Leaf spring rust removal

[grozam]

What's the best way to remove the rust without effecting the tension of the springs?

 

[wm69]

Wire brush, paint with Ospho prep and etch, then top coat with black spray paint of your choice.

Works for me.

 

[PaRenegade]

You'll probably be just chasing your tail. The only way you will fully get rid of the rust (unless they're new) is to take the leaf pak apart and prep, etch, and paint each leaf with a durable hard coat paint. And even then it's going to eventually come back. The dirt gets between the leafs when they flex, then overtime that grit is like sandpaper to the metal. Once thru the paint, the water takes over and rusts the newly exposed metal which leaches out and down the sides.
Your best bet is probably to just keep a can of paint handy and treat as needed.

 

[grozam]

You'll probably be just chasing your tail. The only way you will fully get rid of the rust (unless they're new) is to take the leaf pak apart and prep, etch, and paint each leaf with a durable hard coat paint. And even then it's going to eventually come back. The dirt gets between the leafs when they flex, then overtime that grit is like sandpaper to the metal. Once thru the paint, the water takes over and rusts the newly exposed metal which leaches out and down the sides.
Your best bet is probably to just keep a can of paint handy and treat as needed.

I can see where it would come back if grit got between the leafs and wore of f the finish. I think i'll just wire wheel them and paint when needed.