Leaf springs

[wagonmaster]

I have had in my rascal van over the past years a lot of heavy loads but not exceeding the maximum load limit. My mot is due in august and i am concerned about the condition of my leaf springs. As you can see from the photographs the middle leaf has shifted and a groove has formed on the outer edge of the leaf stopping it from returning back to the original position and i feel that it will be a mot failure. Possible reasons for the leafs to shift could be with the loads i have been carrying and the speed ramps around my area which i always drive over at a snails pace loaded or empty much to the anger of the vehicles behind me - the van has twisted its self on the leaf springs due to the load and a the angle i have to drive over the speed ramps (load always secured at all times during transit) or just wear and tear on a 23 year old rascal that has covered 169487
miles ? What say you derek and fellow rascarry peoples....

[>>CHOP<<]

you seem to have lost the metal straps that hold the springs together..and they have twisted slightly...i cant imagine it being an mot failure from what i can see... but if your chassis has been twisting i would have a very close check for hairline fractures in the steel work of  the chassis to be sure especially where the cross members are welded

[Dell Boy]

This is a common occurence. Almost certainly your leaf spring hanger rubbers have worn out causeing the springs to twist themselves out of shape.
Fit 8 new rubbers & belt the springs back into alignment.
They are an m.o.t. failure item.

Derek.