my little spring snapping story.....

[ks246]

didn't actually hear it snap so it may have been broke a while???

on the way to my daugters school this morn, i got a knocking sound from what sounded like the top of the front passenger side (think the top as i kept checking the glovebox, so it was that type of area) it got louder and louder until eventually i hear something fly out hitting the arch liner.

there was an old lady at the side of the road waving her arms at me it was priceless

no pics of the old lady, but heres 2 of the spring, any idea wether its snapped at the top or bottom? had a feel of both sides on teh bottom which felt the same like they had a bit of plastic on the end???

[ks246]

ps meant to add, how urgent to get changed, can i wait till mot due or is the car in imminent danger of dropping onto the wheel???

[ed taylor]

From the photos they look like a new break, could have happend on your way to the school. Notice there is no rusting on the break.
I would get them done as soon as possible as there is a chance more might break off, and there could now be incorrect wear occuring on the tyres.

[Ste]

I am interested in the dark patch on the fracture area.

The plastic cover you refer to is on the lower end of the spring and is a heavy plastic sleeve slid onto the spring, probably to reduce chatter

Looks like a typical break for these springs, and a typical distance from the srping end.

As it's only a small piece, I don't think there is much chance of abnormal tyre wear, and it isn't desparate to get it changed, aslong as the end is still well inside the spring perch dish. These springs are still well in compression when the leg is extended to it's longest possible, so it won't fall out.

I wouldn't ignore though either, but I don't think it's an emergency which would prevent car usage.

[glenboy]

ps meant to add, how urgent to get changed, can i wait till mot due or is the car in imminent danger of dropping onto the wheel???

I'd get them changed asap m8,wouldn't drive it at all,glad i changed mine now as didn't want this happenning to me,good luck m8.........

[JSYSH466Y]

Its not a big break but loosing 1 link can cause your tracking to go and tyres to wear abnormally. Get it done

[ks246]

I am interested in the dark patch on the fracture area.

The plastic cover you refer to is on the lower end of the spring and is a heavy plastic sleeve slid onto the spring, probably to reduce chatter

Looks like a typical break for these springs, and a typical distance from the srping end.

As it's only a small piece, I don't think there is much chance of abnormal tyre wear, and it isn't desparate to get it changed, aslong as the end is still well inside the spring perch dish. These springs are still well in compression when the leg is extended to it's longest possible, so it won't fall out.

I wouldn't ignore though either, but I don't think it's an emergency which would prevent car usage.

i see so i am correct in thinking this is from the top of the spring then if i can feel a bit on plastic on the bottom of both sides?

its usuall for them to snap at the top is it? will the mot tester even be able to see the top of the spring, when i saw loads of posts on here re springs i asummed it was the bottom - ie visable to the tester?

so should my spring be ok at the top then? cant really see how to check the dish you mention?

im hoping i'll be able to wait a month or so as car tax is due on her car!

dammit!
on a plus note im hoping my new grill will be arriving today

[Thunder]

That looks exactly like my front drivers side spring that went just be for Chrismas

[Big Knox]

I wouldn't ignore though either, but I don't think it's an emergency which would prevent car usage.

have a look at the front of the car from a distance and see if it's still sitting relatively level still. As Ste said, get it on the list to get it done soon but I wouldn't stop using the car or run out and get it done like it's an emergency. I've had several spring breaks on my Astra G and it didn't really affect handling/tyre wear when it's so close to the end of the spring. Definite MOT failure though.

Good excuse to lower imo.....

[big rich]

get some pi 45/40 on it now m8