Why are my coil springs so weak in my car?
In older cars, coil springs weaken and sag, causing the ride height to be lower. It’s often more noticeable at the rear axle of the vehicle. Weak rear coil springs may cause poor handling and increased wear on the inside of the rear tires.
Where are the coil springs in a car?
Most cars have four coil springs; each supporting one corner of the vehicle. In cars with MacPherson struts, coil springs are installed within struts (in the photo). Front strut. See also: rear coil spring.
Is it dangerous to drive with a broken coil spring?
risk is broken part of coil escaping into tyre/brakes whilst driving. Agree this is a theoretical risk, but theres a lot of cars driving around on broken springs out there, and not very many cars careering of motorways in flaming fireballs as a consequence. Yes it’s an MOT failure, but so is a sidelight bulb out.
Do you need to replace coil springs in pairs?
It’s commonly recommended to replace coil springs in pairs. Over time coil springs weaken, so if you replace only one spring, the left and right springs will respond differently to the road and have different ride height. New coil spring.
What happens when a coil spring breaks on a car?
With bigger/wider wheels fitted, the tyre sidewall on a modern car is much closer to the spring and if the spring breaks, tyre damage is likely too. A plastic coating is applied to coil springs when they’re made but contact between coils as the spring is repeatedly compressed in service can damage this coating.
Why are so many coil springs breaking in Europe?
Breakdown clubs in Italy, Portugal and Spain haven’t seen an increase in the number of coil spring failures but the German club, ADAC has. Roads aren’t salted in winter in southern European countries. Some car manufacturers fit ‘spring catchers’ to try to limit the damage caused when a spring breaks.
When to use spring catchers on coil springs?
Fitting spring catchers adds a fair bit to the cost of assembly too. A regular clean underneath your car with a hose or pressure washer during winter and early spring might help extend spring life.
Why are the springs on my car rusting?
There are myths suggesting that the problem is caused by ‘cheaper metal’, speed humps or over-loading but the simple fact is that springs are lighter, thinner and don’t cope as well with salt and rust.