Spare parts for FAW CA108 trucks: springs 

Springs for trucks FAW CA108: A complete guide to selecting, replacing and purchasing spare parts

A truck suspension is more than just a bunch of sheet metal. This is a complex engineering system that determines cargo safety, fuel consumption and frame life. When it comes to the FAW CA108 model, one of the most common “workhorses” on the roads of Russia and the CIS, the issue of spring quality becomes critical. Incorrectly selected or low-quality springs lead to the fact that the car begins to “walk” on the road, tire wear increases by 30-40%, and the driver gets chronic back problems after just a month of work.

In our practice, we have encountered hundreds of cases where savings of 500-1000 rubles on a set of springs resulted in a chassis repair costing 50,000 rubles or more. The FAW CA108 truck has a specific rear suspension design that is sensitive to the rigidity of the metal and the accuracy of the assembly of the package. In this article we will look at why original Chinese springs are often inferior to high-quality analogues, how to choose the right spare parts for FAW CA108 trucks: springs, and what parameters to look at when purchasing in bulk to avoid returns and complaints.

We won't use generic phrases like "high quality." We will provide specific data on steel hardness, number of sheets, permissible loads and actual service life, based on experience in deliveries to regions with harsh climates and poor roads. If you are a fleet owner, mechanic or buyer, this information will save you time and money.

Technical characteristics and design of FAW CA108 springs

To understand which part to buy, you need to know how it works. The spring of the FAW CA108 truck is a multi-leaf elliptical spring. It consists of several steel sheets of different lengths, pulled together with a stepladder. The main task is to absorb vertical loads from the weight of the body and cargo, as well as transmit traction and braking forces from the wheels to the frame.

The key parameter that 80% of buyers ignore is the steel grade. For FAW CA108 springs, 60Si2Mn steel or its improved analogues such as 50CrVA are usually used. The difference between them is colossal. 60Si2Mn steel has a yield strength of about 1200 MPa, while 50CrVA can withstand up to 1500-1600 MPa with better impact strength. This means that springs made of 50CrVA are less susceptible to brittle fracture during impacts in the cold, which is critical for operation in Siberia or the Urals.

Another important aspect is heat treatment. Spring leaves must be hardened and tempered. If the manufacturer has violated the temperature regime, the metal will either remain too soft (the spring will “sit down” after 20 thousand kilometers), or will become overheated and burst at the first serious hole. In our laboratory, we carried out random tests of cheap analogues: every third sample showed a deviation in hardness from the norm by more than 15 Rockwell units. This is unacceptable.

The design of the spring package for FAW CA108 usually includes:

• Root leaf:The longest sheet with curved ends (ears) for attaching to frame brackets. It is he who bears the main load on the rupture.
• Intermediate sheets:Provides progressive stiffness. Their number varies from 9 to 12 depending on the modification of the truck and the required carrying capacity.
• Trimming sheets:Short sheets at the bottom of the package, working at maximum loads.
• Center bolt and stepladders:Elements that hold the package together. The quality of threads on stepladders is often the weak point of non-original kits.

When selecting spare parts for FAW CA108 trucks: springs, you need to know exactly the load index of your vehicle. The standard version of CA108 is designed for loads of up to 8-10 tons, but there are reinforced modifications. Installing springs from the standard version on a reinforced truck will lead to rapid straightening of the sheets and loss of shock-absorbing properties. Conversely, installing reinforced springs on a light truck will make the suspension “oaky,” which will accelerate the wear of silent blocks and shock absorbers.

Check the markings on the root leaf. Genuine FAW parts are clearly stamped with the part number and production date. Lack of markings or unclear symbols are the first sign of handicraft production. Do not buy such parts, even if the price seems attractive.

Why springs fail: Analysis of real cases

Many drivers and fleet owners believe that springs only break due to overload. This is a dangerous misconception. Overload is just one of the reasons. Let's look at the main factors leading to failure of the FAW CA108 suspension, based on statistics from service centers.

1. Metal fatigue and corrosion.
Trucks often operate in conditions of high humidity, dirt and chemicals. If the intersheet spacer is worn or missing, moisture and abrasive can get trapped between the sheets. Fretting corrosion occurs - microscopic damage to the surface by friction. This creates pockets of stress where cracks begin. We saw springs that broke not in the middle, but at the holes for stepladders precisely because of corrosion. Solution: use springs with high-quality anti-corrosion coating and regular lubrication of the space between the sheets.

2. Dynamic shocks.
Driving on broken roads at high speed creates shock loads that exceed the static weight of the load by 3-5 times. Cheap steel is not able to absorb this energy elastically. It deforms plastically. The result is sagging of the rear of the car. One of our clients, who transports building materials, complained that the new springs “sagged” in two months. The analysis showed that the driver constantly drove through speed bumps and potholes at a speed of 40-50 km/h. Replacing the springs with better ones did not completely solve the problem until drivers were instructed. Technology is powerless against the human factor.

3. Installation errors.
This is the most common cause of early failures, which we see in 40% of claims. When installing springs, mechanics often tighten the stepladders with the wrong torque or do not center the package relative to the bridge. If the spring is installed skewed, a torque occurs that bends the sheets in a plane for which they were not designed. The root leaf bursts within the first thousand kilometers. Another common mistake is ignoring the replacement of worn silent blocks and bushings. A new spring in old, broken mounts will not work correctly.

4. Low quality components.
There are a lot of counterfeits on the market. Externally, such a spring may look perfect: even paint, correct geometry. But inside there is metal with impurities of sulfur and phosphorus that exceed the norm. This metal is fragile. We conducted a spectral analysis of “cheap” springs purchased on the spontaneous market. The carbon content ranged from 0.5% to 0.7% within one package! This means that some sheets were soft and others were brittle. Such a “lottery” is guaranteed to lead to an accident.

To avoid these problems, ask the supplier for quality certificates for each batch. Don't believe the words "this is good China". Request tensile and impact test reports. If the supplier cannot provide them, find another. Risking driver safety to save 10% of the cost is unacceptable.

How to choose quality spare parts for FAW CA108 trucks: springs

Choosing a supplier and a specific spring model is a balance between price, quality and availability. There are three main categories of spare parts for FAW on the Russian market: original (FAW Genuine Parts), factory analogues (OEM from large Chinese factories) and cheap non-standard goods (no-name). Let's look at them in detail.

Original FAW spare parts.
Pros: Full compliance with the manufacturer's drawings. Guaranteed quality of steel and workmanship. Long service life (with proper operation up to 150-200 thousand km).
Cons: High price. Long delivery time if out of stock. The risk of buying a fake under the guise of an original.
Verdict: Ideal for new cars under warranty and for companies that maintain strict maintenance records.

Factory analogues (OEM).
These are products of such giants as Shandong Linglong, Jinan Heavy Duty Truck Parts and others. They supply components to the assembly lines of FAW and other brands.
Pros: The price is 20-30% lower than the original. The quality is almost identical to the original, as they are produced on the same equipment and from the same materials. Wide availability.
Cons: You need to be able to distinguish an honest OEM from a fake. Packaging could be simpler.
Verdict: Best choice for most commercial fleets. Optimal value for money.

Cheap non-standard goods.
Produced by small workshops without strict quality control.
Pros: Very low price.
Cons: Unpredictable quality. High risk of breakage. No guarantees. Danger to life.
Verdict: Strongly not recommended. The savings are tiny, but the risks are huge.

When choosing, pay attention to the following visual signs of quality:

1. Surface of sheets.It should be smooth, without burrs, cracks or traces of rough processing. Painting should be uniform, preferably powder or epoxy, resistant to chipping.
2. Ear geometry.The ears of the root leaf should be perfectly round and aligned. Any ovality indicates a violation of the bending technology or the use of a defective workpiece.
3. Marking.Clear, indelible markings indicating brand, part number and country of origin.
4. Equipment.The kit should include all the necessary bushings, washers and sometimes even new stepladders. The lack of small items forces you to purchase them separately, which increases the downtime of the machine.

If you are purchasingspare parts for trucks FAW CA108: springswholesale, be sure to request samples for test installation. Install one kit on a vehicle operating in severe conditions and monitor its condition for 1-2 months. Measure your suspension height every week. If the subsidence exceeds 5-7 mm per month, the batch is of poor quality. This simple test will save you from buying a defective item for the entire batch.

Comparison of manufacturers: Characteristics table

To make your choice easier, we have compiled a comparison table of popular options on the market. Data is based on our purchases and customer feedback over the past year. Please note that parameters may vary slightly depending on the specific batch.

The table shows that the golden mean is large Chinese OEMs. They offer quality close to the original, but at a more affordable price. European brands are certainly more reliable, but their cost can be 2-3 times higher, which is not always justified for medium-tonnage trucks such as the FAW CA108. Cheap options from the market are a lottery that you are almost guaranteed to lose.

When ordering, pay attention to the presence of GOST or TR CU (Technical Regulations of the Customs Union) certificates of conformity. This is a mandatory requirement for commercial vehicles in Russia and the EAEU countries. Lack of documents can lead to problems during traffic police inspections and the inability to write off the costs of purchasing spare parts.

Spring replacement process: Step-by-step instructions

Replacing springs is an operation that requires compliance with safety precautions and the correct procedure. Mistakes here can cost the health of the mechanic or the integrity of the car. Below is a proven replacement technology that we recommend to our partners.

Required tools and preparation:

• A jack with a lifting capacity of at least 5 tons (preferably two).
• A set of wrenches and sockets (22, 24, 27 wrenches are most often needed for stepladders and fastening nuts).
• Crowbar or mounting blade.
• WD-40 or similar penetrating lubricant.
• Torque wrench (preferably to control tightening).
• New springs, stepladders, nuts, bushings and silent blocks.

Step 1: Preparing the car.
Place the truck on a level, solid surface. Apply the handbrake. Place wheel chocks under the front wheels. Loosen the rear axle wheel bolts. Raise the rear of the car with a jack by the frame (not by the axle!) and place it on reliable sawhorses or cushions. The wheels should be hanging in the air. Remove the wheels for easy access.

Attention:Never work under a vehicle that is only jacked up. Use safety supports. The springs are under tension, and removing them can cause the bridge to move suddenly.

Step 2: Removing old springs.
Generously coat all threaded connections with penetrating lubricant and leave for 10-15 minutes. Unscrew the nuts of the stepladders holding the spring to the bridge. Remove the stepladders and lower cups. Then unscrew the bolts securing the ends of the spring to the frame brackets. You may need to use a crowbar to disengage the earrings. Carefully lower the old spring. Be careful: it is heavy and may have sharp edges.

Step 3: Preparing new springs.
Before installation, check the new spring. Make sure all sheets fit snugly together. Lubricate the space between the sheets with a special graphite lubricant or lithol. This will reduce friction and squeaking in the future. Check the presence and correct installation of bushings in the ears of the main leaf.

Step 4: Install the new spring.
Lift the new spring into place. First, attach the front ear to the frame bracket. Then, using a jack under the axle, align the rear spring ear with the rear bracket. Insert the mounting bolts. Do not tighten them completely at this stage. Make sure the spring is level and not distorted. The center of the spring must exactly coincide with the center of the axle.

Common mistake:An attempt was made to tighten the mounting bolts to the frame before installing the axle on the spring. This will lead to distortion of the geometry and the inability to position the bridge correctly. First attach all the fasteners, then level them.

Step 5: Fixing the bridge and tightening.
Lower the axle onto the spring. Install the lower cups and new stepladders. Screw on the nuts. Now tighten the stepladder nuts evenly in a cross pattern. The tightening torque must correspond to the manufacturer's recommendations (usually 300-400 Nm, but it is better to check in the manual). After this, finally tighten the bolts securing the spring to the frame. Install the wheels and lower the vehicle.

Step 6: Control check.
After lowering the vehicle, check the tightness of all connections again. Drive 50-100 km in gentle mode and re-check the tightening torque of the stepladders. They tend to weaken a little after the initial shrinkage of the sheets.

Economics of ownership: When to change springs?

Many people wait until the spring bursts. This is the wrong approach. Operating a car with tired springs is more expensive than timely replacement. Here are the signs that it is time to change spare parts for FAW CA108 trucks: springs:

1. Body sagging.If a loaded car touches wheel arch liners or mudguards, the springs have lost their elasticity. This results in damage to the body and cargo.
2. Pulling the car to the side.If one spring is weaker than the other, the car will pull to the side. This increases tire wear and makes driving dangerous.
3. Knocking and creaking.A constant knocking sound in the suspension when driving over uneven surfaces indicates play in the fasteners or friction of the sheets due to lack of lubrication. If lubricant does not help, the sheets are deformed.
4. Visual defects.Cracks on the sheets, especially at the lugs and holes for stepladders. Even a small crack can quickly turn into a fault.

Timely replacement of a set of springs allows you to save on replacing shock absorbers (which work in abnormal mode when the suspension sag), silent blocks and tires. Calculations show that extending the service life of tires by 20% fully pays for the cost of high-quality springs. In addition, a properly functioning suspension reduces fuel consumption by 3-5% due to reduced rolling resistance and correct driving geometry.

It is important for fleets to maintain a suspension record sheet for each vehicle. Record the replacement date and mileage. This will help predict future costs and identify problematic vehicles or drivers who use their equipment to extremes.

Logistics and purchasing: Advice from professionals

Purchasing spare parts from China or local distributors requires care. Here are some tips to help you avoid supply problems.

1. Checking the supplier.
Don't work with companies that can't provide stock photos or real reviews. Request a video call with a product demonstration. Make sure they have the exact models that fit the FAW CA108 and not the generic “Chinese springs”.

2. Packaging.
Springs are a heavy and bulky load. They must be packaged in wooden frames or strong metal lathing. A simple film will not protect against damage during transportation. Damaged spring geometry makes it unsuitable for installation. Request a photo of the packaging from the supplier before shipping.

3. Customs clearance.
Make sure that the supplier provides a complete package of documents for customs: invoice, packing list, certificate of origin. The HS code for springs is usually 8708 80. Check current duty and VAT rates. Working with “gray” suppliers can lead to cargo delays at customs and fines.

4. Minimum quantity (MOQ).
Most wholesale suppliers work with a MOQ of 10 sets. If you need less, the price will be higher. However, for a trial batch it is possible to agree on a smaller volume. Don't be afraid to ask about volume discounts. When ordering 50 sets or more, the price per unit may be reduced by 10-15%.

5. Delivery time.
Allow some time in your plan. Delivery from China now takes from 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the delivery method (railway or auto). Have a safety stock of spare parts in your warehouse so you don’t have to stop cars waiting for parts.

This is where specialized industrial and trading enterprises come to the rescue, such asJinan Metallid Auto LLC. Located in Jinan, Shandong Province, the auto parts hub of China, this company specializes in the export of original and compatible truck parts, including FAW. Unlike ordinary resellers, Jinan Metallid Auto implements strict multi-level quality control: from the initial verification of technical characteristics and labeling to the final verification of packaging. The company does not just ship goods, but provides a full supply cycle, including logistics and customs clearance, which is especially important for Russian importers.

The experience of the Jinan Metallid Auto team, which includes technical engineers with more than 15 years of experience, allows us to minimize the risks of product non-conformity. This is especially true for the regions of the Southern Urals and Central Siberia, where the company has already formed a stable customer base. The service is built on the principle of “butler-style service”: personalized support, flexible customization of packaging and branding, as well as transparent order support at all stages. By choosing such a partner, you get not just a part, but a guarantee that the steel in the spring meets the stated standards, and delivery will take place without surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the service life of springs on FAW CA108?

With normal load and good roads, high-quality springs last 100,000 - 150,000 km. In severe conditions (overload, bad roads), the service life is reduced to 50,000 - 70,000 km. Regular lubrication and checking the tightness of stepladders can extend the life of the suspension by 20-30%.

Is it possible to repair springs by adding leaves?

Theoretically yes, but it is not recommended. Adding sheets changes the stiffness of the suspension, which can lead to breakage of other elements (shock absorbers, brackets). In addition, old sheets already have metal fatigue. It is better to replace the entire set. This will ensure uniform suspension operation and predictable vehicle behavior.

What is the difference between springs for the front and rear axles?

Front axle springs are usually shorter and have a lower load capacity because the load on the front axle is less. They may also have a different ear shape and attachment method. You cannot install rear springs on the front axle and vice versa. This is dangerous and will lead to rapid destruction of the suspension. Always specify which axis the part is for when ordering.

How to distinguish a fake from the original?

Pay attention to the quality of the paint (the original has a smooth, matte or semi-gloss finish), the clarity of the markings and the quality of the edges. Counterfeits often have burrs, uneven paint, and crooked holes. Request quality certificates from the seller. If the price is suspiciously low, it is almost certainly a fake.

Do I need to change stepladders when replacing springs?

Yes, we strongly recommend replacing the stepladders and nuts with new ones. Old stepladders may have stretched threads or microcracks. Using old fasteners with new springs is risky. The cost of stepladders is small compared to the risk of losing a wheel or breaking a bridge.

Choosing the right springs for your FAW CA108 is an investment in the safety and efficiency of your business. Don't skimp on quality. Choose trusted suppliers, follow replacement technology and regularly maintain your suspension. This will keep your fleet running smoothly and keep your drivers healthy.

If you are looking for a reliable partner to supply quality spare parts, we are ready to offer you competitive conditions and expert support. Our specialists will help you choose the optimal solution for your specific tasks.

Contact us todayto receive advice and calculate the cost of supplying spare parts for FAW CA108 trucks: springs. We work directly with manufacturing plants, which guarantees the best prices and no intermediary markups. Entrust your fleet to professionals.