Is it Time for New
Leaf Springs? Here’s How to Diagnose Them
One thing you don’t want to do is find out that you need new
leaf springs when it’s too late! If you are carrying heavy loads, chances are
it’s a workload. When hauling workloads, it is important to make sure that your
vehicles are regularly maintained to ensure efficient operation to avoid
worrisome and even catastrophic breakdowns.
When towing heavy loads, it is important to have healthy
leaf springs installed. This can sometimes be overlooked, but it is a priority
that should be at the top of the ‘To-Do” list. After all, how can you operate a
successful hauling/towing business, if you don’t have a properly equipped
vehicle to complete the task?
For businesses that manage larger fleets of work vehicles,
this is simply a matter of undergoing a routine inspection. Yet, for smaller
companies and entrepreneurs, most of this type of work must be multi-tasked by
one person. This might be a problem if this person is not knowledgeable in
mechanics.
You don’t have to be a certified mechanic to know when it’s
time to replace your leaf springs. Here are a few ways that you can diagnose
whether or not your work vehicle needs new leaf springs—without paying a
mechanic to tell you!
First, Where Do I
Look?
Leaf springs can be found on the front or rear
end attached to either the bottom or top of the axle of cars, trucks, vans and
SUVs.
It looks like different sizes of
bowed, narrow strips of steel stacked together. This part is created to absorb
the gravity of an excessive amount of weight. New leaf springs will typically
have a nice coating of black paint, but if your work vehicle has seen its share
of labor, chances are it may be a little dirty and rusty.
Clue #1: Look for Any
Cracks
You might have to get a little dirty and inspect the leaf
springs yourself. If your leaf springs have cracked, broken, or missing pieces,
it is highly recommended to replace them as soon as possible.
Clue #2: Swaying
If you find that the rear end of your truck is particularly
bouncy and swaying whenever you hit a bump, you might need to check to see if
your leaf springs are wearing out. Leaf springs are designed to absorb the
energy that bumps and gravity brings, preventing such symptoms like swaying and
bouncing.
Clue #3: Can the
Vehicle Carry a Heavy Load?
Any easy way to find out if your truck can even take a load
is to simply look at it after it is loaded or hitched. If the back of the truck
sags, that means, the leaf springs are not doing its job of upholding that
extra weight. Get them replaced!
Where to Find Leaf
Spring Replacements
General
Spring
specializes in providing our customers with original equipment
manufacturing (OEM) as well as coil and heavy-duty leaf spring replacements. We
have been servicing the Kansas City area for over 50 years and have expanded to
provide quality leaf spring replacements throughout the United States. If
you’ve conducted an inspection on your work vehicle and discovered that your
leaf springs need replaced, call us today at 888-829-0619 to place your order.
Search our
online
catalog
or email
us now
with any inquires.
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