Q: What is a leaf spring?

asked by on November 17, 2015

What is a leaf spring?

Suspension Springs Replacement $281.82 - $4668.44 Get a Quote

A leaf spring is a suspension support made up of long metal strips bent into an arc or elliptical shape with multiple pieces attached one on top of another as determined by the overall weight the spring is to support.

These type of springs have been used since medieval times and were known by many other names including carriage springs. These springs are used today in some automotive vehicles but are primarily used in truck and trailers. They support the weight of the assembly by allowing the load to be carried safely while traveling on or off road. Each individual spring element or leaf is combined in different lengths and the overall number of leaf components depend on the rated weight limit of the particular vehicle.

They are indexed or kept in alignment for assembly using a center bolt and bound together with clips that secure the leaves. The entire assembly is joined to the frame of the vehicle by bolts through metal brackets called shackles, which reside in hangers bolted or welded to the frame of the vehicle.

The main signs of spring failure include squeaking noise when the vehicle is going over bumps or cracking sounds if one or more leafs has broken. The rebound clips can rust out and allow the spring elements to shift, which can make them hit or contact on the frame of the vehicle. Also, inside the shackle ends are bushings which support the assembly. These bushings can wear, causing noise or shifting of the springs which can be felt when starting out or stopping. Like cylindrical springs they are exposed to repeated compression and relaxation which will weaken over time. This causes sagging on the side of the axle they are attached to as the resultant wear may not be even on each spring.

The proper repair for damaged or defective springs is to replace them as a set on whatever axle they are on. By doing so, the ride height, cushion, or stability they offer is evenly returned to factory specifications.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

New starter making grinding noise.
Throughout my experiences working on them, I have come to learn that grinding sounds coming from Ford trucks are actually not that uncommon. There can be a few different solutions to eliminate these noises depending on what part is doing...
Transmission axle sea
You didn't mention that you had the axle replaced but if you did the new axle may be the wrong one for your car, or you may have to get the replacement axle and seal from the dealer. This vehicle...
Car want pick up speed
You are thinking in the right areas for this issue. Even after cleaning the MAF sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-mass-airflow-sensor), it still may require replacement. The catalytic converter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-catalytic-converter) may be clogged. The transmission could be slipping. If the RPMs go up and...
Engine light on code reads gas too lean what does that mean
Hi There, When the engine is running too lean this means that there is not enough fuel getting to the combustion chamber to be ignited as the engine runs. This can cause many different problems such as the engine stalling...
Air conditioner makes clicking sound when truck turns on, low air pressure unless max AC is used
When the engine turns on, if the A/C switch is off, the compressor clutch is not engaged so the only "noise" should be from the compressor pulley freewheeling. If the air flow is too low at the lower blower speeds,...
My car pulls to the driver's side when braking, i've fitted new pads and a new caliper on the passenger side but no difference.
Hello, and thank you for writing in. There are several reasons why your vehicle may pull to one side or the other while braking. The first thing to consider is a warped rotor or faulty brake pads. When you replace...
2006 cadillac cts does it have struts or shocks
Hi there. The 2006 Cadillac CTS has a front shock / strut assembly as opposed to the singular strut with coil over spring option that is common with passenger cars and some smaller SUV’s. I would recommend having this service...
Got my fuses checked and my headlights still don't work but high beams do what else could it be
It is possible both bulbs are burned out. The filament in each bulb should be tested with an ohmmeter. The bulbs can also be powered off the car to see if the filaments work but be wary of short circuits...
What cause a catilac converter in 2009 nessain murnao go bad
There can be a few different reasons for a catalytic converter to fail. Your engine running too rich or lean or coolant in exhaust from a blown head gasket can cause failure. Also a defective converter that breaks apart and...

Related articles

Can I Safely Add Camber to My Wheels?
It’s It’s increasingly common to see “tuner” cars (or less commonly, pickup trucks) with extreme camber settings — in other words, with wheels and tires that are noticeably tilted relative to vertical. Some owners may wonder whether changing their camber...
The Guide to Legal Car Modifications for All States
Vehicle Vehicle modifications (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/what-tips-should-i-follow-about-accessories-and-modifications) can take many forms, from simple modifications such as light window tinting (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-tint-a-car-window-by-jason-unrau) to under-vehicle LED lighting (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-install-undercar-led-lighting-by-mia-bevacqua) to the more complex frame and suspension modifications. Laws and regulations for vehicle modifications have been set in...
How to Troubleshoot a Car that Nose Dives When Braking
Cars nose dive when the suspension is faulty. Inspect the car brake system, test the shocks and struts, and do a bounce test to diagnose the cause.