Floating leaf spring separator pad and method for installing same

摘要

A separator pad is loosely positioned between a leaf spring end and a top wall of a mounting slot in a vehicle spring hanger. The separator pad is preferably slid between the spring end and the slot top wall when the load on the leaf spring is relaxed or removed. The separator pad is positioned relative to the spring hanger while the load is relaxed to allow for limited subsequent longitudinal movement of the pad when the load is reapplied and the vehicle is in use. The separator pad includes stop members thereon at opposite ends thereof respectively to engage the spring hanger or the spring end and limit further longitudinal pad movement in that direction before the pad falls out.