Parts for your 2016 Ford Everest-Coil springs

Coil Springs on the 2016 Ford Everest: What You Need to Know

The 2016 Ford Everest is a tough, midsize SUV that's built to handle a variety of road conditions, from city streets to rough off-road trails. When it comes to its suspension setup, the Everest employs a mix designed to balance comfort, capability, and load handling, but interestingly, coil springs are not part of that equation for this particular model.

So, why doesn't the 2016 Ford Everest use coil springs? The answer lies in the vehicle's design and intended use.

Most versions of the 2016 Ford Everest come equipped with a solid rear axle supported by leaf springs and independent double wishbone suspension on the front. Coil springs are commonly found on vehicles designed with fully independent suspension systems, where they provide a smooth and controlled ride. The Ford Everest, however, opts for a leaf spring setup at the back. This choice isn't unusual for SUVs that are based on truck platforms or designed to carry heavy loads and tow, which is exactly where the Everest shines.

Leaf springs offer some advantages over coil springs when it comes to load capacity and durability. They are better suited to supporting the kind of payload and towing demands the Everest is expected to handle. In addition, leaf spring suspensions tend to be simpler and more rugged than coil spring suspensions, which can be a big plus for vehicles that are expected to work hard in tough conditions. This setup also tends to be more cost-effective to maintain and repairs can be less complicated and cheaper compared to independent coil spring systems.

Given this, coil springs are not fitted to the 2016 Ford Everest because the vehicle prioritises load carrying, towing capacity, and rugged off-road performance. The rear leaf springs provide solid support under heavy load, while the front independent suspension ensures the front end has decent ride comfort and handling. It's a combination that suits this SUV's practical, all-rounder nature.

If you're inspecting or servicing a 2016 Ford Everest, you won't be looking at coil springs but rather focusing your attention on the leaf springs, shock absorbers, and bushings that make up the suspension system. Maintaining the leaf springs properly is crucial to the vehicle's performance, safety, and ride quality.

To keep the rear suspension in top condition, here are some things to keep an eye on:

• Leaf Spring Inspection - Leaf springs should be inspected regularly for cracks, corrosion, or signs of sagging. While these springs are strong, over time they can wear out or become fatigued, especially with heavy use or poor road conditions.
• U-Bolts and Mounting Hardware - These components hold the leaf springs firmly in place. If they become loose or corroded, it can cause rattles, uneven riding, and even unsafe handling.
• Shock Absorbers - Although not springs, shocks work closely with the leaf springs to control the bounce and maintain ride comfort. Worn shocks can lead to poor suspension performance.
• Lubrication and Cleaning - Keeping the leaf spring assembly clean and free of excessive rust or debris can extend its life. Some setups may benefit from periodic lubrication of bushings if specified by the manufacturer.

When it comes to replacement, leaf springs generally have a long service life, but after significant wear, sagging, or damage, they'll need to be replaced to restore proper ride height and load handling. Typically, a set of rear leaf springs will be replaced in pairs to maintain balance and even wear. Remember to also replace any accompanying hardware such as bushings or U-bolts at the same time.

While this article focuses on the rear suspension, the front independent suspension with its double wishbones uses coil springs, so front coil springs are indeed present on the 2016 Ford Everest, just not in the rear. That front coil spring setup helps absorb bumps and smooth out the ride over uneven terrain. The coil springs here work alongside shocks and control arms to allow the wheels to move independently, improving comfort and handling.

It's always a good idea to keep an eye on your vehicle's suspension parts as part of routine servicing. Front coil springs usually last a long time but like any component they can wear or weaken over time. Look out for symptoms like unusual noises, a harsh ride, or uneven tyre wear which can signal suspension issues. If coil springs on the front are found to be damaged or sagging, replacement is recommended to keep the vehicle handling safely and comfortably.

In short, while the 2016 Ford Everest does use coil springs up front, it relies on leaf springs at the rear due to the nature of its build and the demands placed on its suspension. Understanding this setup can help owners focus their maintenance efforts on the right parts and ensure their Everest remains a capable and reliable ride on all sorts of adventures.