Leaf springs are among the best types of suspension technology that any car owner can use to support his vehicle. Its many metal strips work together to balance the weight and absorb shock. Compared to coil-type suspension, leaf springs deal with bulky goods better.
However, just like other car parts, they wear with time and may need replacement. Fortunately, you can buy new parts from online shops like Sanderson Leaf Spring. But if you want to keep them in shape, you have to know how to maintain them. This article highlights some simple tips that you can use to maintain them.
- Perform Frequent Pre-setting
During your journeys, you’ll drive your car through humps, potholes, and bumps that may change your vehicle’s weight. Such travels may stress your leaf springs and cause their suspension to sag or droop. When this happens, it won’t effectively absorb shock.
Using a bulldozer to pre-set the leaf springs can help to take it back to its original shape. It’ll also enable you to use the device for more than a thousand miles. That’s why it’s carried out before installation to identify any defects and find out if the leaf spring is working well.
2. Tighten Loose U-Bolts
The U-bolt is a vital component of the leaf spring because it holds the metal strips tightly together. If it’s not tightened, the strips may sag and make the device less effective in absorbing shock. That’s why suspension specialists recommend tightening the U-bolts at regular intervals and after either 800 or 1600 km.
3. Replace The Leaves
After driving your car for quite some time, you may not have to replace the entire leaf if it needs maintenance. Replacing single leaves may help the leaf spring stay in shape. Using a hydraulic press, you can fix strips that are out of place. It’s advisable to take your car to an auto-shop where professional mechanics can work on them because bending the strips correctly needs skill.
However, if the leaves are old, straight, or rusty, you may have to buy new leaves. Professional mechanics will give you recommendations of what to buy and what to leave out depending on your leave’s wear and tear level.
4. Lubricate The Leaves
If you own an older car, you should oil or grease the whole leaf spring to enable the vehicle to tackle stress when it goes over a pothole, bump, or hump. If your leaves aren’t adequately lubricated, the rusty metal strips may create noise, and the leaf may be unable to absorb shock, resulting in an uncomfortable ride.
Also, you should clean the leaves to prevent them from quickly rusting and wearing out. The metal strip lives can be extended if the springs are kept clean. Most car handbooks will give you the interval you should use for cleaning. If you own a modern car, it isn’t advisable to lubricate its leaf springs with oil because it may damage the springs’ anti-friction material. Instead, you should spray them with a silicone-based lubricant.
Conclusion
Leaf springs may appear to be small devices in a vehicle, though they have a critical function. They can affect the comfort of your ride significantly. That’s why you need to maintain them like other parts to keep them in shape.