HITCHES | WELDING | TRUCK ACCESSORIES

Are you searching for “What is a leaf spring?“, if you are this post should help you understand what a leaf spring is, and what it does.  The suspension system on certain vehicles has a component referred to as a ‘leaf spring’. The lead spring in specific is composed of thin metal strips, and sometimes it may be only one strip, these are referred to as leaves, which are arranged on top of one another forming just a singular curved piece. The weight of the vehicle is absorbed by the friction that is created between the leaves as they bend while they are sliding very slightly across one another. The majority of leaf springs are curved, which is referred to as ‘elliptical springs’ and it’s the curvature that helps in the spring to absorb impact.

There are three major functions of the suspension of all vehicles, which are:

• The support of the vehicle
• They absorb the impacts the vehicle receives from bumps
• It is what lets the driver turn the steering wheel of the vehicle

It is the springs of a vehicle – particularly the leaf springs, that help a vehicle perform the two functions mentioned above, these are: to support the weight of the vehicle and absorb the impact of bumps.

The leaf spring is generally attached to the vehicles frame or body on both ends, and the wheels axle assembly will be attached onto the middle of the spring. Also, each spring will usually extend on each side of the vehicle having attachment points that are located in the front and rear, and extend in the direction the vehicle is facing. However, there are some suspensions that has a design feature having only a single leaf spring that is attached on each side, this is referred to as a ‘transverse’ spring.

The Leaf Spring’s Purpose

Leaf springs were also used for carts and carriages before vehicles were ever invented. Apparently, leaf springs are easy enough to make. There were a lot of the first vehicles made that used leaf springs, one of those was the Ford Model T. Since leaf springs are attached several feet apart and on the opposite end of a vehicle they work good for spreading loads that are large and heavy, and for the suspension designs which incorporated the ‘solid’ axle which was dependent, unlike the independent suspension where there had to be one on each of the wheels and was common up until the 1970’s, and is still used on vehicles like heavy trucks.

 It is factors like these that make leaf springs work correctly for trucks, as well as other vehicles that are heavy, however, they do not work as good for cars for these types of designs have a tendency to have undesirable effects on a cars handling. The independent rear suspensions are beginning to be more common on cars and the leaf springs are now mostly used on heavier vehicles such as vans, trucks, trailers, and SUV’s.

 Leaf Spring Maintenance

If someone’s vehicle features the leaf spring, should they be concern about them? Most likely, no, unless they are very old. At times, the multi-leaf springs may become “sticky” because dirt has a way of getting between the leaves and this can make riding a little bumpier, if this does happen it is rare that it becomes a significant issue. The owner’s manual of a vehicle will tell how often the attachment points should be checked, and lubrication may be needed in some cases. Also have the mechanic take at look for any leaves that might have broken.

If the car you drive is a classic, you may have already noticed how the body is setting low over its wheels, this will happen over time due to its leaf springs being slightly bent and you can fix this by simply having them replaced.

East Valley Truck Parts & Accessories

If you live in the Phoenix Valley and want to get the best parts and installation, Cliff’s Welding in Mesa is here to help.  If you’re replacing or upgrading your leaf springs for your truck we have a great selection of replacement and performance truck parts and leaf springs.  We can help you get your truck back in shape, or get it in shape for off road adventures.  We professionally install everything we sell.  This means that there is zero doubt that it is installed correctly and you can rely on it.