Lancia Motor Club

I currently have the rear spring off my Aprilia and safely compressed in the clubs spring holding tool.  question: before putting the spring back on the car should i carefully un-compress it (using the tool) and take it apart to grease between the leaves, or is that only required on older cars?

Personally, I would strip it , paint each leaf and then grease/copper slip it before re-assembly. You can then wrap in greased cloth to keep it clean as well, but I don't because I don't like " the look"

It makes a big difference to the ride

As Simon says, I would strip and repaint them. I read on this forum that Ardennes and some Aurelias had thin zinc plates for lubrication, I guess this was for the later cars? What’s the greases of choice, copper-slip, or are there better alternatives?

Lastly does anyone have a spare second smallest leaf, as mine was broken and had been for some time judging by the indents on the next leaf up?       

I am almost certain to have the correct leaf - I replaced a spring where the broken leaf was one of the longer ones

If no one in the UK can help, I am sure that there is a way we can get it to you

Grease - I always use copper slip because it is easy to 'paint' on

Thanks for the offer Simon.

I have now taken the spring off the axle and safely un loaded it. now carefully getting all the segments clean (luckily non broken) before greasing and reassembly.

a couple of questions before i reassemble the back axle and spring....

1. Do the lever arm dampers ever need servicing or replacing?  They seem to be sealed completely?

2. Is it possible to open up and service the top spring hanger arm (it has play in the bearings) and the bottom cable holder (again has play in the bearing) (i note Cavellitos sells new ones, but they are quite pricey!)

The dampers do need to be checked and refilled with glycerol - I wrote this up on the Cabrio pages with damper rates etc. I have the documents if you want scans

The hangers and their bearings do wear and break. You can replace the needle rollers so long as the carries are not broken , but they often are !

The single most important thing to my mind is the state of the hanger wires - if there are any frayed wires I would replace them (consider changing them anyway ??)