The leaf spring is a component that helps provide support to the vehicle and absorbs bumps on the road. This suspension system has been replaced by a new suspension system, but it is still in vehicles that haul or tow.
Leaf spring principlesThe leaf spring was common in automobiles around 1970, but a sudden change saw America move to front-wheel drive. It caused manufacturers to go from leaf springs to coil springs, although leaf springs aren't equipped on cars they are still very much present on larger trucks and SUVs.
The leaf spring can be located in the rear axle which does not need the trailing arms and Panhard rod, a simple live axle suspension that saves cost and weight. Now modern parabolic leaf springs have fewer leaves which can vary in thickness due to the parabolic curve.
CharacteristicsTwo ends of a leaf spring are made as eyes that connect the ends to the frame of the vehicle. One eye is fixed translationally but can move along with the spring while the other eye is connected to the hinge mechanism and has limited movement. And the leaf spring acts as a connection for containing the axle in position.
Common issues with a bad leaf springA bad leaf spring can lead to poor handling, tire wear, and bottoming out.