5 Types of leaf spring used in vehicles
What is a leaf spring? A leaf spring is a simple form of spring commonly used for suspension in wheeled vehicles. It is used as a part of the front or rear suspension system of the vehicle. It has known as leaf spring suspension.
Leaf spring is made of a flat and curved steel plate with a 3-6 mm or more thickness. Leaf springs compose several steel plate sheets tied together using a bolt or fastening clamp in the middle.
At the end of the most extended steel plate (front side), a spring formed rounded to connect to the car frame. While at the other end (rear side), it joined with a shackle so it can move freely when the spring works.
Leaf springs are usually used in truck, pick-up, or older passenger vehicle types. However, leaf spring suspension is often found in some of the latest MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) passenger cars. Here is an example of cars with leaf spring at the suspension :
- Ford Raptor 17-20, Ford F-150 4WD
- Mercedes Sprinter
- Nissan Navara.
- Toyota Hilux.
- Fiat 600 D, Fiat 770.
- Mitsubishi L200.
- Renault Master.
- Vauxhall Movano.
- And many more.
In its use, leaf spring also has advantages and disadvantages, including:
Advantages of Leaf spring
- Leaf springs have a simple construction.
- Leaf springs can dampen vibrations by themselves.
- Leaf springs have robust construction, so they often function as support arms.
Disadvantages of leaf springs
- The shock absorption is not very good, which reduces the comfort level.
- The spring position's stability only depends on the bushing, making the bushing damaged more quickly. As a result, there are often noises on this type of suspension.
Even so, there are several types of leaf springs widely used in vehicles. These types of leaf springs have their advantages or disadvantages. Here are some types of leaf springs that are known to use in cars.
1. Semi-elliptical leaf spring
Semi-elliptical leaf spring is a type of spring usually used in almost every vehicle. Particularly in a light truck vehicle, semi-elliptical leaf springs are fitted in front and rear axles. The normal shape for a semi-elliptical leaf spring is similar to a parabolic shape.
In today's cars, a semi-elliptic leaf spring is fitted on the rear axle only and uses an independent suspension for the front axle. Semi-elliptic leaf springs are cheaper and require a minor repair. They increase the range of spring action and last for a long time.
2 Quarter-elliptical leaf spring
It is an older type of spring with a similar structure to a typical semi-elliptical leaf spring. The only difference is that it is half. This spring-type consists of only a quarter portion of the full semi-elliptical leaf spring and is fitted with the bolt's frame. Quarter-elliptical leaf spring was used in old small cars, like the Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite (1958-1960) or Chrysler cars.
3. Three-quarter elliptical leaf Spring
A three-quarter elliptical leaf spring is a combination of semi-elliptical and quarter-elliptic leaf springs. These types of springs were used in old cars. Some larger vehicles can be seen sporting an extra half of a leaf spring to support the typical leaf spring, positioned over the axle's top and connected with the frame.
Also read:4. Transverse leaf Spring
Transverse leaf spring is just like the semi-elliptical leaf spring but inverted in shape. Transverse leaf springs were positioned across the car from wheel to wheel rather than over the wheels.
At the end of the spring, a shackle is used to connect the spring with the axle. It is also fixed with a frame by the bolts at the centre. These are older types of spring that aren't often used anymore.
5. Full-elliptical leaf Spring
Two leaf springs can be combined, facing away from each other to create an oval shape. It is known as elliptical. Yes, a full elliptical spring is consists of two semi-elliptical springs joined together oppositely. Old cars used this type of spring. Since they do not maintain correct axle alignment, it is also not often used anymore.