How Much Does A Coil Spring Replacement Cost in the UK?

A car's coil springs are one of the most important parts of its suspension system. They are what provide the "bounce" in a car's ride, and they help keep the car's wheels in contact with the road. Coil springs are made of steel, and they are designed to compress and expand as the car goes over bumps and curbs. Over time, however, they can wear out and lose their elasticity. When this happens, the car's ride can become rough and uncomfortable at which point it’s important that they are replaced.

How much does it cost to replace coil springs?

The average cost of replacing coil springs is £248, with prices ranging from £175 and £400. This price is for a pair of coil springs per axle as coil springs are always replaced in pairs or as a set. The exact price of the coil spring replacement depends largely on your car and the parts recommended by the manufacturer.

Your location can also be a key factor in determining the price of a coil spring replacement. For example, average hourly labour rates and demand in cities like London is around £50-£100 while in towns with lower demand, the labour rates can range from £35-£50. The type of mechanic, for example, a mobile mechanic vs a dealership garage technician can also affect the total cost of a coil spring replacement.

Average cost of a coil spring replacement by location

To avoid having car owners overpaying and get a fair price for coil spring replacement, we use real-time data of thousands of car makes and model data, local labour prices for coil spring repairs and replacements and part prices to provide an instant fair quote. Simply enter your vehicle registration number and postcode to get an instant price for a coil spring replacement for your car.

Average cost of a coil spring replacement by manufacturer

Signs your coil springs need to be replaced

• Car is sagging or uneven ride height
• Bumpy ride or more “bouncy”
• Excessive noise coming from suspension
• Uneven tyre wear
• Difficulty steering or handling vehicle
• Excessive body roll
• Rust on coil spring
  
  

Your car is sagging on one side

If a coil spring has broken then the side on which it is located will sag a little and that one corner will be sitting considerably lower than the others.

Your car’s “bounciness” has increased

The coil springs on your vehicle prevent your vehicle from bouncing around, especially when you hit a bump. This ‘bounciness’ will get worse overtime and make it very difficult to handle the vehicle in a safe way.

You hear creaking or rattling sounds

Unusual sounds can mean many things but if you notice this every time you hit a bump or accelerate then it can be an indication of a faulty coil spring which should not be ignored

Frequently asked questions about coil springs replacement cost

Can you drive with a broken coil spring?

It is not advisable to drive a vehicle that has a broken coil spring. A broken coil spring can cause a vehicle to sag, or sit lower than normal in the rear or front, and can cause the vehicle to feel unstable. A coil spring that snaps is also very dangerous. If you have a broken coil spring, you should avoid driving your vehicle and have it inspected and fixed by a professional mechanic as soon as possible.

If you absolutely must continue to drive, to a garage for example, then it is recommended that you drive with caution as it would be difficult to manoeuvre the vehicle in emergency situations.

Can I replace just one coil spring?

Generally speaking, replacing a single coil spring is not possible. That's because coils are designed to work in pairs, so the other coil spring would be forcing its partner coil to work harder than it was intended, which can lead to a wide range of problems and malfunctions. If one coil spring breaks, the other is likely to break soon after. It is recommended to replace both coil springs at the same time. Replacing them in pairs will help maintain even suspension.

How do I know if my coil springs have gone?

Typically the obvious sign, if the coil spring has broken, is if you notice that your car is sitting lower to the ground than usual, or that one side is sitting lower than the other. You may also notice that your car is bouncing more than usual when you drive over bumps. Keep an eye (and ear) out for anything that feels off with the handling. The other symptoms mentioned above will also help understand if your coil springs have given way.

Is a broken coil spring an MOT failure?

Yes, the MOT tester will check that both ends of the coil are correctly located, and that spring mounts are secure, and free from cracks or fractures. The tester will also check that the coil springs are free from excessive damage or corrosion. The coil spring should be rejected if it is cracked, fractured, or corroded such that the cross-sectional area is reduced and the spring seriously weakened. So technically even if the coil spring is not completely broken but it is corroded to the extent that it makes it a safety hazard, it can fail the MOT test.

Should I replace all coil springs?

It’s not necessary to replace all four coil springs in a vehicle but it is definitely important to replace them in pairs, ie. front or rear axle. In the case of corroded coil springs, it's worth inspecting all four coil springs while you're at it and replacing them if necessary.

How long does a coil spring replacement take?

A front coil springs replacement on average takes around 2 hours, but can take anywhere from just over 1 hour to 3 hours. A rear coil springs replacement takes on average 1 hour, but can take up to around 1.5 hours. Ultimately, the time that the job will take will depend on a number of factors, like your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.

Can I carry out a coil spring replacement myself?

Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend a coil springs replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price up front.

What else could be the problem if my coil spring isn’t broken?

• Shock absorber - Worn out shocks can result in poor ride quality and handling problems.
• Suspension bushes - Bushings absorb road vibrations and provide flexibility and if they are damaged it can affect the handling of the vehicle and overall ride quality.
• Wheel alignment and balancing - Incorrect wheel alignment or unbalanced wheels can cause uneven tyre wear and affect handling.
• Wheel bearing - Damaged wheel bearings can affect vehicle stability and may also cause a whining noise from the wheels.

What happens during a coil spring replacement?

Whilst there are differences between vehicles, there are some basic processes across most;

• The mechanic will raise the vehicle and inspect the suspension system and coil springs in detail.
• If necessary, the mechanic will replace the front or rear pair of coil springs.
• The mechanic will advise if other components need to be replaced.
• The mechanic will check the suspension again and test drive the car.