Does anyone know of a source for hardened spring center pins? I 've broken two standard spring pins from Napa in the last three months. Yes I searched :flipoff2: .

How tight are you doing your u-bolts? It's been mentioned before, maybe not in this forum, but if the u-bolts are properly torqued down the center pin is only used for aligning the leafs on installation.

I've replaced several spring centerpins, I chalk it up to no spring clamps, loose leaves, and over abuse, my u-bolts were tight, but my pins always looked like they were about to break in several places, they were half sheared at every leaf.

You can grind the head round on grade 8 bolts and use them. I know plenty who've done this and never broke again.

hardware store here has grade 8 cap screws (allen head bolts) that work perfect for centering pins.

I just used some stainless 5/16 allen head screws, and grade 8 nuts on my fronts....plan on doing the same in the rear...If I break those...i must not have the ubolts tight enough. :rolleyes:

Anyone done similar and had problems?They are far better than the old ones that I replced IMO.
MJ

Originally posted by mudpup
hardware store here has grade 8 cap screws (allen head bolts) that work perfect for centering pins.

Forgot about those, good call :beer:

Are your breaking 5/16" or 3/8" pins? I upgraded my 5/16 pins to 3/8. To do so I had to mill down the head to fit in the perch. Easy to do on a bench grinder. To drill out the springs I used a tapered, round, 3/8" mill bastard file in a hand drill. Use reverse so it doesn't get stuck.

They are 5/16" pins. I think I'll try the grade eight allen head trick, maybe go up to 3/8". The center pins I'm using are pretty soft. I'm still SU until this winter, so the the pins get hammered pretty hard hanging on the bottom. The u-bolts are tight, pounded them on with a impact.