SRi Rear Spring Question

[Fireyfella]

Hi Guys,

I have just purchased a pair of rear Bilstein B4's for my Veccy 2006 1.8 VVTi SRi Nav as I think the N/S one is Shot as its about 1-2” lower on that side.

However, I am also contemplating changing the rear springs whilst on as I know they are prone to breaking but I don’t want to lower the car above the standard Sri Ride Height. I have been told that I can only get ‘Genuine Springs’ for the Sri Model and they are about £90.00 each, is this correct or can I get aftermarket one cheaper at the same SRi ride height?

As always your comments would be appreciated,

[John LE]

Shock absorbers do not set the height of the car mate.

If your sitting down on one corner either the spring on that side has broken one of the shocks have seized.

The shock absorbers only do as per their name (absorb shocks). The springs set the ride height

Most motor factors will sell you a sports suspension spring

[m8internet]

When the new shock absorbers are put on, ask the garage to inspect the rear springs
Although £90 each, I suspect that is the kit price of two

[Fireyfella]

Shock absorbers do not set the height of the car mate.

If your sitting down on one corner either the spring on that side has broken one of the shocks have seized.

The shock absorbers only do as per their name (absorb shocks). The springs set the ride height

Most motor factors will sell you a sports suspension spring

Thanks for the reply John,

I had a 2003 SRI a couple of years back and the N/S spring went on that, I found out by the knocking & banging every time I hit a pot hole or bump etc. After inspecting, it was loose in the mount and easy to see so I could easily identify the problem. I know they are prone to going however, this one on my 2006 does not make any noise when I hit bumps/holes etc and I could not see anything when looking under and it was also solid in the mounting after giving it a good rive.

I thought I would replace the shockers and springs if the price is reasonable, I got the shocks from LMF at £31.95 each which was the best price I found but that’s where I was told I could only get genuine replacement springs at a cost of £90.00 EACH or a full set of Eibach at £153.00 .

I have phoned round a couple of Motor Factors and they all asked if it was the ‘Sports, Lowered’ spring so I guess this should be fine for the standard SRI and they were £45.00 Each, is this a reasonable price?

[John LE]

Thanks for the reply John,

I had a 2003 SRI a couple of years back and the N/S spring went on that, I found out by the knocking & banging every time I hit a pot hole or bump etc. After inspecting, it was loose in the mount and easy to see so I could easily identify the problem. I know they are prone to going however, this one on my 2006 does not make any noise when I hit bumps/holes etc and I could not see anything when looking under and it was also solid in the mounting after giving it a good rive.

I thought I would replace the shockers and springs if the price is reasonable, I got the shocks from LMF at £31.95 each which was the best price I found but that’s where I was told I could only get genuine replacement springs at a cost of £90.00 EACH or a full set of Eibach at £153.00 .

I have phoned round a couple of Motor Factors and they all asked if it was the ‘Sports, Lowered’ spring so I guess this should be fine for the standard SRI and they were £45.00 Each, is this a reasonable price?

45 quid isn't too bad but eibachs are only gonna be an extra 60 quid on top of that and they'll only drop the car by 10-15mm (worth thinking about)

At least with eibachs you won't have to worry about them breaking again

[Fireyfella]

To be honest, it’s not the cost that’s my main concern, it’s the fitting of a full set and time to do. I am reasonably handy with a set of spanners but just unsure on the exact process and time it would take to fit a set of 4 springs.

I will be driving to Cumbria on a xmas break with the family ‘Full Boot’ in two weeks and was worried about taking the car as it is and also if i would have time to fit any new ones?

What sort of time am i looking at for fitting 4 springs & 2 Shocks, any idea?

[John LE]

About 3 hours with loads of tea breaks

[big rich]

About 3 hours with loads of tea breaks

dont forget the bacon sarney aswell

[Fireyfella]

About 3 hours with loads of tea breaks

It's looking more like the eibach's then if it can be sorted within a few hours, does that account for frozen parts on me or the car as we are about 8" deep in snow at the moment. GRrrrrrrr!!!!!! we have had this since Thursday night and it show no sign of going

Thanks for your advice John, much appreciated.

[John LE]

Of the cars I have done (oddly enough all 2003 Vecs) there bolts/nuts are normally in good condition and just require a drop of wd40 to work them loose.

If you do decide to go down the eibachs route then it's worth buying a pair of strut top bearings and replacing them at the same time