Cleaning and Checking Leaf Springs

Leaf springs can commonly wear because they have several moving parts that make us your suspension, this means they need to be inspected regularly. Regular inspection will help to identify any problems meaning you can clean them when required or replace them when it’s needed. Before jacking up the car, make sure the tyre pressures are correct and the car is empty of any unnecessary weight.

If the car doesn’t appear level from side to side, then there’s a chance that there might be a weak or damaged spring on that side. Continuing to use the vehicle with a damaged spring will lead to the vehicle being damaged and a significant sag occurring in the spring.

Check the swing of the vehicle by moving the car from side to side and this will help you to determine which spring is failing. If you’re spring is damaged then it’s important to get it checked at it might just need cleaning whereas other might need replacing.

The standard leaf spring is made from several thin strips of spring steel and the different lengths are help together by clamps. The leaves are likely to rub against each other when the car is moving. Dirt particles will build up between the separate leaves which will lead to wear and rust.

Keeping the springs clean and in good order will help to extend the lifespan of the vehicle. Most car handbooks will give estimated intervals of when you need to clean your leaf spring. Modern springs don’t need lubricating with oil and it can damage any anti fiction material between the leaves.

If the spring is simply coated with dry dirt or rust, use a wire brush to remove all traces. Work the brush vigorously along the sides of the spring, the under and upper surfaces and around any clips that may be fitted to hold the leaves together. Afterwards, wipe it clean with a rag.

When it comes to checking the leaf springs you should start my examining the edge of the spring for any cracks. Fractures found in the spring leaves cannot be repaired by welding. The leaf or the complete spring must be replaced as soon as possible by a garage. Look at the lower surfaces of the leaves, where the ends of the shorter leaves bear against those above.

To check the rubber bushes in the eyes at each end of the springs, back the rear of the car up on ramps. Get under the car and wipe clean the areas around the bushes. Clean also as much of the bushes as the spring shackles allow.

To checks the springs for rust you should start my raising the car on jacks. Start by grasping the spring and trying to twist it sideways at each end; the spring shouldn’t move. If there is movement then the bush will need replacing.

Check each shackle bolt and nut for tightness, and tighten any that are slack. Take the opportunity to look for signs of corrosion on the floor pan and chassis member around the mountings. If there is any rust then clean it thoroughly with a wire brush. If the spring is too degraded then, it will need to be replaced with a new leaf spring.