What is a Leaf Spring? Leaf springs are a suspension system for vehicles. They prevent the axle from buckling and allow your van to absorb bumps on the road for a smooth journey.
In this week’s blog at Paddington Motor Springs Ltd we explain what leaf springs are and the many benefits of installing them in your vehicles.
Leaf Spring Suspension
Trucks and vans that carry heavy loads often use leaf springs to support the vehicle and prevent the axle from buckling or snapping. They have been used since the mid-17th century on carriages in France and are even used today in some modern cars.
For example, the Volvo XC90 used a traverse leaf design made of lightweight composite material. This design improved the noise, vibration and harshness of driving and made for a smooth ride.
Leaf springs are attached to the rear axle and chassis. The standard design for trucks and vans is an arch-shaped piece of steel stacked and bolted in a curved shape. This allows the suspension to absorb the impact of bumps in the road, protecting the axle.
What Are They Used for?
Since the 1970s, leaf springs have been replaced in most modern car designs in favour of coil springs. However, leaf designs are still used in heavy vehicles such as trucks and vans as their flexible design spreads the load widely.
A coil design focuses all the pressure on a single point which is fine if there is not much weight. Trucks transporting heavy loads need a suspension system that helps to support all that pressure. Leaf springs have many mounting points that help distribute heavy loads across more areas, so the axle doesn’t snap.
How to Know if You Have Suspension Problems
Suspension systems are durable and designed to last a long time. However, after enough time out on the road, they wear down and require repairs or replacements. Some common symptoms of suspension problems include:
Sagging Grinding Noises Cupping Riding Rough
If you hear a grinding noise when you turn the steering wheel or go over bumps, this can mean something in the suspension is broken. Likewise, riding rough is when you feel every bump and jolt on the road when driving, indicating the system is no longer working and needs fixing.
Get in Touch
We supply leaf springs for all makes of vehicles in Middlesex and the surrounding areas. Contact us today on 020 8795 3300 or 07710 986688 for more details. Alternatively, fill in the contact form for a prompt response.
