Truck suspension springs: wear signs and replacement

The truck’s spring system helps absorb impacts, distribute load weight and maintain vehicle alignment, ensuring driving comfort and protecting other mechanical components.

Over time, however, wear on these suspension springs can compromise truck performance, causing excessive vibration, instability and even increasing the risk of mechanical failures.

How can you tell if a suspension spring is bad?

Truck springs wear naturally over time, especially when the vehicle carries heavy loads or travels on uneven roads. But how do you know when it is time to replace them?

The team should assess springs periodically, observing changes in truck behavior. The main signs of truck suspension problems include:

• Body sagging: if the truck is lower than normal, even without a load, it may be a sign of worn springs.
• Excessive swaying over potholes: if the vehicle sways more than expected, the springs may have lost their ability to absorb impacts.
• Creaks or snapping sounds in the suspension: unusual noises while driving indicate excessive friction between parts or even cracks in the springs.
• Uneven tire wear: suspension problems can put the vehicle out of alignment and cause tires to wear unevenly.

What are the signs of wear on suspension springs?

Truck springs may show visible and noticeable signs of wear that indicate the need for replacement. These are:

Fatigue and loss of elasticity

Over time, springs lose their ability to return to their original position, compromising impact absorption and vehicle alignment.

Cracked or broken springs

If there are visible cracks or breaks in the springs, the team must replace them immediately to prevent suspension failures.

Body lean

If the truck appears to lean to one side even without a load, it may be a sign of springs with uneven wear.

Excessive vibration and impacts

If the suspension does not adequately absorb impacts, it is a strong indication that the springs are no longer working as they should.

If you identify these signs, replacing the suspension springs is already overdue!

How do you replace truck springs?

The team must replace truck springs carefully, as these parts bear a great deal of tension. Ideally, a professional with suitable equipment and experience should perform the service.

But, if necessary, a fleet manager or the team’s mechanic can oversee the process. The steps are:

1. Lift the truck and ensure a safe environment

Park the vehicle in a flat, safe place and use hydraulic jacks or lifts to raise the truck, ensuring it is securely supported.

2. Remove the old springs’ U-bolts and bolts

Loosen the fasteners securing the spring to the axle and chassis. If the bolts are rusty, apply anti-rust lubricant before removal.

3. Carefully remove the old spring

Remember that springs may be under high tension, so remove them carefully to avoid accidents.

4. Install the new suspension springs

Position the new spring correctly in the axle and chassis support and firmly tighten the bolts and U-bolts to ensure proper attachment.

5. Perform a road test

After replacement, perform a road test to check that the suspension is working correctly.

Important: If the truck continues to show uneven tire wear or vibration, other suspension components, such as shock absorbers and bushings, may need checking.

Performing periodic inspections and replacing springs at the right time can prevent mechanical failures and reduce corrective maintenance costs.

To make it easier to keep track of inspections and suspension component replacements, download Prolog’s free maintenance control spreadsheet (in Portuguese)!