Leaf springs carry the weight of your truck, trailer or van every kilometre you drive. They wear slowly, so most drivers don't notice a problem until it's obvious. Around Abbotsford and the Fraser Valley, where trucks haul gravel, hay, campers and equipment year-round, and wet coastal winters bring road salt and moisture, springs can lose strength or rust faster than you'd expect. Here are the most common signs it's time to have yours checked.
1. Sagging or uneven ride height
The most common sign of a tired leaf spring is sag. Park on level ground and look at the truck from the side and from behind. If the rear sits noticeably lower than it used to, or one side sits lower than the other, the springs have likely lost their arch. A spring that has gone flat no longer holds the load at the height the vehicle was designed for, which affects handling, headlight aim and how much travel is left before the axle hits the bump stops.
2. Bottoming out under load
If the truck hits the bump stops over driveway dips or speed bumps, especially with a load in the bed or a trailer on the hitch, the springs may no longer be strong enough for the job. This is common on trucks that tow regularly or carry a slide-in camper.
3. Cracked, broken or shifted leaves
Crawl under with a flashlight and look along each leaf. Cracks often start near the centre bolt or at the eyes. A broken leaf may stick out to one side, and a broken centre bolt can let the leaves shift out of line. A cracked or broken leaf is a safety issue: the remaining leaves take on extra load and can fail too. If you find one, have the vehicle inspected before you load it up or tow with it.
4. Heavy rust and pitting
Surface rust is normal, but deep scaling, pitting or rust packed between the leaves weakens the steel and stops the leaves from sliding past each other the way they should. Our damp winters make this a common find on older Fraser Valley trucks and trailers.
5. Clunks, squeaks and a harsh ride
Squeaking over bumps, clunking when you start or stop, or a ride that has become noticeably harsher can point to worn spring bushings, dry or rusted leaves, worn shackles or loose U-bolts. These parts are often worth replacing at the same time as the springs.
6. Poor handling, sway or pulling
Weak springs can make a truck lean in corners, wallow on the highway or feel unstable with a trailer behind it. Uneven springs can also contribute to pulling to one side and uneven tire wear. Alignment and tires are worth checking too, but don't overlook the springs.
Repair, re-arch or replace?
Not every worn spring needs to be thrown away. Depending on condition, a spring may be repaired by replacing a broken leaf, re-arched to restore height, or replaced with a new OEM-style or heavy-duty spring. Our leaf spring repair page explains the options. If you need a different load rating or ride height than stock, a custom-built leaf spring may be the better choice.
Springs are always recommended to be replaced in pairs so both sides of the axle sit at the same height and carry the load evenly, though single springs are available too.
Don't forget the hardware
When springs come out, check the parts that hold them in. U-bolts should not be reused once they have been torqued and stretched, so plan on new ones. See our U-bolt page. Worn bushings, shackles and hangers should also be replaced so the new springs can do their job.
Get your springs checked in Abbotsford
Carrier Spring Service Ltd. has repaired and built leaf springs in Abbotsford since 1979, for light trucks, heavy-duty trucks, RVs and trailers. You can browse leaf springs online, or bring your vehicle to our King Road shop. We welcome customers from Mission, Chilliwack, Langley and across the Fraser Valley.
Call 604-855-9982 or visit us at Unit B9-10, 33733 King Road, Abbotsford. Shop hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. See our contact page for directions.