Rust Be Gone: WD-40 Smooths My Dump Trailer Spring

That mini dump trailer for my lawn tractor is incredibly handy for hauling mulch and yard waste, but the tipping mechanism relies on a spring that had seen better days. It had become stiff and rusty, making it a real effort to engage and disengage the latch. What should have been a quick and easy process of emptying the trailer had turned into a bit of a wrestling match. The rust was so bad I was worried the spring might eventually break.

Knowing WD-40's reputation for tackling rust and freeing up stiff parts, I grabbed the familiar blue and yellow can. I focused the spray directly onto the rusty spring and the surrounding latch components. I made sure to get good coverage, letting the penetrating lubricant soak into the corrosion. Then, I started working the latch mechanism back and forth, hoping to help the WD-40 do its job.

Almost immediately, I noticed a difference. The stiffness began to ease, and the gritty grinding sound of rust on metal started to disappear. I continued to work the latch, applying a bit more WD-40 as needed. It was amazing to see the rust literally seeming to dissolve away, leaving behind clean, smooth metal. Now, the spring operates effortlessly. The latch engages and disengages with a satisfying click, making emptying the trailer a breeze once again. That little bit of WD-40 has not only made the trailer easier to use but has also likely saved me from having to replace that rusty spring down the road. Another win for the miracle in a can!