How to Prevent Leaf Spring Failure Leaf spring
failure is often caused by loose or damaged parts in the system. It is
essential that it is checked and maintained regularly to avoid any expensive
repairs or replacements.
In this week’s blog at Paddington
Motor Springs Ltd we are looking at how to prevent leaf spring
failure and keep your vehicle protected from damage.
Regular Maintenance To prevent leaf spring failure, regular cleaning is
vital. The springs are made from thin strips of sprung steel that rub together
when in use. In addition to this general wear, if dirt gets between the leaves,
the metal will wear faster and become more susceptible to rust.
Ensuring the suspension system is clean will increase
its lifespan and keep your vehicle protected from damage on bumpy roads. Your
car handbook should indicate how often cleaning and maintenance are
required.
Visual Inspection If you are having difficulty handling the vehicle, or
hearing a grinding noise while driving, there is likely a problem with the
suspension system. You should undertake a visual inspection of the parts to
make sure the leaf spring is in good condition.
Some of the parts you should check while cleaning
include:
Edges of Leaf
Springs Shackle Pins Lower Surfaces
on Leaves U-Bolts Rust/Corrosion Slackness
Cracks can occur along the edge of leaf springs and
that cannot be repaired. This means the suspension system will need replacing.
Likewise, if the shorter leaves on the system have left more than a 3 mm
depression in the leaves above, it should be replaced.
Causes of Leaf Spring Failure By overloading the vehicle, you can cause the
suspension system to fail. This is an easily avoidable issue, but there are specialist
components you can add to the van to increase its loading capacity
if you have to overload.
Loose U-bolts can also cause a lot of damage to the
suspension. They loosen over time through general wear, so it’s recommended
that you check and tighten them on a regular basis. There are many moving
parts, so in addition to loose U-bolts, general maintenance is essential if you
want to prevent leaf spring failure.
Get in Touch To find out more about preventing leaf spring damage,
contact our specialists at Paddington Motor Springs Ltd in Middlesex. Call us
on 020 8795 3300 or 07710 986688 . Alternatively, send us a message
via the contact form for a prompt response.
