Additionally, leaf springs locate the axle and control the height at which the vehicle rides, while keeping the tires aligned on the road.īecause of these benefits, leaf springs are in high demand. It also creates a smoother ride by absorbing any bumps or potholes in the road. The overall purpose of a leaf spring is to provide support for a vehicle. They're essential to the suspension systems of vehicles. In the simplest terms, a leaf spring refers to a spring featuring multiple layers of metal bracketed together. When attached to the rear axle and the chassis, it supports any weight added to a vehicle, preventing the axle from buckling and snapping from the pressure. The leaf spring consists of an arc-shaped, slender piece of steel stacked with the same material in smaller sizes and bolted together, creating a reinforced bow-like item. This tried-and-true system was primarily in use on almost all vehicles up to the 1970s, and you'll still see them today on trucks and vans that haul heavy loads. They were initially called carriage or laminated springs. Learn more about what leaf springs are and how the modern auto industry uses them.Ī leaf spring is a suspension system for vehicles that has been in use since medieval times. While you probably don't associate leaf springs with luxury, they're essential to your comfort as you drive a truck. Leaf springs are essential to your utility and comfort as you drive a truck and tow any loads. For centuries, people have used leaf springs to smooth out their rides, whether in an automobile or a horse-drawn carriage. Without leaf springs, you'd be in for a much bumpier and rougher ride around town. Like many auto parts, a leaf spring is one of those items you never know you need until it breaks or wears down.