Leaf springs carry the weight of your van and everything in it, mile after mile. Because they wear gradually, it’s easy not to notice until something goes wrong. These are the five signs we’re asked about most often.
1. The back of the van sits lower than it used to
Springs slowly lose their shape (“sag”) over time, especially on vans that regularly carry heavy loads. If the rear sits noticeably lower than the front when empty, or lower than it did when you bought it, the springs are likely tired.
2. It leans to one side
If one corner sits lower than the other on level ground, one spring may have sagged more than the other, or a leaf may be cracked or broken.
3. Bottoming out or wallowing when loaded
A van that hits its bump stops over speed bumps, or feels unstable and “floaty” when loaded, no longer has enough support from its springs.
4. Clunking or knocking over bumps
Knocks and clunks from the rear can come from a broken leaf, worn spring bushes or loose U-bolts. Any of these should be checked straight away.
5. Cracked, broken or shifted leaves
Have a look underneath. Cracks, a leaf that has moved out of line, or heavy corrosion are all reasons to replace the spring. A fractured spring leaf is also an MOT failure.
Why it matters
Worn springs affect more than ride comfort. They change how the van steers and brakes, especially when loaded, and can lead to uneven tyre wear. If you notice any of these signs, have the suspension checked by a qualified mechanic, and replace springs in pairs so both sides of the axle match.
Finding the right springs
We supply standard and uprated rear leaf springs for most popular vans, including the Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, VW Crafter, Renault Master, Vauxhall Movano, Iveco Daily, Citroën Relay, Peugeot Boxer and Fiat Ducato. Find your van on our Van Springs page, or call us on 01746 389896 and we’ll help you find the right part.
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Any questions?
If you have a question or can't find the part you need, our sales team is happy to help.