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Suspension Springs Replacement
Typical Cost: Medium
Mobile Repair? Yes
Typical Lead Time: 24 - 48 hours depending on part availability
What do suspension springs do?
The main purpose of suspension springs is to ensure the wheels are in good contact with the road surface whilst providing absorption from uneven surfaces.
Suspension springs are often also known as road springs or even coil springs.
How do suspension springs work and what are the components
suspension springs are a helicoil of strengthened steel, designed to give a balance between stiffness and absorption. They need to hold the weight of the vehicle up but at the same time not be so stiff that the car is jolted from every bump in the road.
There are mainly two types of suspension springs used by manufacturers. The first type have a constant size of diameter steel all the way down the coil and the second type have a decreasing size of diameter which allows for more absorption and comfort initially then more strength under load.
Typical symptoms that require a suspension spring to be replaced.
Usually, you can notice something is amiss with a suspension spring as some of the conditions are quite noticeable such as;
- The vehicle is noticeably lower on one side
- There is uneven steering, or even veering off to one side
- There are rattles and knocks when going over uneven road surfaces.
However, there are occasions where a suspension spring has broken right at the bottom and it’s therefore not always that obvious. It has also been known for the springs on both sides to break within a short time of each other, especially if the vehicle has been parked up for some time, so the obvious leaning to one side isn’t quite so evident.
What happens during the replacement of suspension springs?
Changing suspension springs is a routine repair for all mechanics and can be done both kerbside as well as in the workshop, providing it is safe to do so.
Whilst there are variations between manufacturers, the basics are pretty similar.
The mechanic will;
- Raise the vehicle and remove the road wheel
- Undo the suspension components where required in order to access the springs
- Compress the springs using special tools before removing them
- Fit the new spring in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations
- Bolt everything back together, refit the wheel and then proceed to the opposite side of the vehicle and do the same.
What does this repair cover?
Unless otherwise stated, the quote for your brake pads to be replaced will cover;
- The cost of the suspension springs for both sides
- Coming to you
- Fitting of the parts
- Disposal of the old parts (unless you request to keep them)
- VAT (if applicable)
- 12 months parts and labour warranty
What doesn’t this repair cover?
It is not possible for a mobile technician to check and adjust the wheel alignment if the front springs are being replaced. It is therefore the customers responsibility to have this done at a tyre fitters or similar as soon as possible after the work has been completed.
What to search for on the ClickMechanic site?
Coil spring (road spring) replacement - front (both)
Coil spring (road spring) replacement - rear (both)
Associated repairs
Shock absorbers replacement - front (pair)
Shock absorbers replacement - rear (pair)
How much does it cost to have coil springs replaced?
The cost of replacing coil springs depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends.
Find out what you could save by visiting ClickMechanic
https://www.clickmechanic.com/bookings/car
FAQ’s
I only have one broken spring, do I need to have both replaced?
Under no circumstances should road spring be replaced without doing the axle pair (i.e. both sides). As springs age, their strength reduces, so if you only change one side, the result will be that the force in which the wheel on the side with the new spring, will be forced onto the road with more pressure than the other side with the weaker spring. Under braking, especially in the wet, this can result in the car swerving to one side or even spinning. It will also have a detrimental effect on the handling and general road holding of the vehicle for the same reasons. Therefore, ClickMechanic nor any other professional garage for that matter, will replace a single spring, no matter how new the vehicle.
Is wheel alignment included in the price?
It is not possible for a mobile technician to check and adjust the wheel alignment if the front springs are being replaced. It is therefore the customers responsibility to have this done at a tyre fitters or similar as soon as possible after the work has been completed.
Can I supply my own parts?
No, we will not fit customer supplied parts unless they are a brand new item, purchased from a dealership with the receipt as proof of purchase. There is no flexibility over this due to insurance and warranty issues.
What happens if the mechanic finds that the coil springs do not require changing and the problem is due to another issue?
In this scenario, the mechanic will provide a no obligation quote for the correct repair. Should you accept this, the mechanic can alter the booking accordingly. If you decide not to go ahead with the alternative repair, the mechanic can change the booking to a call out and diagnostic booking and charge according to the time spent with the vehicle and call out.