Leaf Spring
A suspension spring made of stacked metal strips designed to support heavy vehicle loads, commonly used on trucks and utility vehicles.
A leaf spring is one of the oldest suspension designs, consisting of one or more thin, curved steel strips (leaves) stacked on top of one another. The leaves are bound together by a center bolt and metal bands, forming a flexible, bow-like structure that mounts to the vehicle frame at each end and clamps to the axle in the center.
Leaf springs are exceptionally strong and are excellent at distributing heavy loads over a wider area of the vehicle's chassis. For this reason, they are primarily used on the rear suspension of pickup trucks, vans, commercial vehicles, and heavy-duty trailers.
Over time, leaf springs can sag, warp, or crack under heavy loads or due to rust. Worn leaf springs cause the vehicle to sit lower, ride harshly, sway excessively, and make squeaking or clunking noises. Replacing worn leaf springs is essential to restore the vehicle's load-carrying capacity and maintain proper ride height and alignment.