How to Install Leaf Springs – Step by Step Guide

Leaf springs are one of the essential parts of any vehicle suspension. They support the weight of the vehicle and keep the tires on the road by regulating the wheelbase lengths during braking and accelerating. They also help control the ride height and the axle damping. If you want to replace the leaf springs, you need to know how to install them. Here is a basic guide to installing the leaf springs.

• The first thing you need to do is prepare your old suspension. You need to remove the rust from the old leaves without damaging parts you need for the new springs. Then, you need to soak all the reusable parts in oil to loosen it up and make removal much easier.
• Once you have prepared the leaf spring, you need to raise the rear end of the vehicle and remove the rear tires by using a floor jack. 
• Once you have placed the floor jack and lift the vehicle, you need to remove the old leaf springs. At first, you should loosen the nuts and bolts of the leaf spring bracket U-bolt and then remove it. Place all of them to the side. Now, start by removing the leaf springs and keep it down slowly.
• Now, you need to start the installation of the new leaf spring. Place the new one in place and insert the mounting bolts and retainer nuts to secure the spring. It is best to use new bolts and nuts in case the old ones are worn down.
• Secure all of the mounting bolts by tightening them with a screw. Then, place the U-bolt brackets in place and ensure that they are securely placed. Make sure you check them again in a week again. 
• Once the new leaf springs are installed, you can remove the floor jacks and lower the vehicle.




While changing the leaf spring or rear springs may be a simple job and you can do it your own, if you are unable to do it, you can hire a mechanic to do it for you. Also, you need to make sure that you buy only branded leaf springs and rear springs from trusted stores online. Always check their reputation online and read reviews about their products before purchasing from them. Also make sure that they deliver in the area you live in or your money would go waste and you would need to procure it from another store.