How to measure a leaf spring

The 5 features to identify a leaf spring:

1. Width
2. Free Length
3. Number Of Leaves
4. Flat Length
5. Eye Size

Width: A measurement across the bottom of the spring leaves. Corresponds with the width of the spring seats
 

Free Length : A measurement of the length of the spring from eye to eye (or eye to end of slipper for a slipper spring). For this measurement, the tape should be taut, suspended in the air. This measurment does not factor in that a used spring becomes relaxed or stretched out. The measurement gets longer for springs that have been used.

Number Of Leaves: A count of the number of strips of steel stacked together. Count at the centre point.

Flat Length: A length measurement which follows the actual contour of the spring. This measurement is better than the Free Length measurement because old / used springs relax after use. Therefore, when a customer is trying to match an old spring, the free length will not give an actual measurement to match to. Flat length is measured by taking the length from the centre of one eye to the centre bolt on the spring, repeating for the other side, then adding the two together, like this: A B = FLAT LENGTH

Eye Size: When building a trailer, the eye size of the spring is necessary to select the other hardware pieces that bolt to the spring.

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