Car bottoming out every time you go over a bump?
Excessive shaking and poor handling, too?
It’s likely a faulty leaf spring — the suspension component that supports your vehicle and absorbs shocks from the road. When it wears out, driving your car could feel like bouncing on a trampoline, and you’ll need to replace it ASAP to ensure your safety.
Curious about the leaf spring replacement cost?
We’ll discuss several factors that impact how much you’ll pay, explain why it’s worth replacing, and share tips on extending your leaf spring’s lifespan.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does a Leaf Spring Replacement Cost?
- Is It Worth Replacing a Leaf Spring?
- 9 Worrying Signs You Need a Leaf Spring Replacement
- How Long Do Leaf Springs Last?
- Can You Replace Leaf Springs Yourself?
- How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Leaf Springs
How Much Does a Leaf Spring Replacement Cost?
Here’s how much you can expect to pay for a leaf spring replacement:
A. Range
The average cost of replacing a leaf spring is between $815 and $970. This estimate includes:
- Parts cost: $575 and $620
- Labor cost: $240 and $350
B. Factors Affecting Cost
Some aspects that can affect the average cost include:
- Vehicle make and model: Some vehicles (older trucks like the Ford F-100) require a specialized or rare replacement part, which could be expensive to source.
- Leaf spring material: Carbon or alloy steel leaf springs cost more than impure metal alloys due to their increased durability.
- Number of springs: Vehicles usually have two leaf springs per axle — one on each side — though heavier or specialized trucks may have more. The more springs that require replacing, the higher the quote for labor and parts. Leaf springs are often replaced in pairs to ensure even wear and vehicle height.
- Geographical location: Labor rates and parts prices vary by region. A repair shop in a big city will typically have a higher labor cost to compensate for its increased overhead expenses.
- Dealerships vs. independent repair shops vs. mobile mechanics: Dealerships typically charge more for labor than independent shops due to their higher overhead costs. Meanwhile, mobile mechanics will likely quote less than both as they have a leaner business model.
- Parts quality: An Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) replacement part is typically expensive to purchase, but is more reliable than affordable aftermarket parts.
Is It Worth Replacing a Leaf Spring?
Yes. Replacing a damaged or old leaf spring is essential for ensuring your safety on the road and preventing damage to your vehicle.
A broken leaf spring won’t effectively support the vehicle. This reduces your control, making your car dangerous to drive. It also causes excessive wear, resulting in costly repairs (e.g., damage to the chassis or axle).
9 Worrying Signs You Need a Leaf Spring Replacement
Some common symptoms of a faulty leaf spring include:
- Uneven ride height: If the vehicle’s rear sits lower than the front, or one side is lower than the other, this suggests a broken leaf spring.
- Excessive shaking: An overly bouncy or shaky ride, especially when driving over bumps or uneven roads, indicates that the springs aren’t absorbing shock forces properly.
- Uneven tire wear: A faulty leaf spring can cause an imbalance in vehicle height, placing more weight on one side of the vehicle and wearing down its tires.
- Abnormal noises: Creaking, squeaking, or clunking noises from the rear suspension often point to a broken spring or bushings, especially when going over bumps or accelerating.
- Compromised handling: If the vehicle sways excessively, feels unstable when turning, or is hard to control during sudden maneuvers, the leaf springs may have lost their structural integrity.
- Wheel misalignment: When your rear tires are angled sideways while the front tires point straight ahead (known as “dog tracking”), compromised leaf springs are likely the cause.
- Bottoming out suspension: If the vehicle bottoms out over bumps, causing the axle to hit the tarmac, the springs are likely no longer providing sufficient support.
- Damaged bushings: The cylindrical bushings at the ends of the springs should be free from cracks, dry rot, or excessive wear. Damaged bushings won’t reduce shock effectively and can also increase frictional wear on the leaf spring.
- Visible damage: Cracks, breaks, severe rust, or a flattened arch in the leaf spring are strong visual indicators that you need a replacement.
How Long Do Leaf Springs Last?
Leaf springs generally last between 5 and 15 years, or 100,000 to 200,000 miles, depending on a variety of factors, including:
- Material composition: Leaf springs are usually built from high-strength carbon or alloy steel to handle stress and maintain flexibility. Springs made with inferior metals (e.g., impure steel alloys) are more likely to wear out early.
- Driving habits: Repeatedly carrying loads beyond the vehicle’s capacity can overstress the leaf springs, leading them to sag or lose their tension. In addition, aggressive driving habits will speed up wear and tear.
- Operating conditions: Exposure to moisture and road salt can cause rust buildup, weakening the metal’s structural integrity. Extreme temperatures over long periods can also affect the metal’s durability and performance, making it more prone to failure.
- Maintenance: Proper lubrication is essential for prolonging leaf spring life as it reduces internal friction. Ignoring maintenance can lead to faster deterioration and eventual failure.
Can You Replace Leaf Springs Yourself?
No, it’s best to have a mechanic replace a broken spring as it’s essential for your vehicle’s handling and your safety on the road.
Replacing an old leaf spring requires accessing your vehicle’s suspension. This can be challenging if you don’t have the right equipment or own a heavier vehicle like a truck.
In addition, the vehicle’s weight places extreme tension on the leaf springs. If you don’t release them carefully, they can cause serious injury.
How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Leaf Springs
To maximize your leaf springs’ longevity, you should:
- Regularly clean the leaf springs to remove dirt and reduce the risk of rust and corrosion.
- Perform a routine inspection to ensure there aren’t any cracks, rust, loose, or damaged components.
- Lightly lubricate the leaf springs to prevent rust and reduce friction between the leaves.
- Replace worn suspension parts like bushings to prevent wear on leaf springs.
- Use protective coatings to shield the springs from moisture and debris.
- Avoid overloading to ensure you don’t exceed the vehicle’s recommended load capacity.
Replace Your Leaf Spring with AutoNation Mobile Service
Your leaf springs are essential for proper shock absorption and stability on the road. If they are worn out or damaged, you’ll experience endless suspension problems, which will make your ride uncomfortable and put you in danger.
Don’t want to risk driving to the repair shop with faulty springs?
AutoNation Mobile Service can replace these critical suspension parts right from your driveway. We’re available seven days a week, provide an upfront quote, and offer a 12-month, 12,000-mile repair warranty on all services.
Contact us today for any suspension problems or vehicle maintenance needs.