Measuring Your Vehicles Leaf Springs

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Measuring Your Vehicles Leaf Springs

Sometimes various types of vehicles need to carry heavy loads, which often exceeds the weight limit, therefore the vehicle in question may need all the gravity absorption it can gather.

In many types of vehicles today, especially larger one’s leaf springs are used to provide gravity absorption and prevent suspension sag. Often larger vehicles such as vans or pickup trucks can be weighed down with the movement of larger items, furniture and moving boxes putting strain on the vehicles rear axles. The job of a leaf spring is to keep the tires rounded and the body evenly horizontal along any type of terrain. However sooner or later the leaf springs will wear out, as you set out to look for replacement leaf springs, its best to know how to measure the length so you can better identify the needs of your vehicle.

Sanderson Leaf Springs
Sanderson Leaf Springs
Sanderson Leaf Springs

What Size Leaf Spring Do I Need?

If this is the first time you are replacing your leaf springs it may be tough to determine which size, you need. The easiest way to determine this is to already measure the leaf springs currently on your vehicle – it is peril that before you measure you understand the shape and structure of leaf springs.

The Springs The springs are the metal strips which serve as the operative pieces of the whole component. The springs form an inverted arch when stacked together in a pyramid like shape held in place by a centre bolt. Some of the top springs are commonly known as an ‘eye’ this is when the ends curl up, forming enclosed circles. Leaf springs usually consist of three, four or five leaf springs but can usually go higher depending on the capacity needed.

The Bottom Spring Below the arched set stack of springs, is a horizontal strip known as the bottom spring – this can be easily identified as it is usually a shorter, thicker flat leaf that serves as a rebound spring for the other springs. It is also known as the overload spring, or a rebound spring seen as though it doesn’t add much gravity to the absorption.

The Centre Bolt At the centre of the spring is a vertical bolt which holds everything together, although the bolt is usually located directly in the centre, some springs can measure longer more on one side than the other. The bolt is used at the starting point for measuring, however it is important to measure each side separately as the bolt is not always central.

The End Tips As previously mentioned the end tips are also known as the ‘eye’ due to their enclosed curled shape, however some leaf springs the end comes to an end with no curl – these are known as slipper springs. It is possible that some sets do have a both ends such as an eye at the front tip and a slipper at the back.

Sanderson Leaf Springs
Sanderson Leaf Springs
Sanderson Leaf Springs

How to Determine the Leaf Spring size

Think of leaf springs as a multidimensional component, in short the size of a leaf spring can only be determined when all angles are taken into account, therefore you need to measure the width, height and thickness of the spring, but it is most important to measure the length of the spring.

    • Leaf Spring Length; Determined by the number of inches between the front and the back eye or slipper.
    • Leaf Spring Width; This is measured by the distance from one edge to the other along the top spring
    • Leaf Spring Height; This is the thickness of the springs from top to bottom including the space which fills the arch. To determine the true height of your leaf spring you need to place them upside down on a flat table and measure the vertical distance from the table top to the upturned spring
    • Leaf Spring Thickness; The thickness of the spring allows you to know the preferred thickness of the spring for gravity absorption

    How to Check if your Leaf Springs Need Replacing

    Without leaf springs, a truck or a large vehicle can easily sag in the back whether loaded or not. To determine this you need to know how to check leaf springs for damage, here’s a list to keep an eye out for;

        • Corrosion; A rusted set of springs should be replaced before the actual leaves break or fail on a given vehicle at dangerous moments.
        • Cracks; The most notable sign in changing your spring leaf, if you notice a crack appearing on the leaves
        • Leaning; If your truck leans to one side it is clear that one spring on one side is ill-matched, it is important for leaf springs to match on both sides
        • Suspension Sag; Monitor the performance of the rear of your vehicle, it is dangerous as it is hard on your back tires and axel

    Check when your vehicle suspension needs attention here.

    What Next?

    Having been in this industry for over 30 years now, Sanderson Leaf Springs have developed an incredible reputation as the leading choice providers for leaf springs, we cater to all car makes and models, we are able to provide the best quality car leaf springs at affordable prices. Discover our top leaf spring questions. Why not get in touch today and find out how we can help you?

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HOW TO KEEP YOUR VAN LOOKING AND WORKING LIKE NEWWhy do we still use leaf springs? Google Rating 4.6 Sanderson Leaf Springs Ltd 4.6 × David Connor 17:34 01 Nov 18 Excellent service!!!I had tried everywhere to get a pair of rear springs for my MG Midget.I called Stewart & he had a pair.Ordered that morning & they arrived the next afternoon.Great price also.Many thanks. Faz Khan 07:51 21 Dec 17 Outstanding Service. We had ordered 2 leaf springs which turned out to be the wrong parts (our fault). When we phoned, the issue was resolved within 30 seconds with collection and replacement parts sent within 24 hours. The parts were of good quality so zero issues. Would highly recommend. Alexander Farmer 13:27 28 Nov 17 Great communication. A pleasure to do business with. Lewis Newton 13:21 28 Nov 17 As described, good quality and quick dispatch. Many thanks Leigh Roberts 13:14 28 Nov 17 Good quality leaf springs. Great service, Fast delivery, many thanks! Abel Moran 13:06 28 Nov 17 perfect, look good, superfast delivery. graham cottingham 06:48 13 Nov 17 Peter Ralph 13:04 10 Nov 17 Jacob Durrant 15:47 09 Nov 17 R L 15:38 09 Nov 17 Great company to use and the customer service is second to none Gary Beckett 15:34 09 Nov 17 Needed some Leaf springs and was struggling to find anyone at short notice, I came across Sanderson Leaf Springs.I am not the best with computers normally, so was very impressed with how easy it was to use the website and order through it, very good prices delivered in quick time. Will certainly use again again! See All Reviews Write a review powered by Google

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Tag » How Should Leaf Springs Look