Both Leaf Springs Broke

[Zappy]

2019 Ford Ranger XL with 47,000 miles. I brought my Ranger in for an oil change this morning. As the mechanic lifted the truck, the forward leaf spring mount holes (sorry I don't know the correct term) broke on both sides and the leaf springs detached from the mounts. I could see through a large window into the service area the mechanic and service desk person looking at the mounts and they called me in right away. While my first instinct was to blame the mechanic (due to the improbability of this happening) it looked like the lift was placed correctly. I searched this forum and the Internet at large and I do not see many instances of a leaf spring failure like this and certainly not both springs failing at the same time. I never carry heavy loads, never go off-roading, and only tow my 14 foot fishing boat to a local lake about six time per year. The Ranger is kept in a garage. I am in Minnesota so I suppose winter time salt could be a factor. Is there a known issue with the leaf springs?

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[Racket]

Bump for visibility. Not knowing all the details except for what you posted this is a pretty serious failure. I'd approach Ford first and am curious what explanation and solution they offer.

There have been a couple posts (I think) with failures and while there may be unique reasons why it seems such a common and widely used component it should be thoroughly investigated.

You're not driving the truck, right? Get a rollback to take it to an authorized Ford shop (unless this happened at a dealership)?

 

[Jason B]

Someone reported a leaf breaking in the center, but I haven't of both springs breaking at the mount.
Did you get any pictures?

 

[Zappy]

No pictures but I will get some photos of the removed springs next week when they are replaced ($1,700 estimate at Ford). The break was in the top of the mounting hole on both sides and the springs then pulled out. There was a loud bang so the mechanic stopped lifting immediately. They actually went ahead and changed the oil, and then, after inspection by several Ford mechanics, lowered the truck back down. They told me I could drive it home, slowly, and the weight of the truck would hold the spring in place. So, I limped it home although I was nervous as it occurred to me what would happen if the rear mount failed.

I just had the well-known blend vent failure repaired a few months ago (pull the dash and replace the entire vent box). But, even though I am running out of money, I still like my Ranger.

 

[IdahoRanger]

I can't fathom them telling you to drive it home. ??

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Jeezaloo Tom, that’s odd.

For clarity, did the leaf springs break or did the mounts break?

 

[MountainGoat]

I had this happen on my OLD Ranger, but I lived by the beach and that truck was 20 years old!

 

[Zappy]

The forward mount on the spring broke in the same spot on both sides of the truck. I'll attach a drawing. I can feel the break when I put my finger up into the brocket. The "hole" must have bent to allow the springs to drop down (might have been about two inches) and then bent back when the truck was lowered back down. By the way, I appreciate the quick replies. It helps to get some understanding of what is going on.

 

[Yinzcity]

I can't speak to the probability of both breaking, but $1700 for replacement seems steep.. You could upgrade to Icon, EMU, or even tremor springs for that much.

 

[Chris M]

I can't fathom them telling you to drive it home. ??

This, for sure.
I can't imagine driving it out of the service bay, much less home...and then BACK whenever they get parts.

 

[YaBoiNewton]

Holy shit that's crazy! We definitely need to see some pictures to get an idea of how rusty the fasteners may have gotten in the past 5 years. Maybe the dips at the boat launch and the road salt took their toll. Unexpected for sure, but not impossible.

 

[subquark]

Seems like stress from improper rolling of that end? Springs are tempered and perhaps something wrong with that? Odd that both did, I can't imagine they form them and keep them in sequence but it sure seems like that would be from a bad batch.

Any hit that could break it there would be evident on other places (like rims, hangers, crushed bushings). Seems like welds would break before the actual steel of the spring. I broke both front leaf springs in my FJ40 because I kept getting about 4 feet of air jumping it. But they broke two inches forward of the rear bushing, that rolled area is pretty strong ...

 

[Rp930]

They could have both been cracked there and broke when the weight of the rear end hung on it. See if the broken area looked old and rusted or looks like a fresh break.

 

[Grumpaw]

That both springs broke in the same area, at the same time, speaks of a defect, not the owners fault. Even if out of warranty, if Ford is going to charge you, I would do all you can to make them responsible.
If not, make sure you get the damaged springs back, and have them professionally inspected for defects, improper heat treating, ect. If they turn out to be faulty, notify NHTSA, as there may be more out there in Ranger Land......maybe notify them anyway.

 

[GreyAreaRanger]

The forward mount on the spring broke in the same spot on both sides of the truck. I'll attach a drawing. I can feel the break when I put my finger up into the brocket. The "hole" must have bent to allow the springs to drop down (might have been about two inches) and then bent back when the truck was lowered back down. By the way, I appreciate the quick replies. It helps to get some understanding of what is going on.

Was it a clean break on both leaf spring mounts? If so, I wonder if we all have a recall coming....

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