for delicate mechanisms. Used worldwide in aviation. Safe on paint and most plastics.
In either case, the spray-can makes it easy to put a light, even coating on the springs and neither attracts dirt.
OK, Who makes LPS-1, and where can you buy it?
Amazon.com
Aircraftspruce.com is the usual supplier of LPS-1, but if you do an internet search, you can also find it in some other places and pick the cheapest.
Peter
I met you at the Tomato Festival this year. I have a period spring greaser tool if you want to borrow it. It is wedge shaped and you drive it between the spring leafs and turn a grease cup pushing grease in between. Gary
I do it the easy way ;two squirts of oil on both sides, and after a tour the oil is there where you need it.
Toon
Cool oil can you've got there Toon!
I use Ballistol. It is for firearms and can be used for several things. It is a great product for everything that is "noisy".
http://www.ballistol.com/
Kind regards
Michael
When I got the T out of storage 2 weeks ago, I spayed with Liquid Wrench Bar and Chain Lube, time will tell. T was out in the open when Issac hit KC. Didn't wash off. No squeaks and flexes well.