Characteristics
1. The leaf spring acts as a linkage for holding the axle in position and thus separate linkage are not necessary. It makes the construction of the suspension simple and strong.
2. As the positioning of the axle is carried out by the leaf springs so it makes it disadvantageous to use soft springs i.e. a spring with low spring constant.
3. Therefore, this type of suspension does not provide good riding comfort. The inter-leaf friction between the leaf springs affects the riding comfort.
4. Acceleration and braking torque cause wind-up and vibration. Also wind-up causes rear-end squat and nose-diving.
Read more about this topic: Leaf Spring