During leaf spring inspection, which components should be checked?

• A. Center Bolts, Clips, and Bushings.
• B. Leaf Pad Shims.
• C. U-Bolts and Mounts.
• D. Spring Seats and Pad Wear.

Answer: (A)

Leaf-spring health hinges on the parts that keep the leaf stack tied together and moving smoothly: center bolts, spring clips, and bushings. The center bolts hold the whole pack in alignment and maintain even spacing among the leaves, so the spring acts as a single unit under load. If the center bolt is damaged or loose, leaves can shift, causing uneven ride, noise, and accelerated wear. Clips lock the leaves in order, preventing interleaf movement that would change the spring rate and create rattling or misalignment. Worn or damaged bushings at the spring eyes or along the pack can allow excessive play and metal-to-metal contact, leading to rough handling, noise, and altered ride height. While other components like U-bolts, mounts, or seat wear are important to inspect, the items that most directly indicate the leaf-spring’s structural integrity are center bolts, clips, and bushings.