transverse leaf spring and graphite powder

[Sheldon Laing]

I am currently rebuilding the front suspension on a s1 fulvia 1.3 rallye and i have taken the transverse leaf spring apart and cleaned it up. I now have the leaves and the anti-squeaks ready for reassembly but i read in the workshop manual that i should coat the leaves and anti-squeak surfaces with graphite powder. Does anyone know what graphite powder is as i am not familiar with it. Is it some sort of dry lubricant? Is this the correct proceedure or is there something else that can be used to 'lubricate' the leaves?

[Thomas]

Graphite powder is commonly used to lubricate locks, so the tiny internal bits move about easily. It is a very fine grey powder substance (graphite, that is, pure carbon, compress it really hard and you may get a diamond). Try the local lock/key vendor (here in Europe usually associated with shoe-repair shops, don´t ask why).

[Neil]

No need to go to these extremes ! Use a lithium based MolyGrease. I have just finished mine and I did the following:
re-pack with moly between all the spring and anti friction leaves
re-assemble and then degrease with white spirit (or similar), remove all excess grease and dry to degrease the exposed surfaces
spray with etch-primer
hand paint with black coach paint (base coat first) - coach paint is thick enough and felxible enough to offer a decent degree of long term protection.
On the rear springs I may wrap them in Denso Tape for a real belt and braces job, but there is not enough clearence around the front spring.

This is standard practice on leaf springs and will do you for a long time.