What Is a Coil Springs?
Coil springs are precisely wound steel springs that support the weight of the vehicle body above the suspension. They compress and extend as the wheel follows the road surface, absorbing the energy of road irregularities. Spring rate — the stiffness of the spring — is carefully calculated by the manufacturer to balance ride comfort against handling stability for the specific vehicle weight and intended use. Springs are often rated to carry specific loads and should only be replaced with matching-specification units.
What Does the Coil Springs Do?
Coil springs define the ride height of the vehicle and are the primary energy storage element in the suspension system. They work in combination with shock absorbers — the spring absorbs the energy of a bump while the damper controls how quickly that energy is dissipated. Incorrect spring rate (from fitting wrong-specification replacements or from a broken spring) causes poor handling, uneven tyre wear and can affect headlight alignment.
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Get My Free Fault Scan →Symptoms of a Failing Coil Springs
A broken coil spring causes the vehicle to sit noticeably lower on one corner, a harsh or banging ride quality, a clunking noise over bumps and uneven tyre wear. Broken springs occasionally contact the tyre, which is extremely dangerous. Spring breakage can occur suddenly and without warning, particularly on vehicles operated in environments with road salt or on potholed roads.
When Should the Coil Springs Be Replaced?
Coil springs are replaced on breakage or when vehicle ride height has dropped significantly due to spring fatigue. Always replace in axle pairs to maintain even handling. Replacement costs range from £150 to £350 per axle including labour.
If you are experiencing symptoms related to your coil springs and are unsure whether it needs replacing, a free MotorLoom fault scan can help identify whether the component is likely at fault - giving you the most likely cause and estimated repair cost before you visit a garage.
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Related Parts
Other components that work alongside or are related to the coil springs: