How to repair spring looseness?

Dec 27, 2025 Leave a message

一,Why do springs loosen

An irreversible decline in the elastic performance of the spring as a result of prolonged stress or particular working conditions is what is meant by the phrase "spring relaxation." Spring fracture or visible damage are not the same thing as spring relaxation. A decrease in free height, decreased elasticity, slower rebound speed, and even an inability to achieve the original design criteria within the rated travel range are some of the most obvious signs of this condition.

the impact of the temperature of the surrounding environment. The material's yield strength decreases as the temperature rises, and the stress relaxation becomes more pronounced as the temperature continues to rise. When working in surroundings with temperatures ranging from medium to high for an extended period of time, ordinary carbon steel springs are susceptible to elastic attenuation.


二, Is it possible to fix the spring after it has been relaxed?

Following the discovery that the spring is loose, the initial response of many individuals is to enquire as to whether or not it is possible to repair it and utilise it again. The answer to this topic is neither simply "can" or

In the event that the spring exhibits only a slight degree of looseness, such as a loss in elasticity of approximately 10%, and is utilised in equipment that is not considered to be of vital importance, there is a specific repair or compensation space that can be utilised after the risk has been evaluated.

When it comes to situations involving medical equipment, automotive systems, and industrial safety devices, springs are frequently considered to be components that are related to safety. This is something that should be emphasised. It is not recommended to attempt to repair this kind of spring once it has become loose; rather, it should be replaced immediately in order to eliminate any potential dangers.


三,Common repair methods for spring relaxation

Through the use of secondary tempering or controlled heat treatment, it is a standard practice to make an effort to improve the spring's elastic properties and release any residual stresses that may be present within the spring. It is possible that this procedure will have specific impacts on certain springs made of carbon steel or stainless steel;

Mechanical correction is still another option that is more straightforward. This technique includes applying an external force to the spring in order to stretch or compress it in an effort to restore its free height. This technique is simple to use and economical, but it essentially just modifies the geometric shape of the material. It is not capable of repairing the alterations that have already taken place within the material. The real effect is typically very temporary, and it is simple to hasten the process of secondary relaxation and even cause fatigue cracks to appear during the process.this technology is inadequate for use over an extended period of time and is only appropriate for situations with poor precision or emergency situations.

In engineering practice, a more widely recognised technique is not to directly "repair the spring," but rather to compensate for the impact of decreasing spring performance through system level adjustments. This is because the spring performance has diminished. Through the addition of shims, the modification of installation positions, or the modification of pretension, for instance, the complete mechanism is still capable of satisfying the functional requirements under the conditions of the spring. The material state of the spring body will not be altered by this procedure; nonetheless, the risks are more manageable and more in line with the principles of engineering safety.

Surface strengthening procedures, such as shot peening, are also utilised in some remanufacturing or batch refurbishing scenarios. These processes are intended to raise the residual compressive stress on the surface of the spring, which delays further relaxation. In most cases, this method is not appropriate for repairing a single item because it requires the assistance of a professional in terms of both the equipment and the process

During the era of usage and maintenance, it is also very vital to build mechanisms for preventative replacement and testing on a regular basis. Springs are typically fragile components that are also essential, and a decline in spring performance is frequently the starting point for many various types of equipment failures. Instead of waiting until the problem is clearly exposed before repairing it, it is preferable to replace it proactively within the proper period of time.